Stainless Steel 304 Brushed

What is Stainless Steel 304 Brushed?

304 stainless steel is the workhorse grade of the stainless steel family, containing approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel (also called 18/8 stainless). It provides excellent corrosion resistance in most environments including commercial kitchens, food processing, and architectural applications. The brushed finish — also referred to as No.4 finish or satin finish — is produced by polishing the cold-rolled sheet with a fine abrasive belt, creating a distinctive linear grain pattern.

The brushed finish hides fingerprints and minor scratches better than mirror or 2B finishes, making it the preferred choice for benchtops, splashbacks, handrails, lift interiors, and any surface subject to regular handling.

Why Laser Cut 304 Brushed Stainless?

Fibre laser cutting is the standard process for stainless steel fabrication. At Ferracut, stainless steel is cut with nitrogen assist gas, preventing oxidation of the cut edge and producing a clean, oxide-free finish consistent with the brushed surface. This is critical for applications where cut edges will be visible or further polished.

Laser cutting enables tight tolerances, complex profiles, and fine detail that manual cutting cannot achieve. It is ideal for commercial kitchen components, architectural panels, decorative screens, custom signage, and precision fabricated assemblies.

Available Thicknesses

304 Brushed stainless is available in: 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm, 6.0mm, 8.0mm, 10.0mm, and 12.0mm. Maximum sheet size 3000mm × 1500mm.

Tolerances and Edge Quality

Cut tolerances are ±0.1mm to ±0.15mm on thicknesses up to 6mm. Nitrogen assist produces bright, oxide-free edges that can be polished to match the brushed surface finish if required. For thicknesses above 6mm, edge quality remains good but a light edge blend may be desired for premium aesthetic applications.

Common Applications

• Commercial kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, and equipment
• Architectural wall cladding and column covers
• Lift interior panels and handrails
• Decorative screens and privacy panels
• Custom signage and lettering
• Balustrade infill panels
• Industrial food processing equipment

Preserving the Brushed Finish During Fabrication

Brushed stainless sheet is typically supplied with a protective PVC film on the brushed face. Keep the film on during handling, cutting, and forming. Remove only when the part is in its final position. Avoid contact with carbon steel tools, clamps, or surfaces as embedded iron particles will cause surface rust.

File Preparation Tips

Submit DXF or DWG. Note the grain direction in your order if orientation of the brushed finish is critical relative to the part geometry. Minimum hole diameter should be at least equal to material thickness. For parts requiring edge polishing after cutting, allow 0.1–0.2mm additional material at edges.

Additional Services

Laser cutting and CNC press brake bending are available online. For welding, assembly, powder coating, or thread tapping, email store@magaholdings.com.au.

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