Even though mirror stainless steel is commonly referred to as "mirror," it actually comes in various grades, each representing the degree of surface roughness. These grades help us understand the specific surface effects produced during manufacturing. For instance, 8k and 12k mirror stainless steel might seem similar at first glance, but they represent distinct surface finishes. However, relying solely on the "k" designation isn't always precise since these distinctions can be subtle and hard to discern without direct comparison.
To simplify the process of identifying these grades, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that clearly outlines the differences in surface finishes:
- **Mirror Stainless Steel Grade 14k**: Surface finish with Ra values between 0.012~0.03μm. Known for its ultra-fine polish, this grade offers an excellent surface effect.
- **Grade 13k**: Surface finish with Ra values of 0.015~0.02μm. This super-fine polished stainless steel also provides a great surface effect.
- **Grade 12k**: Surface finish with Ra values of 0.02~0.16μm. Often referred to as 10k mirror stainless steel, it’s finely polished with a noticeable but less extreme shine.
- **Grade 11k (8k Mirror)**: Surface finish with Ra values of 0.1~0.2μm. This grade is well-polished with a decent reflective quality, often used in more functional applications.
- **Grade 10k (6k Mirror)**: Surface finish with Ra values of 0.2~0.3μm. This grade includes BA stainless steel and represents the original state of the material, offering minimal brightness and a matte-like appearance.
- **Grade 9k**: Surface finish with Ra values of 0.4μm. Also known as the 4k finish, it lacks significant reflectivity and is sometimes referred to as a 2B surface.
- **Grade 8k**: Surface finish with Ra values of 0.8μm. While not reflective, it still shows some machining marks.
- **Grade 7k**: Surface finish with Ra values of 1.6μm. Offers no mirror effect but allows the direction of machining marks to be visible.
- **Grade 6k**: Surface finish with Ra values of 3.2μm. The surface lacks any mirror effect and cannot show machining marks.
- **Grade 5k**: Surface finish with Ra values of 6.3μm. The surface remains non-reflective but has slightly noticeable machining marks.
- **Grade 4k**: Surface finish with Ra values of 12.5μm. Visible machining marks are present, making the surface less smooth.
- **Grade 3k**: Surface finish with Ra values of 25μm. The surface is quite rough with very evident machining marks.
- **Grade 2k**: Surface finish with Ra values of 50μm. A very rough surface with clear machining marks.
- **Grade 1k**: Surface finish with Ra values of 100μm. Extremely rough with very apparent machining marks. Interestingly, the higher the grade, the better the surface finish, providing a shinier, smoother, and flatter appearance.
Raw materials from major stainless steel manufacturers are typically in their original state, meaning they haven’t undergone much processing. The final surface finish depends heavily on post-processing techniques like polishing, which can involve tapes, plates, or finished small parts. Polishing results vary based on the manufacturer and the intended application. Beyond polishing, other surface treatments like embossing, drawing, and matte finishes also play crucial roles in achieving desired aesthetics without focusing too much on surface roughness.
This breakdown makes it easier to differentiate between stainless steel grades and their corresponding surface effects, helping users choose the right product for their needs.
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