Manufacturers request finished stainless steel flat bars for a variety of applications. Stainless steel flat bars are quite versatile, and commonly provide excellent strength and corrosion resistance for their end-use.
Stainless Steel Flat Bars—Before the Finishing Process
Stainless steel flat bar comes available in a variety of finishes, grades, alloys, and types before being treated for its end-use. Before being converted from its raw material to a finished piece, they are usually sold as edge-treated flat bars or true flat bars.
- Edge-treated flat bars are more cost-effective due to their production method. Also known as sheared or edged flat bars, edge-treated flat bars are cut from stainless steel plates and then processed to flatten the body and smooth the edges. Edge-treated stainless-steel flat bars are best for applications where tolerance and sharpness are not as critical in the end-use application.
- True stainless-steel flat bars offer more uniformity from bar to bar. These bars are generally fabricated via hot rolling, annealing, and pickling (HRAP), though true flat bars may also be formed via cold drawing. With identical finishes on each side and tolerances of true flat bar is ideal for applications where polish, uniformity, or sharpness are required.
Stainless steel flat bar is most frequently sold with HRAP in 304 or 316 grades. The two materials offer a similar appearance, but 316 stainless steel delivers superior corrosion resistance.
. 304 Stainless Steel Flat Bar
Regarded as the standard when referring to flat bar in most industries, 304 stainless steel flat bar is one of the most versatile stainless steels. It is resistant to oxidation and corrosion and is easy to form and weld. 304 stainless steel flat bar is ideal for use as braces, trim, supports, and frames.
. 316 Stainless Steel Flat Bar
Due to the molybdenum content of 316 stainless steel, this stainless-steel material delivers superior corrosion and heat resistance. It withstands a variety of corrodents such as sulfuric acid, bromides, iodides, and chlorides and can, therefore, be used in marine environments.
Because of the added corrosion resistance capability, 316 stainless steel bars are typically more expensive than 304, but time and money can be saved by eliminating secondary services that would typically be added to resist corrosion. It is also rated as food-safe and often used to create components for food preparation equipment, medical instruments, oil rig pumps, and more.
Stainless Steel Bar Supplier
With years of experience polishing and converting stainless steel materials, AAA Metals is your one-stop-shop for all flat bar needs. We source all raw steel from the highest-quality providers available, and our cutting, grinding, and polishing capabilities ensure that our customers receive superior quality flat bar on every order.
Our stainless steel flat bar is available in sizes ⅛” x ⅜” through 4” x 8” following grades: Some of the more difficult grades may be Sheared & Edged, Saw Cut, Water Jet or Laser Cut to size.
- 13-8MO
- 15-5PH
- 17-4PH
- 302
- 303
- 304 and 304L
- 309
- 310
- 316 and 316L
- 317 and 317L
- 321
- 330
- 347
- 403
- 410
- 416
- 420
- 440C
Finishes may be applied to the faces and edges of flat bar, including HRAP, CFA, or Polished.
Applications of Stainless-Steel Flat Bar
Stainless steel flat bar comes in a variety of grades, sizes, and finishes to suit the needs of countless applications. The use cases for stainless steel flat bar vary widely, but some examples include:
- Building supports
- Engine components
- Food service equipment
- Handrails
- Industrial artwork
- Marine components
- Medical device components
. Polished Grade 304L and 316L Stainless Steel Handrails
As an example of our capabilities, we partnered with a long-time client for a stainless steel handrail project. We provided 30 polished stainless steel bars within a day, improving the finish on the batch of bars from an HRAP finish to a commercial #4 polish.
Contact Us for Your Stainless Steel Flat Bar Needs!
At AAA Metals, our capabilities enable us to fulfill any stainless steel flat bar needs. From standard batches of cost-effective, edge-treated flat bar to custom cut and polished true flat bar, we are more than capable of exceeding your expectations and providing you with a superior, high-quality product.
For more information on our flat bar capabilities, request a quote today.