The surface finish of stainless steel affects much more than just its aesthetic — performance, reliability, and other factors can be greatly impacted.
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No matter the application or end-use of the stainless steel, its surface finish should be carefully chosen to best meet the requirements at hand. That's because, in addition to providing the desired visual appeal, the choice of finish affects corrosion resistance, characteristics such as electrical properties, impacts weldability, manufacturing operations, and contributes to various economic considerations.
Some applications, such as superconductor components or flexible metal hoses, demand stainless steel with a specific finish for the end-use product to perform as designed.
It's also important to note that not all suppliers use the same terminology to refer to the same finish. Keep reading to learn the subtle differences between each finish to understand better how suppliers may differ.
Surface finish is the visual appearance of the metal and is created through various processing methods, including rolling, polishing, and blasting. These finishes range from dull to bright and include special textures that may be mechanically applied for highly specialized applications.
Several factors can affect surface finish, including the production route, material thickness, the surface finish of the rolls, cleanliness, and mechanical abrading.
Most melt mills can produce all sheet and strip finishes. While some finishes (BA and polished) require specialized lines, most mills have these or a third-party processing partner. However, melt mills won't always be able to meet each customer's unique Ra (surface roughness) requirements, and a precision re-roller may be needed.
Surface finishes are commonly identified by standard industry designations based on process routing (not appearance) and are different for sheet (greater than 24” wide) and strip (less than 24” wide). However, as previously mentioned, some suppliers use proprietary designations or different industry standards, so it’s best to double-check that you’re on the same page.
Ulbrich's surface finish designations are based on ASTM A480 specifications. Below is an overview of the types of finishes available on our sheet products.
Whether hot or cold rolled, these finishes are the basic supply condition for all stainless-steel sheet products. They are universally used for many applications and serve as the starting point for mechanical polishing and other finishing processes. To maximize corrosion resistance, most are cleaned with acid (pickled) to remove scale that builds up during hot rolling and annealing (a bright annealed finish being the exception!)
A No. 1 Finish is produced via hot rolling, then annealing and pickling the material in acid. This results in a dull finish and is typically used when a smooth decorative finish isn’t important, for example, in elevated temperature applications.
A No. 2D Finish is produced via cold rolling, then annealing and pickling the material in acid. The finish is smooth, non-reflective, and dull. It is ideal for deep drawing applications and is found in auto exhaust components, hardware, and chemical equipment.
A No. 2B Finish is cold rolled, annealed, and pickled, followed by a light temper pass using polished rolls. The finish is smooth, somewhat reflective, and bright. It’s a general-purpose cold-rolled finish used in cookware, small tanks, and pharmaceutical equipment.
A Bright Annealed Finish is cold rolled, then annealed in a controlled, protective atmosphere to prevent scale formation during annealing. This finish is not pickled in acid because a thin oxide film is formed during annealing, eliminating the need for pickling. It is used in trim appliances, surgical instruments, and cookware.
These finishes involve using abrasive materials that effectively cut the steel's surface to some degree.
No. 3 and No. 4 finishes are produced by mechanically polishing a No. 2B finish substrate. These finishes have uniform appearances that are produced by an emery cloth belt used for polishing. Each finish has a corresponding grit necessary to create its surface texture.
These finishes are among the most used in stainless steel. Applications featuring No. 3 finishes include architectural and food processing components. Applications featuring No. 4 finishes include architectural wall panels, elevators, sinks, and restaurant equipment.
A No. 6 finish is created by Tampico brushing a No. 4 finish. It’s dull, silver-white, and less reflective than a No. 4 finish. This finish was once commonly found on stainless steel architectural components up to the 1980s but is much less used today.
A No. 7 finish is produced by buffing a finely ground surface. The finish is high luster with grit lines still visible on the material. The result is highly reflective, almost mirror-like. Some common applications for No. 7 finishes include column covers, ornament trim, and wall panels.
This is produced by polishing with successively higher grit abrasives and then buffing for a mirror finish. By ASTM standards, they are the most reflective of all finishes.
Because they are so reflective, No. 8 finishes have a lot of notable everyday applications, including press plates, signs, and wall panels. Most notably, Chicago’s “Bean” is stainless steel with a #8 finish.
Custom metal surface finishes allow for specific characteristics to be unlocked that are not available if a standard finish is specified. Engineers for advanced and emerging applications specify the surface roughness in Ra or Rz (see below) that they need to meet their objectives.
For custom surface finishes beyond those mentioned here, contact us to connect with a metallurgical engineer who can assist.
