What to Look for in Hardware Finishes

SUNSONG supply professional and honest service.

Long ago, in a construction industry not that far away, there was confusion about the countless number of finishes available in the hardware community. In an effort to provide the widest variety of colors and options for Architects, hardware suppliers went to great lengths to create unique finishes. Fortunately, standards were eventually put in place to ensure a consistent quality and uniformity of finishes. Today we have the Builders&#; Hardware Manufacturers Association, or BHMA, that sets industry standards for quality.

Bright or Satin Finishes?

Hardware finishes that are considered &#;bright&#; have a polished appearance, such as Bright Brass or Bright Chrome. These have a more natural appearance. A coating is often applied to protect and preserve the finish.

Satin finishes include Satin Bronze, Satin Chrome, or Satin Stainless Steel. These finishes are polished and buffed with abrasive wheels and have a more &#;dull&#; appearance.

Oxidized and Oil-Rubbed finishes are also becoming more popular for bronze materials. These give a more antique look to hardware.

Hardware Base Materials and Plating

There are two different methods for identifying a finish. Former U.S. codes are used to identify a finished look and begin with US such as US32D. ANSI/BHMA codes are used to identify not only the appearance of the finished hardware but also the base material used. BHMA symbols will be a three digit number, such as 630.

Knowing the base material can be useful for ensuring specifications are met for things like corrosion resistance or fire rating requirements.

For example, hinges that are identified as US26D Satin Chrome appearance may have a brass base material or a steel base material. BHMA will identify a satin chrome plated finish with brass base material as 626 and a satin chrome plated finish with steel base material as 652. Brass would be suitable for corrosion resistance at exterior doors but not for fire rated applications. Steel is appropriate for fire ratings but not for areas where corrosion is a concern.

Conclusion

So, you can see how knowing the base material can be important when specifying hardware that will perform as needed for various applications. Simply indicating a color is only part of the design. Some codes or locations will recommend or require certain materials be used for finish hardware. Be aware of which method hardware manufacturers are using (U.S. symbols or BHMA codes) when they specify finishes.

For reference, download this finish table showing the description of each finish code.

  Most people have heard of stainless steel at some point in their lives. They have likely seen this material used in a wide variety of products, from kitchenware to medical instruments, yet few realize why so many designers prefer this material to others.

  If you're looking for a strong, versatile material, consider the following benefits of stainless steel.

    Corrosion-Resistant

  One of the most valuable assets of stainless steel is its resistance to corrosion. Lower grades of stainless steel can withstand corrosion in water environments and basic atmospheric conditions. And higher grades of stainless steel can withstand corrosion caused by acid and alkaline solutions.

  Stainless steel offers this high resistance to corrosion due to its layer of chromium oxide. This protective layer makes stainless steel ideal for industrial plants or hospitals that require a corrosionresistant metal.

For more bronze finish stainless steelinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

    Strong

  Certain high-strength grades of stainless steel create an impressive strength-to-weight ratio compared with other materials. Stainless steel can resist chemical damage, corrosion and heat damage even when it's in a thin state.

  Manufacturers will often add carbon to certain stainless steel grades to improve strength. These carbon and stainless steel compounds are ideal for making cutlery, tools and razor blades.

  When manufacturers use cold-work hardening techniques, they can reduce the stainless steel's weight and thickness. On the contrary, when manufacturers use heat to harden the stainless steel material, they can increase its strength. The options of both hot and cold hardening techniques for austenitic grades of stainless steel prove the material's strength compared with other conventional materials.

    Attractive

  Many consumers prefer stainless steel's shiny, smooth surface. For those who want a different look, you can add other surface finishes to stainless steel as well. Its aesthetic makes stainless steel ideal for a variety of products that require both attractiveness and strength.

  Additionally, owners of stainless steel don't have to worry about this material rusting, fading or staining over time. This material nearly always maintains its colour and beauty. Stainless steel can also resist many types of blemishes, including fingerprints, scuff marks and smudges. If you need to ensure your stainless steel's cleanliness, you can even apply a protective cleaner to maintain the shiny, smooth surface.

  Because consumers find stainless steel so easy to maintain, they can keep their products looking like new with ease for many years.

    Hygienic

  Another benefit of stainless steel is how easy it is to clean. Many hospitals, pharmaceutical facilities and kitchens rely on this material because they need a completely hygienic atmosphere. Fortunately, stainless steel doesn't absorb germs, making it ideal for a sanitary environment.

    Versatile

  Nearly all stainless steel can be fabricated, machined, cut and welded as needed. This versatility gives manufacturers the opportunity to mould the material into many different shapes for different uses, including the following:

•     Appliances
  
•     Building materials
  
•     Cookware
  
•     Hardware
  
•     Sheets
  
•     Skyscrapers
  
•     Surgical instruments
  
•     Tubes
  
•     Wires
  

  In fact, it's difficult to think of a place you can't find stainless steel. The material's resistance to corrosion, low maintenance, strength-weight ratio and aesthetic features make it a preferred material for many commercial uses.

    Eco-Friendly

  Finally, stainless steel is completely recyclable, so you can feel good knowing that you're promoting a healthier planet. If you ever need to retire stainless steel from a worn-out or damaged product, find a metal recycling plant to dispose of the unneeded material.

    Choose Stainless Steel for Your Next Project

  The benefits listed above make stainless steel one of the most preferred materials in the industry. The next time you'd like to create a product that lasts, be it hospital equipment or handrails, consider stainless steel. Contact a stainless steel specialist to discuss your next project.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Stainless Steel Vibration Finish.