Hot Forming

To ensure optimal material properties, heat the material uniformly to a temperature range of 1742°F to 2192°F (950°C to 1200°C). After completing the hot forming process, it is essential to conduct a final annealing treatment. Reheat the material to between 1832°F and 2101°F (1000°C to 1150°C) for the annealing process, and immediately follow this with rapid quenching. This final heat treatment sequence is crucial for restoring the material’s micro-structure, relieving internal stresses, and enhancing its overall mechanical properties. Rapid quenching helps to lock in the desired characteristics, ensuring the material retains its strength, ductility, and resistance to thermal and corrosive environments. This process is particularly important for applications requiring precise material performance and longevity, such as in high-temperature industrial settings, aerospace components, and critical structural elements.

Cold Forming

Cold forming of components that will be subjected to long-term high-temperature exposure is not advisable, as this stainless steel grade is prone to carbide precipitation. Carbide precipitation occurs when carbon forms carbide compounds with chromium during exposure to elevated temperatures, which can deplete the chromium content available for corrosion resistance. This phenomenon can lead to reduced performance, diminished strength, and compromised durability of the material in high-temperature environments. Therefore, for applications involving extended exposure to heat, it is better to use alternative materials or processes that mitigate the risk of carbide precipitation, ensuring that the material maintains its integrity and protective qualities throughout its service life.

Welding

The material can be welded using a wide range of standard welding processes, offering versatility and ease of fabrication. Common methods include TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), PLASMA, MIG (Metal Inert Gas), SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), SAW (Submerged Arc Welding), and FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding). Each of these techniques provides strong and durable welds, allowing the material to be used in various industrial applications. Its compatibility with multiple welding processes makes it suitable for projects requiring precision, strength, and efficiency. Whether it's for large-scale structural components or intricate assemblies, the material's excellent weld-ability ensures reliable performance across a broad spectrum of industries, including construction, automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery manufacturing. Additionally, the ability to use such a diverse array of welding techniques enhances its flexibility in complex fabrication and repair work.

NO.1

The NO.1 surface is achieved through heat treatment and pickling after hot rolling. It has a silver-white, matte appearance with a subtle sheen. This surface finish is ideal for applications where heat and corrosion resistance are crucial, but surface brightness is not a priority. It is commonly used in industries such as industrial storage tanks, chemical processing plants, and other environments that demand durability and resistance to harsh conditions.

2D

The 2D surface finish is produced through heat treatment and pickling after cold rolling, resulting in a silver-white appearance with a smoother yet matte texture. This surface is widely used in applications that require both durability and a refined appearance. Common uses include petrochemical production equipment, automotive parts, building materials, and water pipes, where strength and corrosion resistance are essential, but a highly polished surface is not necessary.

2B

Following the 2D treatment, the material undergoes a final light cold rolling process using a polishing roller to achieve a subtle gloss. The resulting surface is smooth, bright, and can be easily re-polished to enhance its shine further. This finish is commonly used in applications such as building materials and tableware, where an aesthetically appealing and easy-to-maintain surface is important.

NO.4

The NO.4 finish is achieved by grinding with a belt of grit size 150-180, resulting in a surface with improved gloss, finer lines, and more refined stripes compared to the rougher NO.3 finish typically used for polished and sanded stainless steel surfaces. This finish is widely applied in industries such as food processing equipment, household appliances, and medical equipment, where a smooth, aesthetically pleasing surface with enhanced durability is required.

BA

The BA (Bright Annealed) surface is produced through cold rolling and de-scaling, resulting in an excellent surface gloss and high reflectivity. Its extremely smooth finish makes it ideal for additional finishing processes like mirror polishing and chrome plating. Due to its superior appearance and durability, the BA surface is commonly used in applications such as catering equipment, where both functionality and aesthetic appeal are important.

HL

The HL (Hairline) finish is achieved by grinding with a polishing abrasive belt of suitable grit size (150-320 mesh), resulting in distinct, straight stripes on the surface. This finish provides an attractive appearance with a good texture, where scratches are less visible. It is known for its durability and wear resistance. Common applications for the HL finish include building decoration, elevators, and vehicle parts, where a stylish and resilient surface is required.

Mirror

The Mirror finish is achieved by polishing with progressively finer abrasives and extensively buffing the surface until all scratches from initial grinding are eliminated. This process results in the highest level of reflectivity. It is primarily used for both interior and exterior decorative materials in automobiles and buildings, where a high-gloss, reflective surface is desired.