In the modern decoration and industrial fields, stainless steel color plates are highly favored for their brilliant colors and excellent performance. Are you curious about how ordinary stainless steel plates can be transformed into colorful decorative darlings? What mysteries are contained in its processing flow? What are the precautions during the processing? Next, let's explore in depth together.
I. A Full Reveal of the Processing Flow
1.tableSurface pretreatment: This is the first step in processing, just like laying a solid foundation for subsequent procedures. First, degreasing treatment should be carried out. Professional stainless steel degreasing and activation solution should be used to remove oil stains, impurities and other dirt from the surface of the stainless steel plate. If these dirt are not removed, it will seriously affect the subsequent processing effect, such as causing uneven coloring. After degreasing, the board is activated to keep its surface in an active state, preparing for the subsequent passivation treatment. After completing these two steps, thoroughly rinse the board with clean water to ensure there are no residual chemicals.
2.Passivation treatment: The pre-treated stainless steel plates enter the passivation stage. Soak the plates in stainless steel passivation paste or passivation solution for usually half an hour to more than two hours, with the specific duration depending on the material of the plates and the required passivation effect. During this period, the passivator undergoes a chemical reaction with the surface of the stainless steel, forming a passivation film. This passivation film is like putting on an invisible armor for stainless steel, which can significantly enhance its corrosion resistance and provide a guarantee for subsequent processing and long-term use.
3.Alkaline water rinse: Immediately after passivation is completed, perform an alkaline water rinse. This step is of vital importance. It can neutralize the acidic passivator remaining on the surface of the board and prevent the residual agent from causing corrosion to the board. When rinsing, make sure to rinse thoroughly. Every surface should be washed clean with clear water, and then the board should be rinsed once again with clean water.
4.Coloring treatment: This is a crucial step in endowing stainless steel color plates with a riot of colors. The common method is the acid bath oxidation coloring method, which involves immersing the treated stainless steel plate in a hot chromic sulfuric acid solution bath. At this point, a wonderful change occurs on the surface of the stainless steel, forming an extremely thin oxide film, which is only one percent the diameter of a human hair. The different colors we see are caused by the interference phenomenon resulting from the difference in film thickness when light shines on this oxide film. By precisely controlling the immersion time of the sheet in the solution, the operator can obtain the desired specific color, such as the classic rose gold, noble titanium gold, and mysterious black titanium, etc.
5.Hard film treatment: The colored board is then subjected to hard film treatment. During this process, stable compounds such as chromium trioxide and chromium hydroxide are generated on the cathode through a specific electrochemical process. These compounds act like sealants, filling the tiny pores in the oxide film. They not only enhance the wear resistance of the oxide film, making it more resistant to daily friction and scratches, but also improve its corrosion resistance and heat resistance. After hard film treatment, the colored stainless steel plate not only has an outstanding appearance but also has a more solid and durable internal quality.
6.Spray protective film (optional) : To further protect the surface of the color stainless steel plate and prevent contamination or scratches during subsequent transportation, installation and use, some manufacturers will spray a transparent protective film on the surface of the plate, which is commonly known as a fingerprint-free oil film. This protective film not only effectively prevents fingerprints from adhering, but also to a certain extent isolates air and moisture, slows down oxidation and discoloration, and extends the service life of the board.
Ii. Comprehensive Review of Processing Precautions
1.Material selection: High-quality raw materials are the foundation for producing high-quality colored stainless steel plates. When choosing stainless steel plates, it is necessary to ensure that the material complies with relevant standards and has a stable chemical composition. Avoid using recycled stainless steel. This type of material has a complex chemical composition and many impurities. The color stainless steel plates produced from it may have problems such as insufficient hardness and easy cracking, which seriously affect product quality and service life.
2.Surface protection: From the start of processing to the completion of installation, the surface of the stainless steel plate must be carefully protected. Before processing, do not remove the protective film on the surface of the board in advance. During transportation and processing, handle with care to prevent scratches or damage to the surface of the board. Once the surface is damaged, especially the fingerprint-free oil film is destroyed, the board is extremely prone to discoloration due to oxidation. If the surface is accidentally damaged, it should be immediately protected by spraying with transparent self-drying paint.
3.Welding process: Try to avoid directly welding color stainless steel plates with high-temperature tools such as oxygen welding, argon arc welding, and electric welding. Because high temperatures can cause the color of the area around the welding to change, affecting the overall appearance. If welding is necessary, it is recommended to use spot welding and then cover it with a similar color of self-spray paint after welding.
4.Cross-construction protection: During the construction process, if there is a situation of cross-construction with other decoration projects, it is essential to do a good job in shielding the color stainless steel plates. Prevent the surface of the stainless steel plate from being contaminated or scratched by flying particles, corrosive liquids, etc. during the construction process.
5.Post-construction treatment: After the construction is completed, the protective film on the surface of the board should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the film from delaminating due to long-term adhesion, which may affect the appearance of the board. After the film is removed, it is strictly prohibited to wipe the board with chemical agents such as toluene, acetone, alcohol, thinner or diluent. These agents will corrode the surface of the board, causing serious consequences such as color fading and oxidation discoloration. It is recommended that after the entire project is completed, the processed areas be re-sprayed with transparent self-drying paint once to further enhance the protective effect.
6.The processing flow of stainless steel color plates is complex and exquisite, and each step is related to the quality and appearance of the final product. During the processing, only by strictly controlling every link and paying attention to all key points can we produce both beautiful and durable colored stainless steel plates to meet the diverse demands of the market. Whether for decoration and renovation or industrial applications, high-quality colored stainless steel plates will exude a unique charm.
