Brushed Stainless Steel Roll Forming Material Guide: No.4 Finish, Coil Sizes & Applications

Brushed Stainless Steel Roll Forming Material

1. Overview of Brushed Stainless Steel in Roll Forming

Brushed stainless steel, commonly referred to as No.4 finish, is a directional, satin-like surface finish created by mechanically polishing the steel with abrasive belts.

In roll forming, brushed stainless steel is widely used in architectural, commercial, and decorative applications where a consistent grain pattern and premium appearance are required.

Compared to BA or mirror finishes, brushed stainless steel provides a balance between aesthetics and practicality, as it helps hide fingerprints and minor scratches.

2. Material Composition & Structure

Brushed finish refers to the surface finish, not the alloy.

It is commonly applied to:

• 201 stainless steel
• 304 stainless steel
• 316 stainless steel
• 430 stainless steel

Structure

• Stainless steel base material
• Mechanically brushed surface
• Directional grain pattern

3. Available Coil Specifications

Thickness Range

• 0.4mm – 5.0mm

Coil Width

• 600mm – 1500mm

Coil Weight

• 2 tons – 10 tons

Coil ID / OD

• ID: 508mm / 610mm
• OD: up to 1600mm

Tolerance

• High flatness
• Consistent surface grain

4. Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties depend on base grade:

• Yield Strength: 200 – 600 MPa
• Tensile Strength: 500 – 900 MPa
• Elongation: 20% – 60%
• Hardness: 150 – 300 HB

5. Surface Finish Details

Brushed (No.4) Finish Characteristics

• Satin, non-reflective appearance
• Directional grain (linear pattern)
• Medium reflectivity
• Uniform texture

Production Process

1. Cold rolling
2. Surface polishing using abrasive belts
3. Controlled grain direction

Typical Roughness

• Ra ≈ 0.4–0.8 µm

6. Common Roll Forming Applications

• Architectural wall panels
• Elevator interiors
• Commercial kitchens
• Decorative trims
• Shop fittings and displays
• Cladding systems

7. Advantages of Brushed Stainless Steel

• Premium aesthetic finish
• Hides fingerprints and scratches better than polished finishes
• Durable surface
• Suitable for high-traffic areas
• Widely accepted in architectural applications

8. Disadvantages / Limitations

• Grain direction must be controlled during forming
• Surface can still scratch if mishandled
• Slightly higher cost than 2B
• Matching panels requires consistent grain direction

9. Roll Forming Machine Considerations

Roll Tooling

• Polished rollers required
• Grain protection critical

Speed

• 8–25 m/min

Lubrication

• Light lubrication recommended

Cutting

• Clean cutting required to maintain finish

Common Issues

• Grain distortion
• Surface scratching
• Roller marks

10. Common Problems in Production

• Grain misalignment between panels
• Surface scratching during forming
• Handling damage
• Uneven brushing appearance
• Roll marks

11. Pricing Guide

Typical global pricing (depends on base grade):

• Low: $1500–$2500 per ton (430 base)
• Medium: $3000–$4500 per ton (304 base)
• High: $4500–$7500+ per ton (316 base)

Factors affecting price:

• Base stainless grade
• Surface finish quality
• Thickness
• Grain consistency

12. Comparison with Other Finishes

Brushed vs 2B Finish

• Brushed = textured, satin
• 2B = smooth, industrial

Brushed vs BA Finish

• Brushed = directional grain
• BA = reflective smooth surface

Brushed vs Mirror Finish

• Brushed = practical
• Mirror = highly decorative

13. Best Industries Using Brushed Stainless Steel

• Architecture and design
• Commercial interiors
• Food service equipment
• Retail and display systems
• Elevator manufacturing

14. How to Choose Brushed Stainless Steel

Choose Brushed When:

• Aesthetic finish is important
• High-traffic areas
• Fingerprint resistance required
• Architectural applications

Avoid When:

• Mirror finish required
• Surface must be highly reflective

15. FAQ Section

What is brushed stainless steel?

A stainless steel with a satin, directional finish.

Is brushed the same as No.4 finish?

Yes, they are the same.

Does brushed stainless steel scratch easily?

Less visible than polished finishes.

Can brushed steel be roll formed?

Yes, with proper handling.

Why is grain direction important?

For consistent visual appearance across panels.

16. Machine Matcher Section

We supply roll forming machines for all material types including brushed stainless steel.

• Custom-built machines to your profile
• New machines built to specification
• Global delivery available
• UK and USA technical support

Contact:
Machine Matcher
Sales & Technical Team

Quick Specs

Thickness
0.4–5.0mm

Yield Strength
200–600 MPa

Coil Width
600–1500mm

Coil ID
508 / 610mm