Editor’s Note:
So far in 2019, Diamond Brite Metals—the country’s most comprehensive architectural and industrial polishing facility—has attempted to generate informational and original content for customers and social media followers. These posts include market analysis, project details and informational guides. Our ultimate hope is that you find these blog posts not only intellectually stimulating but also helpful in understanding Diamond Brite Metals services and capabilities as an industrial and architectural polishing facility. As we wind down the first quarter, we introduce our newest blog series—and eventual website fixture—Diamond Brite Metals case studies. These case studies are distillations of real industrial and architectural polishing issues faced by Diamond Brite Metals. We have selected case studies on their relevance to industrial and architectural polishing with the hope that provide our readers with a map for navigating some of metals polishing’s pitfalls. These case studies will be placed on Diamond Brite Metals’ website for the convenience of our current customers and for reference for potential customers. Note: No identifying information will be included but for the project’s location.
Case Study Name: Architectural Finishing for the South Ferry Subway Terminal
Issues: Selecting the Right Stainless Steel & Architectural Finish
Background
In or around 2015, Diamond Brite Metals was awarded a job by a major United States Service Center to produce an architectural finish on all surfaces of stainless steel laser-fused I-beams that were to form the canopy of the South Ferry Subway Terminal in New York City.
Analysis
The project’s first issue was the selection of the appropriate stainless steel for the canopy. Since the canopy was to be exposed to high concentrations of salt air from the Hudson and East Rivers and, in the winter, to salt evaporating from roads and walkways, the stainless steel needed to have high corrosion resistance. Additionally, since the canopy was in a highly visible area, the stainless steel needed to be primed for architectural finishing. In other words, the stainless steels’ sulfuric level needed to be balanced so that machinability and weldability could still occur while preventing pitting on the stainless steel’s surface. With Diamond Brite Metals’ consultation, design and procurement professionals were able to decide upon the correct stainless steel profiles that included appropriate levels of Sulphur.
The second issue was the selection of the appropriate finish. Architects and design professionals wanted a mirror #8 finish on the I-beams to provide a superior aesthetic. However, since the canopy was in an urban and highly trafficked area, any damage to the finished profiles would be magnified by this finish. Ultimately, with Diamond Brite Metals’ consultation and guidance, the specs were amended to include a non-directional finish which lessens the impact of accidental damage while still providing a seamless aesthetic.
Conclusion
Diamond Brite Metals has provided industrial and architectural polishing services for projects around the world. The South Ferry Subway Terminal is one instance of how Diamond Brite Metals’ management helped other organizations overcome difficulties in the polishing process.
Diamond Brite Metals welcomes and all inquiries regardless of size. For architectural projects, please contact Ckarpus@diamondbritemetals.com. For all other inquiries, please contact Sales@diamondbritemetals.com.
Cheers,
Colton