What does BA mean in SS316L BA?

March 1, 2008

Hi, just came across this wonderful website about metal finishing. I'm a new engineer working for semiconductor industry & I would like to learn more about Stainless steel material.

I have 2 questions in my mind:

1)what's the difference between SS316L EP & SS316L BA?

As far as I know, EP is electropolished, which by far is the best surface treatment available in order to obtain better corrosion resistance. But what about BA? What's it stands for? Is it better than EP?

2) what's SS304 2B? What kind of grade is this "2B" ? Are there other type of grades available for SS304?

Thanks for helping me out.

Azarul Sani
engineer - Kulim, Malaysia