Various methods for coloring stainless steel exist, including chemical plating (LIC), electroplating, and PVD coating. Among these methods, PVD coating is considered the most durable and long-lasting. Chemical plating can enhance the chemical resistance of stainless steel sheets, thereby protecting them from damage caused by exposure to chemicals. It’s worth noting that the color achieved through chemical plating is lighter than that achieved through PVD coating.
At Topson, we have both production lines so that you can purchase chemical-plated stainless steel or PVD-coated stainless steel according to your demands.
What is PVD coating
Achieving PVD coating involves a specialized process that deposits a thin material layer onto a substrate. It requires specialized equipment, expertise, and extensive experience to achieve the quality PVD coating. At Topson, we can promise that the PVD color plates you purchase will maintain a consistent color over time.
PVD-coated stainless steel is ideal for indoor and outdoor use as it retains its color for many years. High-quality PVD-coated stainless steel will not change color exposure to UV rays.
Steps to process:
The stainless steel substrate is prepared and then placed into a vacuum chamber where it is secured. Proprietary metals and compounds are heated until they evaporate. The evaporated material is then deposited onto the stainless steel surface through magnetic attraction, resulting in a uniform and highly durable coating.
What is a chemical plating
Chemical plating is a process in which chemical solutions are used to deposit a thin layer of metal or alloy onto the surface of stainless steel.
Steps to process:
Place the cleaned stainless steel containing the metal ions or compounds in the plating bath. Connect the power and let the electric current pass through the solution. This will result in a thin, uniform layer on the stainless steel surface.
During chemical plating, you can control the thickness of the layer by adjusting factors such as plating time, current density, and solution composition.
Read more about the chemical plating VS PVD coating!
Grades that can be used for processing black stainless steel
Grades 304, 316, and 201 can all be colored for general environments (201ss and 304ss) and harsh environments (316ss). After PVD / LIC coating treatment, the surface of colored stainless steel is more impact-resistant and scratch-resistant than that of original stainless steel.
201 stainless steel has good formability and can shape complex architectural designs without cracking. It is usually used to make indoor handrails and cladding. 304 and 316 stainless steel have strong corrosion resistance and are suitable for outdoor buildings or areas with high air humidity. In particular, 316 stainless steel is preferred in areas with high chloride (Cl) content.
If the humidity of the environment where you use stainless steel is over 70%, we suggest you apply an anti-fingerprint layer based on a colored stainless steel sheet. It can minimize the risk of rust and corrosion.
Fabrication of black stainless steel
Bending
The hem of the black stainless steel sheet is an open teardrop shape, the stainless steel finish is flawless, and the coloring is consistent. While bending, you can bend the colored stainless steel directly without worrying about damaging the color coating. Nevertheless, when using plates thicker than 1.50mm, V-grooving should be made before bending to avoid damaging the color coating during bending. You also can use bending film to protect the stainless steel surface during bending.
Welding
You can generally weld black stainless steel, but you can’t grind or polish the weld. If you insist on welding, it is recommended to laser weld from the inside of the corner or from the side that is not visible. Excellent welding is required without using filler rods or welding wire if this is impossible. This means that the parts fit very tightly.
Topson also provides stainless steel fabrication services. You can submit the CAD drawing of the project to us, and our engineering team will provide you with the best stainless steel fabricating services.
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