ViwateQ® Finishing

Patented wet polishing for hygienic stainless steel

How it works

A mechanical process, without chemicals

ViwateQ is a wet polishing technology for stainless steel and other materials. It is a simpler, chemical-free, less labour-intensive and faster alternative to glass bead blasting and pickling.

  • The technology levels microscopic peaks and valleys for a more consistent surface.
  • A minimal roughness remains for optimal cleanability and smoothness.
  • The oxide layer and impurities are removed, after which a new oxide layer forms through passivation.
Stainless steel tube after ViwateQ Finishing
The ViwateQ standard

Four properties you can measure

Ra ≤ 0.8 µm

Low roughness

Meets EHEDG, 3-A, TNO and ISO.

Consistent

Smooth finish

Less adhesion across the whole surface, welds included.

SRI

Cleanability

The unique topography ensures optimal cleanability.

Chemicals

No chemicals are used during the treatment.

Corrosion resistance

A durable oxide layer, naturally

Our mechanical process removes impurities and promotes natural passivation of stainless steel. This creates a durable oxide layer that protects your equipment from corrosion, without harsh chemicals.

  • Consistent roughness
  • Prevents contamination
  • Maximum smoothness
Treated stainless steel part after ViwateQ Finishing
Comparison

ViwateQ versus pickling and glass bead blasting

Traditional methods force trade-offs in safety, cost and finish.

Pickling relies on hazardous chemicals. That means strict permits, protective measures for operators and disposal of chemical waste.

Glass bead blasting leaves a rougher surface and can deform thin plates.

ViwateQ is easier and safer to apply. The surface becomes smoother, more corrosion resistant and easier to clean, and thin plates stay flat.

Radar chart: ViwateQ compared with pickling, polishing, glass bead blasting and ceramic bead blasting on six criteria
Technical data

The ViwateQ finish in numbers

Indicative values. Results depend on the quality of the starting material.

Standard roughness Ra ≤ 0.8 µm (general EHEDG requirement)
Meat and fish processing Ra ≤ 0.6 µm achievable
Pharmaceutical Ra < 0.5 µm with additional steps
Corrosion resistance Tested according to ISO 9227
Materials Almost all non-corrosive metals, incl. stainless steel (304, 316L) and aluminium
Chemicals None
Water use Minimal; wastewater can be discharged to the sewer, subject to local requirements
Certificates EHEDG, 3-A, TNO, ISO, Clusta
Worldwide

Active in thirteen countries

ViwateQ works with its own locations and licensed partners in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and New Zealand.

Map of the countries where ViwateQ is active: Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and New Zealand
Certification

Certified to the strictest standards

Add our EHEDG, 3-A, TNO, ISO and Clusta certificates directly to your specifications.

EHEDG certification logo
3-A Sanitary Standards certification logo
TNO certification logo
ISO 9001:2015 certification logo
Frequently asked questions

About the technology

Is the process truly 100% chemical-free?

Yes. The ViwateQ treatment uses no chemicals and the equipment is designed to use a minimal amount of water.

How does it compare to glass bead blasting?

ViwateQ is easier and safer to apply and achieves a significantly lower roughness and better topography. The surface is smoother, more corrosion resistant and easier to clean, and thin plates do not deform.

Does the finish comply with EHEDG and 3-A?

As a stand-alone treatment ViwateQ easily achieves a roughness below 0.8 µm, depending on the starting material. The stricter 0.6 µm used in meat and fish processing is achievable too. With extra steps it goes below 0.5 µm.

Do you provide measurement reports?

Depending on the project, we provide detailed roughness and measurement reports for quality control and compliance.

In-house ViwateQ installation in a production hall
The ViwateQ team inspecting a treated stainless steel part
Operator applying ViwateQ Finishing to a stainless steel frame
ViwateQ employees at work

See the difference with a free sample

Send us a small test part or an offcut of your material. We treat it free of charge, so you can judge roughness, cleanability and appearance for yourself.

    Reinhard van Essche, ViwateQ
    Our engineers are ready to help

    Ready to raise your surface standard?

    Schedule a no-obligation call with one of our engineers. We discuss your process and assess feasibility straight away.

    Operator applying ViwateQ Finishing to a stainless steel frame