Edge finishing one of the toughest metals in the industry
Stainless steel (also known as Inox) is the go-to material for everything from architectural cladding and kitchen appliances to offshore structures and food-grade piping. Stainless steel has a high chromium content, which forms a passive oxide layer that prevents rusting, but also gives those working with it a challenge.
Working with it is tough. Literally. Resistant to corrosion, strong, sleek looking. All prized qualities, but that also makes it a nightmare to process, especially when it comes to edge finishing processes like chamfering, beveling, and rounding.
In this article, we’ll break down why stainless steel is such a difficult material to process, what problems often occur when edge-finishing it, and why Beveltools provides the best method to tackle these issues.
Why Stainless Steel Is a Challenge
1. Work Hardening
Stainless steel tends to harden rapidly under mechanical stress. When you use abrasive tools or grinding wheels (flap discs, etc.), heat builds up fast and increases hardness at the cutting edge, causing wear on tools and making your job more difficult.
2. Tough Surface Layer (Especially After Cutting)
Plasma- or laser-cutting stainless parts often results in a hardened edge that’s much stronger than sawn surfaces. This makes traditional methods like edge grinding increasingly more difficult.
3. High Friction & Heat Buildup
Due to friction, beveling methods generate significant heat when used on stainless steel. This not only leads to overheating but also causes discoloration and thermal distortion. This won't do for jobs like welding prep or cosmetic finishing.
4. Edge Quality Requirements
Stainless steel components often have to meet high quality standards. That means burr-free and uniformly rounded or beveled edges. Traditional beveling methods simply can't guarantee these standards.
5. Operator Fatigue & Safety
Using grinding tools or belt sanders on stainless steel creates dangerous particles, sparks, and intense vibration. For repetitive tasks, this poses serious risks such as HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome), injuries, and long-term fatigue.
The Beveltools Solution
Beveltools offers a purpose-built solution for chamfering and rounding stainless steel. One that’s fast, creates excellent results without much hassle, and is most importantly safe. Our INOX line of tools and cutters is specifically engineered to solve the problems listed above.
Special INOX Cutters
Our INOX cutters feature:
- A unique carbide composition and special coating
- Reduced friction geometry for smoother operation
- A range of angle cutters:
- For Bevel Mate®: 30°-08, 37°-08, 45°-08
- For Bevel Mite®: 30°-06, 45°-06
- A range of radius cutters:
- For Bevel Mate®: R2-08, R3-08, R4-08, R6-08
- For Bevel Mite®: R2-06, R3-06
These cutters don’t clog or overheat and are optimized for laser- and plasma-cut stainless. The toughest edges won't pose any more problems.
Dedicated INOX Machines
The Bevel Mite® and Mate® INOX machines are engineered with reduced RPM and reinforced motors. Additionally, Bevel Mate® EBA INOX is fitted with vibration-dampening components.
Real-World Results
A Dutch fabricator worked with S355 steel and stainless for offshore applications. Before Beveltools, they used grinding wheels that yielded inconsistent results and required high effort. After switching, they saw:
- Improved edge consistency
- Lower physical strain
- Faster processing with fewer passes
- Easier compliance with coating specs and customer requirements
“The biggest win is the consistency. You know with Beveltools you’ll always meet the edge requirements.”
Key Benefits of Beveltools for Stainless Steel
Let's run down why Beveltools provides the solution for working on stainless steel:
No Sparks or Dust – Cutter design produces large, safe chips rather than airborne particulates
Minimal Vibrations – Reduces operator fatigue and increases daily productivity
Time Savings – Up to 40% faster than conventional methods
Lower Tool Wear – Cutter last longer than tools from conventional methodes
Compact, Modular Tools – Easy maintenance and lightweight handling on shop floors
Which Tool Is Right for You?
- For heavy-duty work on stainless: Try the EBA INOX
- For smaller scale work on stainless: Try the EBI or ABIS INOX
- For small precision parts: The Mini Mite™ with handles tight spots with finesse
- For table-mounted stability: Use the TEBI 4.0 or TopEdge for repetitive tasks with extra control
Don’t Let Stainless Slow You Down
Working with stainless steel doesn’t have to mean endless grinding and hours of rework. With Beveltools’ INOX line, you get a clean, smooth edge, every time. Whether you're preparing for welding, coating, or simply improving safety and aesthetics, our solutions offer the power, precision, and reliability you need to meet industry standards efficiently.
Want to try it yourself? Contact us or request a demo today.
