surface finish. The fineness of the finish and ultimate success of sanitation
effectiveness is called RA, the roughness average, measured by height in millionths of an
inch or microinches.
small surface variations and calculates their average to determine
roughness.
In terms of material used in food processing and commercial equipment, here is the
list of stainless materials from smoothest to the roughest RA range.
Electropolished surfaces range from 6 RA –
14RA microinches. Electropolishing can change RA values up to 50% smoother, depending on the
material being treated.
2B Mill Finish – This is a widely used
stainless steel finish, common in industrial, chemical and food applications. It is
corrosion resistance and has a typical range from 15RA (16 gauge) – to 40 RA (7
gauge) microinches.
No. 4/Dairy Finish – For processing
industries, the Dairy finish is required to meet the basic 3-A standards. It uses a 180 grit
and has an RA range of 18-31 microinches.
No. 4 Finish – This finish uses a 150-grit
abrasive creating a polished brushed surface. The RA range is 29-40 microinches.
No. 3 Finish – The No. 3 finish uses a 120
grit abrasive. It has a semi-polished finish with an RA range of 36 – 58
microinches.
Bead Blasted surfaces have a soft satin appearance and
low reflection. The process of bead blasting utilizes bead material such as glass
or ceramic beads to produce a non-directional, textured surface. The finer the
blasting media, the more corrosion resistance the surface performance. The RA values are
typically higher than 45RA microinches, but are dependent on the blasting process and the
stainless material.
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