Special Stainless steel surface finishing model

Manufacturers get a lot of options when choosing the right stainless steel surface finishing model for the best results.

Oct 21,2022 | Yilia

Stainless steel is used in numerous applications because of its deformability, strength, corrosion resistance, weld-ability, and physical appearance. Manufacturers use a stainless steel surface finishing model to give their products various visual looks. These finishing processes involve mechanical, electro-chemical, and thermal treatments and provide different kinds of surface finishing.

What are the Commonly Used Surface Finishes?

When looking for the optimum stainless steel surface finishing model, manufacturers decide from a long list of finishing techniques. Various combinations of these processes result in different kinds of surface treatments.

These finishes are also called grades and are numbered according to their quality:

#1 is annealed and hot-rolled before gradually cooling down and toughening. It is then processed with pickling acid that helps eliminate impurities on the surface. This grade provides an inconsistent and rough surface as it is not mechanically polished.

#2B offers a slightly more reflective but cloudy look and does not involve any mechanical polishing either. This stainless steel surface finishing model produces a smooth finish that is also very uniform.

#2BA is used to provide a very reflective surface and is annealed in a furnace to prevent oxidation and scaling. The ‘BA’ in its name is short for Bright Annealed.

#2D gives a silver-grey, dull but uniform look. It involves heat treatment and cold-rolling but does not get any polishing. Manufacturers use this stainless steel surface finishing model when appearance is not a priority.

#3 offers a brushed finish and involves using grit abrasives (100-120) to create parallel lines via roughing or grinding. The lines are short and create a pattern that is very common and noticeable.

#4 is the most commonly used grade and provides a directional finish. Roughed with grit abrasives of 120-230 caliber, it forms uniform, directional lines on the surface while keeping the gloss to a minimum. The pattern enhances flat surfaces and hides welds. Used mostly in the kitchen and restaurants for work equipment and surfaces, this grade is also used for decorative purposes.

#7 provides a very reflective and shiny visual look, although you can spot the grit lines from a distance. It is made by buffing a #4 grade till the desired shine is achieved.

#8 provides a mechanically polished mirror finished that is very bright and attractive. Very fine grits are used successively to give the grade its trademark shine. This stainless steel surface finishing modelis used in high-end projects for design, décor, and custom architecture.

What are the Special Steel Surface Finishing Techniques?

Apart from the regular types of polishing and roughing processes, some manufacturers use special types of techniques and processes to produce a unique look. These include:

Glass Beading: This process provides a satin texture to the steel surface. It is used to create a finish like #2B but with an artistic pattern that can not only enhance the visual appeal but also hide welds.

Electropolishing: This is a process used to remove tiny, microscopic metal pieces from the surface to make it smoother. This stainless steel surface finishing model also makes the surface resistant to contamination by bacteria or foreign substances.

Electroplating: It is the opposite of electropolishing as it adds a metal layer to the surface. This process is used to improve the paint quality or to add a layer of precious metal to the object. Electroplating also enhances durability and is mainly used to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

Mechanical Polishing: This is a very common stainless steel surface finishing model. This technique gives the surface a uniform finish with the help of abrasive pads that can range from 60 to 600 in grit size.

How to Choose the Right Finishing Model?

Which stainless steel surface finishing model your product needs can depend on a variety of different factors. It requires an expert eye to select the correct grade and finish for your product.

Our experts at Hemtom help you make the right decision for your specific applications.

Appearance Model Stainless steel surface finishing model