Hot Forming

To achieve the highest level of corrosion resistance, the material should be annealed at a minimum temperature of 1900°F (1038°C). After the hot working process, it is essential to rapidly cool the material, typically through water quenching or other rapid cooling methods. This controlled heat treatment helps to restore the material's micro-structure, preventing the formation of carbide precipitates that can reduce corrosion resistance. Proper annealing and rapid cooling ensure the material retains its optimal properties, making it more resistant to environmental degradation and suitable for demanding applications in corrosive environments such as marine, chemical processing, and industrial settings.

Cold Forming

The material is highly ductile, allowing it to be easily formed into various shapes without cracking or losing its structural integrity. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require flexibility during the fabrication process. However, when subjected to cold working, the alloy undergoes significant changes: its strength and hardness are notably increased due to the strain-hardening effect. Cold working may also induce slight magnetism in the material, which is generally absent in its annealed state. This change in magnetic properties should be considered in applications where non-magnetic characteristics are critical. The combination of enhanced mechanical properties and potential slight magnetism makes the alloy versatile, suitable for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction, where both formability and durability are essential.

Welding

The material can be easily welded using most standard welding techniques. Its compatibility with a wide range of welding processes ensures versatility in fabrication and assembly. Whether employing methods such as MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), or stick welding, the material responds well, allowing for strong and reliable joints. This ease of welding enhances its suitability for various applications, from structural components to intricate designs, making it a flexible choice for many industrial and construction projects.

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.