Brushed Metal
Brushed or dull polished metal is metal with a unidirectional satin finish. It is produced by polishing the metal with a 120–180 grit belt or wheel then softening with an 80–120 grit greaseless compound or a medium non woven abrasive belt or pad.
The brushing gives the metal a distinctive look, as it retains some but not all of its metallic lustre and is given a pattern of very fine lines parallel to the brushing direction. It can be compared to metal covered with small scratches all running in the same direction.
Commonly brushed metals include stainless steel, aluminium and nickel. Brushed finishes are popular in both small appliances and whiteware, and feature in architecture and automotive design. The Iconic Gateway Arch and DeLorean DMC-12 are both clad in brushed stainless steel.
Brushed finishes typically have a detrimental effect on corrosion resistance. In particular the brushed texture limits the ability of fluid to bead on the material surface. In the case of stainless steel the grooves of the finish can accumulate chloride ions which break down the chromium oxide passivation layer, enabling rusting to occur.
The intensity of the brushed finish is specified as a surface roughness and is typically between 0.5-1.5 micrometres Ra.
Read more about Brushed Metal: Examples of Use
Other articles related to "brushed metal, brushed":
... Brushed metal is a discontinued graphical user interface design used in Apple Computer's Mac OS X operating system for Macintosh computers ... Apple's Human Interface Guidelines state that the brushed metal interface should be used for programs that mimic the operation of, or interface with, common devices ... Panther and Tiger Calculator both use brushed metal because they mimic real-world devices, while iSync features the theme because it interfaces with PDAs ...
... In 2003 and 2004, Apple moved to the use of brushed metal in their industrial design (such as with the aluminum Apple Cinema Displays) in Mac OS X Panther, Aqua changed ... Starting with Leopard, the brushed metal look has been phased out, in favor of white inactive windows and gradient grey active windows ...
... Brushed metal has been criticised by user interface purists, who point out that Apple frequently violates its own rules for the use of the brushed metal look ... expanded its list of acceptable uses for brushed metal to include windows that navigate lists of information ... This expanded defintion includes the Finder, but Safari's use of brushed metal remains a mystery ...
... A collection of brushed stainless steel Breville small appliances A DeLorean DMC-12 featuring non-structural brushed stainless steel panels The Gateway Arch in St ... Louis, Missouri Detail of brushed metal on a faucet ...
Famous quotes containing the words metal and/or brushed:
“And, indeed, is there not something holy about a great kitchen?... The scoured gleam of row upon row of metal vessels dangling from hooks or reposing on their shelves till needed with the air of so many chalices waiting for the celebration of the sacrament of food. And the range like an altar, yes, before which my mother bowed in perpetual homage, a fringe of sweat upon her upper lip and the fire glowing in her cheeks.”
—Angela Carter (1940–1992)
“But now he brushed the shavings from his knee
And stood the ax there on its horse’s hoof,
Erect, but not without its waves, as when
The snake stood up for evil in the Garden....”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)