Table of Content
Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant, stylish metal widely used in construction, home appliances, food processing, and other areas. To meet various application needs and aesthetic preferences, stainless steel sheets often undergo a range of surface finishing techniques. Let’s explore some common methods of stainless steel sheet surface treatment.
1. NO.1 Finish
The NO.1 finish on stainless steel sheets is a natural surface obtained after hot rolling, characterized by higher surface roughness and a rustic, natural texture. NO.1 finish stainless steel does not require further processing and is cost-effective, making it suitable for products where appearance is not critical but cost-efficiency is essential. It is commonly used in industrial products such as mechanical parts, scaffolding, and shelving. Additionally, the natural texture of the NO.1 finish is often used in the creation of decorative art pieces.
2. 2B Finish
The 2B surface on stainless steel sheets is created through a process involving cold rolling, heat treatment, and pickling, followed by a light cold rolling that results in a smooth, shiny surface. This treatment produces a fine brushed texture, giving a soft luster. The 2B finish is a popular choice for household appliances and kitchen utensils, such as refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, and oven exteriors, utilizing its fingerprint-resistant and easy-to-clean material. The delicate gloss of the 2B finish is also widely applied in interior decoration, such as stainless steel cabinets and railings, enhancing the steel's scratch resistance.
3. BA Bright Finish
The BA (Bright Annealed1) surface in stainless steel mainly comes from the heat treatment process, specifically annealing and pickling, rather than mechanical polishing. This method results in a bright, smooth surface. BA finish stainless steel sheets have good reflectivity and are frequently used in interior decor and appliance exteriors, providing a sleek, modern visual effect.
4. HL Finish
髮絲面是在不鏽鋼表面進行機械拉絲處理，形成細密的直線紋理。這種獨特的紋理設計使得不鏽鋼板具有柔美質感，非常適合裝飾藝術品或高端消費品。髮絲面工藝也常被應用於不鏽鋼家具製作。
5. Mirror Polishing
The mirror finish is among the highest grades of stainless steel surface treatments, primarily used to showcase a luxurious decorative effect. Mirror finish stainless steel sheets are created by finely polishing the surface to achieve a near-mirror shine. Although this process increases manufacturing costs, the outstanding appearance of mirror-finish stainless steel is often utilized to lend a unique visual impact to buildings or artworks, such as decorative columns, sculptures, and luxury car interiors. The mirror finish also enhances the steel’s resistance to staining.
Conclusion
Each stainless steel sheet surface treatment has its distinctive features, meeting different decorative and functional needs for various situations. Designers and manufacturers can flexibly choose the appropriate technique based on specific application environments and aesthetic goals, fully leveraging the unique charm of stainless steel materials.
Besides the common techniques mentioned, there are many other variations in stainless steel sheet surface treatments, including electroplating, sandblasting, water transfer printing, and laser engraving. These methods enrich the visual experience offered by stainless steel and, with continuous innovation in processing techniques, are expected to make the surface effects of stainless steel sheets even more diverse, adding color and fun to our lives.
Reference
- https://www.chi-feng.com.tw/news_detail/1/97.htm
- https://www.jinhong.com.tw/news_detail/4.htm
Note:
- Bright Annealing (BA) is a heat treatment process specially designed for stainless steel and other metals, aimed at improving the microstructure and mechanical properties of the metal while ensuring a high degree of luster and smoothness on the surface. This heat treatment is conducted under controlled atmospheric conditions, typically in an oxygen-free protective atmosphere (such as nitrogen or other inert gases) to prevent oxidation of the metal surface during heating. During the bright annealing process, stainless steel is first heated to an appropriate temperature, usually above its recrystallization temperature, to eliminate internal stresses, improve the crystal structure, and increase its ductility. Thereafter, the metal is gradually cooled under strictly controlled conditions to achieve the desired mechanical properties.