A TR finish is produced when an annealed surface is cold rolled to obtain mechanical properties. The appearance varies based on the alloy and the amount of cold work. Quarter hard, half hard, and full hard are common examples of temper-rolled finishes. This finish is used all the time and is one of the largest categories of stainless steel that we sell at Ulbrich.
An architectural finish can be achieved through special finishes at the temper mill, the final reduction stand, special pickle processes, or a combination. These are typically agreed upon between buyer and producer.
Abel Black™ stainless steel is made using a proprietary coloring method that preserves its metallic texture (unlike painting or plating). Electricity and chemicals are used to create an oxide film that causes light inference, making the stainless-steel surface appear black. Since the oxide film is integrated with the base metal, it will not peel off and delivers higher durability and weather resistance than untreated stainless steel.
XL Blend "S" is a breakthrough stainless steel finish. It can repair surface damage, creating a clean, smooth, and uniform exterior. The finer grain structure makes it less reflective and less receptive to foreign substances, resulting in a surface that is easier to clean and maintain. Common applications include escalators, transportation, and food service appliances.
Abel Black and XL Blend S are both available from Diversified UIbrich!
Any discussion of surface finish would be incomplete without mentioning surface roughness. Surface roughness is a measure of the texture of a manufactured surface. RA or Average roughness is most commonly used in North America. It is the average of the peaks and valleys of a surface over a set sampling length. Values are typically given in microinches or micrometers.
Rz, or mean roughness depth, is most commonly used in Europe and is the average of the highest peak to the lowest valley over 5 sampling lengths.
Surface roughness can have a crucial impact on the durability and performance of the material and must also be closely considered and controlled for.
Still unsure which finish is right for your application? Contact us and speak with someone from our metallurgy or product development team. We also offer custom finishes beyond those mentioned here to accommodate advanced and emerging applications, such as superconductors.
In this thorough tutorial, we’ll go over important subjects like the PVD process, the colors and surface treatments of PVD-colored stainless steel sheets, and the factors affecting the choice of stainless steel grades. To help achieve the best possible outcomes for your projects, we’ll also offer helpful advice for using these items.
PVD, or Physical Vapor Deposition, is a process that strengthens materials such as stainless steel by layering them with an ultra-thin but incredibly durable film. This is done by vaporizing the material and then depositing it onto a substrate.
The PVD process involves the following main steps:
Initially, a polished or brushed stainless steel sheet is meticulously cleaned to eliminate any dirt or contaminants.
The substrate is placed into a vacuum chamber manually.
PVD ChamberUtilizing a high-energy source like an electron beam, the target material such as titanium, zirconium, or chromium is heated until it evaporates.
Titanium MaterialTo achieve the desired hue of coating, gases such as nitrogen or oxygen are injected into the chamber. This reaction with the metal oxide creates a thin layer that offers various colors.
Applying an electrical current to the material being coated activates its surface, significantly improving the adherence of the coating film.
The vaporized material is then adhered to the substrate, forming a secure and resilient bonding layer.
Color OptionsDesigners and architects can create one-of-a-kind projects with PVD-colored stainless steel sheets, which provide a stunning array of colors and finishes. In this section, let’s explore the range of colors achievable as well as popular surface treatments.
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To ensure that the color coating adheres best to the stainless steel sheets, we always start with polishing or brushing them before proceeding with PVD. This makes the dirt won’t be easily hidden and also ensures an even application of color.
PVD coating is available in various colors, including gold, rose gold, champagne, black, bronze, blue, green, purple, or even rainbow. Each color can be used to create a unique look that suits your style.
When you’re looking for that luxurious feel, gold is a wonderful option. For those seeking something more homey and inviting, rose gold or bronze may be a perfect choice. Black PVD coating helps to bring out your design’s sharp lines while rainbow coatings make an outstanding statement with their one-of-a-kind multi-color finish!
Whichever hue catches your eye, rest assured that you’ll receive a product of superior quality with long-lasting durability.
It provides a more durable and vibrant finish than traditional paint or coatings. This makes it ideal for applications requiring an attractive, long-lasting aesthetic with minimal maintenance.
Their impressive resistance to corrosion, wear, and tear, and high heat capacity makes them the perfect choice for extreme settings where top-notch performance is required.
AFP-colored stainless steel sheets look and perform superbly with very little maintenance required. The protective coating makes it unnecessary to clean or polish your sheet often, allowing you to save both energy and money in the long run.
PVD Black Brushed TableIn stark contrast to traditional coating techniques such as electroplating that utilize hazardous chemicals and contribute to environmental pollution, PVD is a vacuum-based process with zero toxic emissions or waste.
Some common grade types are:
1. Corrosion resistance: Carefully evaluating the environment and application, 304/316 stainless steel is highly recommended for its corrosion resistance if used outdoors. Consider the level of endurance needed to meet your project requirements.
