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1.Overview of Surface Finishing for 304 Stainless Steel Plates Due to its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and weldability, 304 stainless steel is widely used in architectural decoration, food equipment, medical devices, chemical containers, home appliance manufacturing, and other fields. However, the surface of 304 stainless steel plates in their as-delivered state is usually relatively rough or covered with oxide scale, which cannot directly meet the requirements of most applications. Therefore, different surface finishing processes can be used to give the plates specific gloss, texture, flatness, and cleanliness, allowing them to adapt to different functional and aesthetic needs. Common surface finishing methods for 304 stainless steel plates include 2B finish, BA finish (Bright Annealed), brushed finish (sanded finish), 8K mirror finish, sandblasted finish, and etched finish. Each type of surface has its unique formation process and performance characteristics. 2.Detailed Explanation of Mainstream 304 Stainless Steel Plate Surface Types 2.1 2B Finish: The Most Common and Economical Practical Choice The 2B finish is one of the most widely used surfaces for 304 stainless steel plates in the market. Its processing flow is as follows: hot rolling → pickling → cold rolling → bright annealing → leveling → passivation treatment. The final surface has a medium gloss, uniform color, and a fine texture without strong reflection. Advantages – Low cost and high cost-effectiveness. – Good surface flatness, suitable for subsequent processing (such as bending and stamping). – Stable corrosion resistance, suitable for general industrial and civil environments. Disadvantages – Relatively ordinary appearance with low decorative performance. – Fingerprints and scratches are easily left on the surface. Application Scenarios Functional occasions with low decorative requirements, such as food machinery, pharmaceutical equipment, storage tanks, kitchen utensils, industrial pipelines, and building linings. 2.2 BA Finish (Bright Annealed): A High-Gloss, High-Cleanliness Bright Surface The BA finish, or “Bright Annealed” surface, is obtained through annealing treatment under the protection of hydrogen or inert gas to avoid oxidation, followed by slight rolling (skin-pass) to achieve a high-gloss surface. Its surface is as smooth as a mirror with high reflectivity, which is close to the 8K finish but slightly inferior. Advantages – Extremely smooth surface, no oxide scale, and high cleanliness. – Better corrosion resistance than the 2B finish, especially suitable for clean environments. – High-end appearance with a metallic texture. Disadvantages – Higher cost than the 2B finish. – Scratches and fingerprints are easily visible on the surface. – High requirements for storage and transportation to prevent scratches. Application Scenarios Fields with high requirements for hygiene and appearance, such as medical devices, high-end home appliances (e.g., refrigerator panels), food processing equipment, laboratory equipment, and cleanroom projects. 2.3 Brushed Finish (Hairline Finish): The Preferred Decorative Option Combining Aesthetics and Practicality The brushed finish is created by directional grinding of the stainless steel plate surface using abrasive belts or nylon wheels, forming continuous and directional fine textures. Common specifications include 180#, 240#, and 320#, where a higher number indicates a finer texture. Advantages – Elegant appearance with a modern and industrial aesthetic. – Effectively hides scratches and fingerprints, ensuring high practicality. – Diverse textures, with customizable directions and thicknesses. Disadvantages – Higher surface treatment cost. – The grinding process may affect the thickness and surface stress of the plate. Application Scenarios Projects with high decorative requirements, such as building curtain walls, elevator cabs, interior decorations (e.g., wall surfaces, door panels), high-end furniture, and commercial space design. 2.4 8K Mirror Finish: A Luxurious Choice with Ultimate Reflectivity The 8K mirror finish is produced through multiple stages of high-precision grinding and polishing processes. Its surface has extremely high reflectivity, which can clearly reflect human figures, just like a mirror. Advantages – Ultimate brightness with a strong visual impact. – High-end appearance, often used for luxurious decorations. Disadvantages – High cost. – Extremely prone to scratches and fingerprint contamination. – Requires regular maintenance. Application Scenarios Occasions pursuing visual impact, such as high-end hotels, luxury stores, art installations, and stage backdrops. 2.5 Sandblasted Finish and Etched Finish: Customized and Artistic Choices The sandblasted finish forms a uniform matte granular surface by impacting the surface with high-speed sand particles, which is non-slip and non-reflective. The etched finish, on the other hand, uses chemical or laser technology to carve patterns on the surface, featuring a strong artistic sense. Application Scenarios Customized building exteriors, artistic partitions, and nameplates.