Finishes

STAINLESS STEEL

Whether cold rolled or hot rolled, mill finishes are the basic supply condition for all stainless steel flat-rolled products. They are used universally for standard building components but are also the basics for subsequent finishing processes that alter the surface to meet more demanding requirements.

Please see below for a list of available Stainless Steel Finishes:

Oly-Flatbrite®

With our proprietary new cold-reduced temper-passed process, Oly-Flatbrite® is more than just better looking – it’s inherently smoother, flatter, and easier to fabricate than conventional stainless.

Our cold reduction process improves flatness and increases surface smoothness to a 1225 roughness average. This reduces processing time, prolongs sanding belt life, and reduces your overall fabrication costs. Smoother and flatter, Oly-Flatbrite® is easier to fit up and seam weld, and to laser cut or plasma cut into shapes and parts.

Requiring less time to cut, polish, weld, and fabricate, you’ll increase parts production and profit. Then, combined with the fact that we have one of the largest plate processing capabilities available today – you’ll reduce costs even more. Count on fewer seams and less welding times.

OLY-FLATBRITE® DATA SHEET

No. 1/HRAP

A moderately rough and dull surface, a No. 1 Finish involves rolling stainless steel that has been heated prior to rolling (hot-rolling). This is accomplished by a heat treatment that produces a uniform microstructure (annealing) and ensures that the stainless steel will meet mechanical property requirements. The resulting surface contains a dark non-uniform appearance where surface chromium has been lost, and the expected level of corrosion resistance has been achieved. A No. 1 finish may contain shiny spots were surface imperfections were removed by grinding. It is generally used in industrial applications, such as equipment for elevated temperature service.

No. 2B

A No. 2B finish is the most widely used stainless steel surface finish and is produced very similar to the No. 2D finish. Cold rolled, heat treated, pickled and pinch passed – this is a bright cold rolled finish except that the final light cold rolling pass is done using polished rolls. The result is a more reflective finish that resembles a cloudy mirror. It is especially common in industrial, chemical and food processing applications but also used in some architectural applications that will not be closely examined for uniformity of finish.

No. 2D

A No. 2D is a refined surface finish that is achieved by cold rolling, heat treating and pickling. This is a uniform, dull silver gray finish that is rougher than a No. 2B. Pickling or descaling is necessary after heat treatment to remove the chromium depleted dark surface layer and restore corrosion resistance. A No. 2D finish retains lubricants well, making it appealing for deep drawing. Its low reflective matt surface appearance makes it suitable for industrial and engineering needs but, architecturally, also suitable for less critical aesthetic applications.

Bright Annealed (BA or 2BA)

A bright, smooth mirror-like finish typically produced by cold rolling followed by annealing in a protective atmosphere so as to prevent oxidation and scaling during annealing. A finish that is designated “BA” has only been bright annealed. A finish that is designated “2BA” has been bright annealed and then passed between highly polished rolls. A BA or No. 2BA finish is sometimes buffed and used for applications where either high gloss or an exceptionally hygienic surface is required.

No. 3

A No.3 finish is moderately reflective and achieved by passing the coil through special rolls, which press a pattern into the surface that simulates the appearance of mechanical abrasion. It is a linearly textured finish and characterized by short, relatively coarse, parallel polishing lines that extend uniformly and may be produced by either mechanical rolling or polishing. A No.3 finish makes for a good starting surface for use in such instances where the surface will require further polishing operations to a finer finish after subsequent fabrication or forming.

No. 4

A No. 4 finish is the workhorse of the light fabrication industry. Also called brushed, directional or satin finish, it is an all-purpose polished finish that is characterized by fine polishing grit lines that are uniform and directional in appearance. It is obtained by mechanically polishing a No. 3 finish with gradually finer abrasives. For fabricators, the No. 4 finish is directional, allowing easy matching of surfaces and refinishing of welds. For end users, the surface can be repaired to remove any service damage. A No. 4 finish is most commonly used for restaurant and kitchen equipment, storefronts and food processing and dairy equipment.

No. 6

A No. 6 finish has a soft, dull satin appearance with a reflectivity that is lower than a No. 4 finish. A No. 6 finish is achieved by brushing a No. 4 finish in oil using rotating cloth mops (Tampico fibre, muslin or linen) which are loaded with an abrasive medium. It contains relatively short linear polishing lines and is effectively used for architectural and ornamentation applications where high luster is undesirable.

No. 7

A No. 7 finish has a mirror-like appearance with a high degree of reflectivity. It is a buffed finish achieved by progressively using finer and finer abrasives, finishing with Buffing compounds. A No. 7 is finely ground but some grit lines may remain from the original starting surface.

No. 8 Mirror

Please inquire for more information regarding this finish.

Super Mirror (Non-Directional)