About No. 1 finish stainless steel
No. 1 finish stainless steel pertains to a surface finish classification for stainless steel products, including sheets, coils, and plates. It’s among the most widely used surface finishes in the industry. No. 1 finish stainless steel is also known as the “mill finish” and is considered to have a rough appearance. Typically, this finish displays a subdued look with a slightly coarse surface, resulting from heat treatment and acid wash processes following hot rolling.
Various grades are available for No. 1 finish stainless steel, such as 304, 304L, 309, 309s, 310, 310s, 316, 316L, 317L, 321, 321H, 347, 347H, and 904L.
Key characteristics
No. 1 finish stainless steel exhibits a muted appearance and rough texture, lacking the high gloss and reflectivity seen in polished or more refined finishes. While this finish isn’t as sleek as polished alternatives, it remains relatively easy to clean. It retains the inherent corrosion-resistant properties found in stainless steel.
Where to use No. 1 finish stainless steel
No. 1 finish stainless steel is often well-suited for industrial applications that don’t necessitate a polished appearance or high brightness. Industries such as automotive, railway, transportation, architecture, building and construction, chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, energy and power, and oil and gas find utility in No. 1 finish stainless steel. This finish is also employed in producing items like air heaters, annealing boxes, boiler baffles, various furnace components, gas turbines, carburizing boxes, crystallizing pans, furnace conveyors, tube hangers, and more.
Forms of No 1 Finish Stainless Steel
-
No 1 Finish Stainless Steel Sheet -
No 1 Finish Stainless Steel Tube -
No 1 Finish Stainless Steel Coil -
No 1 Finish Stainless Steel Bar
Additional Services
We offer a range of value-added services to accommodate diverse needs, including gas cutting, CNC plasma cutting, profiling, rolling, bending, sheet metal fabrication, drilling, punching, machining, sandblasting, and heat treatment.
- Chemical composition
| Carbon | Chrome | Sulphur | Phosphorus | Silicon | Nickel | Copper | Molybdenum | Manganese |
| .08 max | 18.00/20.00 | .030 max | .040 max | 1.0 max | 8.00/11.00 | .75 max | .75 max | 2.00 max |
The “best” finish for stainless steel depends on the specific requirements of your application and your priorities regarding factors like aesthetics, corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, and cost. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as different finishes offer different advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few common stainless steel finishes and their characteristics:
- No. 2B (Bright, Cold-Rolled Finish): This finish is characterized by a smooth, reflective surface with a slight grainy texture. It’s commonly used for applications where appearance is important, such as architectural elements, kitchen appliances, and decorative items. It offers good corrosion resistance and is relatively easy to clean.
- No. 4 (Brushed Finish): This finish features a smooth, brushed appearance with fine parallel lines. It’s popular for applications where both aesthetics and ease of maintenance are important, such as restaurant equipment, elevator interiors, and decorative panels. The brushed texture helps mask minor scratches and fingerprints.
- No. 8 (Mirror or Reflective Finish): This finish offers a highly polished, mirror-like surface that is visually appealing and easy to clean. It’s used in applications requiring a high level of reflectivity and a premium appearance, such as architectural accents and decorative items. However, it can show scratches and imperfections more prominently.
- No. 1 (Mill Finish): As discussed earlier, this finish has a rough, dull appearance and is often chosen for industrial applications where aesthetics are not a primary concern. It offers excellent corrosion resistance but lacks the visual appeal of more polished finishes.
- 2D Finish: This finish is similar to No. 2B but has a slightly rougher texture. It’s commonly used for applications where the surface finish is not critical, such as certain types of industrial equipment.
- BA (Bright Annealed) Finish: This finish is achieved through annealing in a controlled atmosphere to produce a highly reflective and smooth surface. It’s often used in applications requiring high corrosion resistance and a bright appearance, such as sanitary equipment and certain architectural elements.
Ultimately, the best finish for stainless steel depends on finding the right balance between your functional and aesthetic requirements, along with considering factors like cost and maintenance.
