In the selection of stainless steel, surface treatment is not only a "face project", but also directly related to cost, corrosion resistance, cleaning difficulty and service life. Today, we will abandon the textbook-style preaching and talk directly about the real appearance and application scenarios of several most common surfaces.
1. 2B side: silent industrial main force
- What does it look like?
Silver-white, slightly dull matte texture, and there are very slight longitudinal lines on closer inspection. It is a standard industrial surface that is lightly polished after cold rolling and pickling.
- Core features: economy and practicality.
- Where is it used?
This is the most commonly used and lowest cost of all surfaces. If you don't have high requirements for aesthetics, or if this part is hidden inside the equipment or needs subsequent spraying processing, 2B surface is the best choice. Commonly used in chemical equipment, structural parts and kitchen utensils.
- Remember it in one word: the "all-purpose oil" in the industrial field and the king of cost performance.
2. BA face: the exquisite school in the field of home appliances
- What does it look like?
The surface is smooth and bright, which has a high reflective effect similar to a mirror, but it is not as clear as a real mirror when you look closely. It is realized by bright annealing process, without pickling, and retains the smoothness after rolling.
- Core features: bright and clean.
- Where is it used?
When you need a good finish and beauty, but think the mirror is too expensive or too delicate, BA surface is the best choice. Widely used in household appliances (such as microwave ovens, hot water bottles), elevator cars, catering utensils and medical equipment.
- Remember it in a word: it is more exquisite than 2B, more affordable than mirror, and it is the balance between cleanliness and beauty.
3. No.4 (brushed surface): a master of balance between decoration and function.
- What does it look like?
There are clearly visible continuous hairlike lines on the surface. The grain can be coarse or fine, or it can be random (snow pattern).
- Core features: textured, wear-resistant and easy to repair.
- Where is it used?
This is the most widely used surface in the field of decoration. From architectural decoration (elevators, door covers), home appliance panels (refrigerators, ovens) to kitchen utensils and hotel equipment. Its biggest advantage is that it can effectively hide fingerprints and tiny scratches, and in case of scratches, it can be repaired by local wire drawing, with low maintenance cost.
- Remember it in a word: the face value is online, the leather is solid and durable, and it is a safe choice for decoration engineering.
4. Mirror (8K): the focus on the stage
- What does it look like?
Like a mirror, people can be clearly reflected. Usually by mechanical polishing or electrolytic polishing, the higher the grade (such as 8K), the clearer the image.
- Core features: extreme beauty and strong visual impact.
- Where is it used?
High-end architectural decoration (such as Roman columns and signboards), luxury shops and artistic sculptures. However, it is very delicate and easy to scratch, which requires extremely high protection costs in transportation, installation and later maintenance.
- Remember it in one word: the effect is amazing, but it is expensive and difficult to serve, which is synonymous with top decoration.
- How to choose?
Give you some practical suggestions.
1. budget priority: the cost ranking is usually 2B < BA ≈ No.4 < mirror. The price and later maintenance cost of the mirror may be several times that of 2B.
2. According to the usage scenario:
Heavy industry and internal parts: choose 2B.
Household appliances, medical care and food: choose BA.
Architectural decoration and crowded area: No.4 brushed surface is selected.
High-end exhibition hall and art decoration: consider the mirror again.
3. Consider the later maintenance: once the mirror surface and BA surface are scratched, it is extremely difficult to repair them. However, the drawing surface can repair slight scratches with the drawing block itself, which is an important reason for its enduring.
