Edge Conditioning and Surface Finishing
Edging and finishing processes help prepare materials for safe handling in later stages, while also minimizing surface imperfections to support long-lasting performance and a polished appearance.
EDGE CONDITIONING
About 10 years ago, Olympic Steel customers were routinely looking for edge conditioning for slit stainless steel. This was an opportunity for our Integrity Stainless subsidiary to introduce new value-added services with in-line deburring and skiving processes.
During the slitting process, the metal is fractured and separated by force as it moves through the slitter – it isn’t actually being cut with the circular rotary knives. While this process provides a clean cut, it can also leave microscopic burr on the edges of the slit material. For safety and usability, especially when the edges are exposed or handled in production, the burr is removed and a smooth edge is created.
We currently offer three slit edge types at our Integrity Stainless Streetsboro facility:
- #3 – standard edge, with burr falling within the ASTM acceptable standards
- #5 – deburred edge, reshaped with pressure that smooths and eliminates burr
- #1 – round (or skived) edge, created by removal of burr, producing curved edges
Edge conditioning also applies to plate steel. Our Integrity Stainless Latrobe, PA facility shears and gauers flat bar from plate steel. After plates are sheared by force into bars, similar to slitting, they are fed into rollers. The gauering process eliminates any twists or bends, while removing the burr from the corners and raw edges of the razor-sharp bars.
Many of our divisions also offer deburring of metal parts after cutting. This involves removing protruding metal irregularities and sharp edges after using cutting methods like laser, waterjet, plasma and stamping parts. Grinding processes are primarily used, providing clean edges for safe and efficient downstream processing.
SURFACE FINISHING
While we do not currently have in-house polishing capabilities, we provide polished metals supplied directly from the mill or we send existing stock to outside processing partners, who have the capability to match finishes to customer specifications.
Across our divisions, we offer in-line PVC applications for coating product top and bottom for scratch protection, along with one-sided PVC and paper interleaf options.
A handful of our divisions use a unique type of equipment, a horizontal shot blaster, which removes oxidation from steel plate surfaces and cut edges. The plate runs on a conveyor through a blasting zone to remove debris and irregularities, improving surface finish.
PRODUCT
Everywhere you look, we are surrounded by metal items that have a polished finish or a smooth edge. From automotive surfaces and trim, retail displays, deli cases, truck and trailer components, to door hardware, appliances and fixtures, these surfaces not only enhance appearance but also improve safety, durability and functionality in everyday products.
OUTLOOK
Value-added processes, such as edge conditioning and surface finishing, along with fabrication services, strengthen and support Olympic Steel’s strategy to grow safely and profitably while supporting our customers and pursuing new opportunities.
Expand your knowledge about our processes, business segments, divisions, subsidiaries and family of brands at Olympic Steel Academy!
