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Stainless steel surface grade distinction standards
While mirror stainless steel might be referred to as "mirror," it actually comes in various grades. These grades refer to the surface roughness of the stainless steel, with each grade representing a distinct surface effect. For instance, 8K and 12K mirror stainless steel may appear similar at first glance, but they offer different finishes. However, relying solely on the "K" value to differentiate these surfaces isn't always precise enough because the distinction between grades can be subtle unless directly compared. Without a side-by-side comparison, it's often hard to tell them apart!
To help clarify the differences, we've put together a comprehensive guide detailing the various grades of stainless steel finishes:
- **Mirror Stainless Steel (14K)**: Surface finish grade 14 with an Ra value of 0.012~0.03µm. This represents ultra-fine polished stainless steel, offering an exceptional surface effect.
- **Super-Fine Polished Stainless Steel (12K)**: Grade 13 with an Ra value of 0.015~0.02µm, providing excellent surface quality.
- **Fine Polished Stainless Steel (10K)**: Grade 12 with an Ra value of 0.02~0.16µm, still boasting a refined appearance.
- **8K Mirror Stainless Steel**: Grade 11 with an Ra value of 0.1~0.2µm, delivering a smooth and polished look.
- **6K Mirror Stainless Steel (BA Finish)**: Grade 10 with an Ra value of 0.2~0.3µm, showing minimal shine.
- **Almost Matte Finish (4K)**: Grade 9 with an Ra value of 0.4µm, also known as the 2B finish, offering little to no brightness.
- **No Mirror Effect (8)**: Grade 8 with an Ra value of 0.8µm, showing slight processing marks but no reflective properties.
- **Unpolished Surface (Grades 1-7)**: Ranging from Ra values of 1.6µm to 100µm, these grades lack mirror effects and showcase varying degrees of roughness and processing marks.
The higher the grade number, the better the surface finish, leading to a brighter, smoother, and flatter surface. This classification system makes it easier for us to compare and assess the surface qualities of stainless steel products.
It’s important to note that raw stainless steel from major manufacturers starts in its untreated form, with surface effects developed post-processing. These finishes depend on the manufacturer’s production techniques. Polishing is typically done by specialized factories using tapes, plates, or finished pieces. Beyond polishing, there are numerous other surface treatments available, such as embossing, etching, and matte finishes, which do not require high surface roughness.
Understanding these distinctions can significantly aid in selecting the right stainless steel product for specific applications, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional suitability.