Finishes & Coatings

NKS provides a number of finishes and coatings on all products. Both processes ensure quality, strength and durability that will fit the specifications of every order. Finishes ensure that stainless steel meets mechanical property requirements and are also important in the fabrication process. Coating stainless steel can also increase the corrosion resistance. Our applied coatings have good durability, superior hardness, excellent oxidation resistance, and protection from wear due to oxidation.

Finishes

2B

The 2B finish is the most popular of the stainless steel finishes. This finish is the basis for many polished and brushed finishes. The 2B finish is particularly sought after in chemical and food processing applications. This finish is achieved by cold rolling, heat treating and pickling in order to achieve a smooth sheen. Polished rolls are used in the final light cold rolling pass, producing a more reflective finish that resembles a cloudy mirror.

Applications: Chemical plant equipment, Appliances, Pharmaceutical equipment, Refrigeration, Sheet metal products 

2D

The surface of the 2D finish is rougher than 2B and retains lubricants better. When a painted finish is desired, the 2D finish is used as a substrate because it provides excellent paint adherence. This finish is achieved by cold rolling, heat treating and pickling. Unlike the 2B finish, the 2D finish creates a matte surface appearance that serves industrial and engineering applications. 

Applications: Automotive truck and rail, Hardware, Chemical equipment, Petrochemical equipment, Roofing.

Bright Annealed (BA) and 2BA

The BA finish is often used on household appliances. Its smooth and reflective surface is achieved by heat-treatment. The BA finish has a PVC film on one side to help protect against scratching during fabrication and installation. The difference between a BA finish and a 2BA finish is that while BA is only bright annealed, 2BA has been bright annealed and then passed through highly polished rolls. 

Applications: Appliances, Architectural and construction, Food processing equipment, Medical instruments

No. 3 Finish

The No. 3 finish is recognizable by short, coarse, parallel polishing lines. These lines extend uniformly along the length of the coil. This finish is achieved by either mechanically polishing or by passing the coil through special rolls, which press a pattern into the surface. This finish has a relatively reflective appearance. 

Applications: Food processing equipment, Kitchen equipment, Alliance

No. 4 Finish

The No. 4 finish can be identified by short, parallel polishing lines, which extend the length of the coil. The No. 4 finish is achieved by mechanically polishing a No. 3 finish with gradually finer abrasives. This finish is often applied to materials used in food processing equipment and in the fabrication of kitchen equipment. 

Applications: Appliances, Architectural and construction, Transportation, Food processing equipment, Kitchen equipment

                     

Coatings

Process Benefits

• Cleaned Metal Surface, Removing Solvents & Contaminations/Degreased
• Metal Surface Inspection 
• Eliminating Post Cleaning or Powdered Coating Parts
• Coating Options Functional / Cosmetic 
• Environmentally Friendly

Dry Film Lube

Dry Film Lube is a waterborne coating that forms a hard, dry, temporary film that provides a high level of lubricity for metal forming without the need for wet lubricants.

• Eliminates the need for oils and other drawing compounds
• Usable on all metal substrates
• Eliminates metal-to-metal contact protecting the tool and formed part
• Provides transportation corrosion protection
• Increase efficiency
• Decrease scrap loss
• Prolong tool life
• Suitable for deep-draw stamping
• Removable after use
• Does not affect secondary processing (Slitting, CTL, etc.)

NKS Supercoat 1000

NKS Supercoat 1000 is a permanent insulative coating applied directly to the strip.  This high tech coating can be applied on a strip up to 12” wide, and placed anywhere on that strip +/-0.015”. 

• Coating thickness 0.000175”
• Alternative to hand placed or film insulators
• Extremely durable
• Many color alternatives available

Additional Coatings Available

• Anti-Microbial
• High Temperature