2. Formability: If your project necessitates forming, you must be mindful to choose the right type of stainless steel. 200 series should not be utilized if it needs any kind of bending less than 90 degrees.
3. Maximize Your Budget: Take the time to compare prices between different grades that are suitable for your project, and choose the one that is most cost-efficient. Grade 201 is the cheapest while 316/316L has the highest cost.
1. Building facades: building facades can be upgraded to an unparalleled level of both beauty and strength. This unique material is perfect for exterior building cladding and adds a distinct flair that will last for years.
2. Roofing: for stunning, long-lasting roofing solutions, consider PVD-colored stainless steel sheets – you won’t be disappointed.
3. Doors and window frames: incorporate PVD-colored stainless steel sheets for doors and windows to bring a stylish, modern feel to your space.
Water Ripple Facade Patterned Ceiling Gold FrameAdd vibrancy and texture to your signage with PVD-colored stainless steel sheets. Highly durable and visually appealing, this material can create a lasting impression for any establishment.
Electronic devices: give gadgets and devices a premium look
Jewelry and watches: create stunning, scratch-resistant jewelry and timepieces
Sporting goods: add durability and style to sporting equipment
Ensure that your project’s sheet size and thickness adhere to the applicable specifications for ultimate results. For instance, if you require colored sheets for decorative purposes, then a 0.5-1.0mm thickness range is recommended since it can help cut costs!
Choose a color or design that will perfectly match the overall aesthetic of your project. If you want something more modern, think about vibrant colors such as violet and green.
To guarantee the best quality in your PVD-colored stainless steel sheets, purchase from a reliable supplier. It’s wise to request samples so that you can review them prior to buying in larger quantities.
Sample Match QC Control Thickness checkingVigorss, a leading and trustworthy producer of PVD-colored stainless steel sheets, has built a strong reputation for providing customers all over the world with products of outstanding quality. We are a China-based B2B company taking pride in upholding particular quality control and continually discovering clients’ hidden demands.
Vigorss WorkshopYou may make spectacular, long-lasting effects in your architectural and interior design projects with our wide range of products in a variety of colors and finishes.
Businesses looking for the best PVD-colored stainless steel sheets can turn to us as a reliable partner in a market where product quality and client satisfaction are top priorities. Vigorss is the right choice for great products and unmatched customer service because of its constant commitment to quality.
PVD-colored stainless steel sheets are a fantastic option for a variety of applications because they offer a distinctive blend of aesthetics, durability, and versatility. You can guarantee a good outcome that will withstand the test of time by comprehending the PVD process, picking the proper grade of stainless steel, selecting the right color, and choosing the perfect surface finish. With the information you’ve gained from this comprehensive guide, you can choose PVD-colored stainless steel sheets with confidence, enabling you to develop products that are gorgeous, durable, and practical.
E-mail us at [email protected] or call 0086-13715484114 any time, day or night – We look forward to hearing from you soon so that we may commence on your next project!
1.Can PVD colored stainless steel sheets be used for outdoor applications?
Yes, PVD colored stainless steel sheets have the same corrosion-resistant properties as plain stainless steel sheets, making them suitable for outdoor applications.
2.How long does a PVD colored stainless steel sheet last? Will the PVD color fade?
The lifespan of a PVD colored stainless steel sheet depends on the thickness, quality of the substrate, and maintenance. With proper maintenance, a PVD colored stainless steel sheet installed indoor can last for decades.
3. Can PVD colored stainless steel sheets be custom made? How to do customization?
Yes, PVD colored stainless steel sheets can be custom made to match the specific requirements of a project. Customization options include color, texture, finish, size, and thickness.
4.Are PVD colored stainless steel sheets expensive?
The price of PVD colored stainless steel sheets can vary depending on the color, finish, texture, and thickness. However, they are generally more expensive than plain stainless steel sheets due to the additional coating process and customization options.
5.How do I know if a PVD colored stainless steel sheet is high quality?
A high-quality PVD colored stainless steel sheet should have a uniform color and finish, with no visible defects or imperfections.
6.Can PVD colored stainless steel sheets be recycled?
Yes, PVD colored stainless steel sheets can be recycled, as they are made from stainless steel, which is a highly recyclable material.
7.How can I ensure that the PVD colored stainless steel sheet I receive matches my desired color?
It is recommended to request a color sample from the supplier or manufacturer before placing an order. This can ensure that the desired color is achieved and matches the intended design.
8.What is the minimum order quantity for PVD colored stainless steel sheets?
Usually 10pcs of standard sizes/finishes/colors and 50pcs of customized sizes/finishes/colors.
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