Fine grinding is a common term in metal fabrication. It is a process of a weldment to the metal surface of the fabricated part for a smooth, attractive look, and consistent finishing.

This is important, especially for stainless steel fabrication because after the metal fabrication process is done, stainless steel product remains uncoated and that’s why they need to be smooth as silk. But sometimes in Aluminium fabrication, fine grinding can give you an edge to find the best and smooth surface.

But how do you do it?

Here are some tips that might come in handy when you try to get the smooth surface after you are done with laser cutting, metal bending, metal rolling and any other fabrication processes to get the sheet metal part you need.

1. 1.     Blending Welded Connection on the Railings

Blending the welded surfaces on the rounds, squares, and surfaces is the trick to get a good-looking welded connections on the railings.

1. 2.     Grinding on the Commercial Food Service Grill

The main challenge for working on the Commercial grade food service grill is reducing the weld surface.

Fabricators can start by using the pneumatic grinder with 36 to 80 grit discs to round-grind that surface. Then finishing it with the pneumatic drum with 40 to 220 grit abrasive belts will give you even smoother surface. Get the process done with discs made of the synthetic fibers, grit, and the resin will eliminate the chances of welding dislocation.

1. 3.     Polish Stainless Steel tube to Mirror finish

The first step should be grinding by using an 80 to 120 grit zirconium belts to get polished stainless steel tubes. Then switching to the surface conditioning belt will be the next big step. Then use a pre-polished wheel and a polishing compound.

1. 4.     Grinding Weld & Miter Joints on the Structural Steels

Removing the weld beads from your steel miter joints using the 60 to 150 grit Zirconium-fiber discs should be followed by a drum sander with the 40 to 220 grit Zirconium-blended belts. Then cove the part with any template.

The surface conditioning belts would give you a proper finish and a 100 to 200 grit flap brush would give the surface a satin finish.

1. 5.     Graining Stainless Steel Weld

Using the pneumatic right-angle grinders with the plastic support plates, incorporated with a cooling effect and the 80 grit fiber disc, the graining process should begin with a pre-grind.

Graining the surface by using a right-angle grinder with high-hardness, normal, or nonwoven finishing disc will be the best option for your sheet metal product. Then grind the weld beads using a 120 grit grinding belt & another 40 to 320 grit finishing belt.

1. 6.     Eliminate the Orange Peel effects

To eliminate the orange peel effects, fabricators should begin with any rough prep using the 40 grit belt. Then he should fine-grind the metal surface with a soft controller roller. This will ensure a satin finish.

To get the industrial grade finishing, use a flap brush and a 220-grain abrasive pad.

1. 7.     Grind Inside corners on the Stainless Steel

Smoothen down the weld with an electrical angle grinder and an 80 grit mini flap wheel to finish the inside corners of your stainless steel. Then fine-grind them by using a soft disc and electrical angle grinder.