- 304 DDQ stainless steel is a specialized steel.wet steel image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
Some steels are milled with very specific surface requirements. One such steel is 304 DDQ stainless steel. The DDQ designation in this steel stands for deep draw quality and designates the steel's ability to be dramatically stretched and formed to make specialized products including stainless steel stinks, kitchen utensils and other pressed items. - Once the steel is formed in the foundry and meets the specific chemical composition standards, it is formed into large bars weighing several tons. These bars are then milled by being squeezed between two rollers that are progressively closer together. The steel is then finished according to the intended use. 304 DDQ stainless steel can be produced in a number of different finishes.
- The finish of the steel straight from the milling machine is known as a No. 0 finish. A No. 0 finish has all the scales and imperfections from forging and doesn't possess corrosion resistance. This finish is only used for high heat applications.
- For No. 1 finishes, the milled steel is roughly ground and put into a pickling solution. No. 1 finishes are slightly rough to the touch but meet requirements for industrial applications. Thinner plates of No. 1 steel may be cold rolled through a milling machine producing stronger steel with a smoother surface.
- There are three subcategories of No. 2 finishes. The first, No. 2D, is made by taking a No. 1 finished sheet and cold rolling it. The finished product has a dull finish coated by lubricant. This is the preferred finish for deep drawing applications. No. 2B finishes undergo an additional light pass through the milling machine, producing a semi-reflective surface. No. 2BA finishes take the steel through polished rollers, creating a brighter, almost mirrored finish.
Milling
No. 0 Finish
No. 1 Finish
No. 2 Finishes
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