Hot Forming

For optimal results, the material should be uniformly heated to a temperature range of 1742°F to 2192°F (950°C to 1200°C). After hot forming, it is recommended to perform a final annealing process by reheating the material to between 1832°F and 2101°F (1000°C to 1150°C). This final anneal should be immediately followed by rapid quenching, typically through water or air cooling, to ensure the material maintains its mechanical properties and structural integrity. Proper annealing and quenching help restore the alloy’s ductility, relieve internal stresses, and enhance its resistance to corrosion and oxidation. This process is essential for applications requiring both high performance and durability, particularly in industries like aerospace, automotive, and heavy manufacturing.

Cold Forming

Cold forming of materials that will be exposed to high temperatures for extended periods is not recommended for this grade, as it is prone to carbide precipitation. Carbide precipitation occurs when carbon combines with chromium at elevated temperatures, reducing the chromium available to maintain the alloy’s corrosion resistance. This can lead to decreased performance in environments where heat resistance and protection from oxidation are critical. As a result, for applications involving prolonged exposure to high temperatures, alternative forming methods or materials should be considered to prevent the risk of material degradation and to ensure long-term reliability and durability. This is particularly important in industries like petrochemical processing, power generation, and other high-temperature environments.

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 weldability 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.