Hot Forming

420 and 430 stainless steels are well-suited for various forging processes, including forging, upsetting, and hot heading. These processes involve shaping the material while it is heated to elevated temperatures, which enhances its malleability and allows for the creation of complex shapes and components. 420 stainless steel, known for its high hardness and ability to maintain a sharp edge, is particularly effective in applications requiring durability and precision. Its ability to withstand the stresses of forging and hot working processes makes it ideal for producing high-strength components. 430 stainless steel, while not as hard as Type 420, still provides good ductility and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in applications where ease of forming and cost-effectiveness are important, such as in automotive parts and household appliances. Both grades exhibit satisfactory performance during these hot working processes, ensuring that they can be shaped into various components with desirable mechanical properties. Their ability to be forged, upset, and hot headed makes them versatile choices for manufacturing applications where strength, durability, and form-ability are key considerations.

Cold Forming

The material exhibits high ductility and can be easily formed into various shapes. During cold working processes, the strength and hardness of the alloy are increased, which can also result in a slight magnetic property. This enhancement in mechanical properties makes the material suitable for applications requiring greater durability and resistance to deformation. However, the increased hardness and strength achieved through cold working may also introduce a minimal level of magnetism, which is important to consider depending on the specific application requirements.

Welding

420 and 430 stainless steel can be welded using standard industrial welding techniques commonly applied to stainless steel. To ensure optimal welding results, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the stainless steel parts to be welded, removing any grease, oil, or other surface contaminants. Proper cleaning helps to prevent defects in the weld, such as weak joints or contamination, and ensures a strong, reliable bond. Following these best practices in preparation and welding techniques ensures high-quality, durable welds suitable for a variety of applications.

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.