Plating Grade Surface. High Precision. Engineered for Showers & Faucets.
The Perfect Substrate for Chrome & Electroplating.
In the sanitary industry, the quality of the plating depends entirely on the quality of the base tube. Vertex Tubes supplies premium stainless steel tubing specifically for bathroom fittings, shower columns, and towel rails.
We solve the industry’s biggest headache: Surface Defects. Our tubes undergo specialized polishing to eliminate micro-pinholes and “orange peel,” ensuring a flawless mirror finish that is ready for electroplating (Chrome/Nickel/PVD) directly out of the box.
A tiny pit on the raw tube becomes a huge blister after chrome plating.
The “8K” Standard: We achieve a Super Mirror (No. 8 Finish) brightness, equivalent to >600 Grit.
Defect Control: Unlike standard polishing, we strictly inspect for “Pitting” and “Scratches”. The surface is flawless and ready for direct electroplating without re-polishing.
For adjustable shower columns, the outer and inner tubes must slide smoothly without wobbling.
Tolerance Control: We control the OD/ID tolerance to ±0.05mm.
Bead Removal: The inner weld bead is leveled (scarfed) to allow inner tubes to slide freely without scratching or jamming.
Sanitary fittings often require tight bending (e.g., faucet spouts, shower arms).
Material Selection: We use High-Elongation 304 material that withstands bending without developing “Orange Peel” or micro-cracks on the surface.
Why it matters: Even slight “orange peel” texture will be magnified after electroplating. Our tubes keep the surface smooth even after forming.
| Inspection Item | Vertex Factory Standard |
|---|---|
| Surface Finish | No. 8 Super Mirror (Zero Pitting/Blistering). |
| Polishing Grit | >600# Grit (No spiral lines, no missed spots). |
| Telescopic Fit | Smooth sliding tested with standard matching tubes. |
| Inner Weld Bead | Leveled/Scarfed (Height controlled for internal clearance). |
| Bending Test | No Orange Peel or Cracking after 90° bending. |
| Straightness | < 1.0mm / meter (Crucial for sliding mechanisms). |
Prime stainless steel raw material strip selection from big mills
A: Yes. Our “Plating Grade” tubes are polished to No. 8 Super Mirror (8K) with rigorous inspection for pits and scratches. Most customers can plate them directly after their standard cleaning line, saving labor costs.
A: Yes. We specialize in Tube-in-Tube systems (e.g., 25mm outer + 19mm inner). We control the tolerances and remove the inner weld bead to ensure a smooth, “air-cushioned” sliding feel.
A: We use a specific grade of 304 Stainless Steel with higher copper content or optimized annealing to ensure high elongation. This prevents the “orange peel” effect on the surface during tight bending.
Don’t risk your plating quality. Switch to Vertex Sanitary Grade tubes.
