200mm Width x 10mm Hot Rolled Mild Steel Flat Bar Section

Flat Bar Steel

Our flat bar hot rolled mild steel metal sections are available in S275 grade. Engineers and contractors use flat bar extensively in the manufacture of support braces, latches, mechanical parts, industrial tools, etc., as well as for many DIY projects.

For those in need of sturdy and reliable steel material, the mild steel flat bar offers a versatile solution. As a popular choice in the construction and manufacturing industries, this steel strip provides a solid foundation for various structures and machinery. With its uniform width and thickness, the mild steel flat bar offers consistent strength and durability for a wide range of applications.

As a result of its good to excellent formability, mild steel flat bar can easily be joined by welding processes or by means of fixings such as rivets, bolts and screws.

Hot Rolled Mild Steel Flat Bar Sections of 200mm Width x 10mm are available from Speciality Metals in various lengths. As well as being durable, this hot rolled steel is also versatile, cost-effective and environmentally friendly, since it is easily recyclable. In addition to its great welding, forming, bending and machining capabilities, this hot rolled mild steel flat bar section is highly malleable, allowing it to be shaped and molded according to specific design requirements. Hot rolled steel flat bar section of superior quality is the top choice of industries such as construction, automotive and manufacturing.

Key information:

• Width – 200mm
• Thickness – 10mm
• Shape – Flat
• Grade –S275
• Finish – Mill

Speciality Metals are the best suppliers for you because:

• FREE UK delivery on all orders
• Order dispatch within 24 hours of order
• Located in Warrington, UK which is the UK home of mesh and metals
• Our experienced staff are experts in the mesh market and care personally about your customer experience

We also carry a wide range of mild steel sheet metal, angle iron and round tube.

How do you Protect Hot Rolled Steel Flat Bar from Corrosion?

Protecting hot rolled steel flat bars from corrosion is essential, especially if they are to be used in environments where they are exposed to moisture or aggressive chemicals. Here are several methods to protect hot rolled steel flat bars from corrosion:

1. Painting:

   • Before painting, ensure the surface is clean from any dirt, rust or grease.
   • Use a suitable primer designed for steel. Primers prepare the surface for the topcoat and add an extra layer of protection.
   • After priming, apply one or more coats of a quality paint suitable for metal. The choice of paint may depend on the specific environment the steel will be exposed to.

2. Powder Coating:

   • This is a dry finishing process in which a powdered paint is applied electrostatically and then cured under heat. It provides a durable and attractive finish, resistant to scratching, chipping and corrosion.

3. Galvanising:

   • Hot-dip galvanising involves immersing the steel in a bath of molten zinc. A layer of zinc coats the steel, providing a barrier against corrosive substances. Galvanisation offers excellent protection for steel, especially for outdoor applications.

4. Zinc or Metal Spraying:

   • Metal spraying is a process where the metal, often zinc or aluminum, is melted and sprayed onto the steel surface using a gun. This creates a protective layer against corrosion.

5. Use of Corrosion Inhibitors:

   • These are chemicals that, when applied to the surface or added to a surrounding environment, prevent or reduce the rate of corrosion.

6. Cathodic Protection:

   • This technique uses a sacrificial anode, typically made of zinc or magnesium, to protect the steel. The sacrificial anode corrodes in preference to the steel, offering protection. This method is common in pipelines and large steel structures submerged in water.

7. Bluing:

   • Bluing is a passivation process that provides a layer of protection against rust. It’s often used for firearms but can be applied to other steel items. The process involves an oxidising chemical that turns the steel’s surface black, hence the name “bluing.”

8. Oil or Wax:

   • A simple way to protect steel is to coat it with oil or wax. This creates a barrier that prevents water and oxygen from coming into contact with the steel. However, this method requires regular re-application, especially in high-wear or outdoor environments.

9. Conversion Coatings:

   • These are treatments that cause a conversion of the steel’s surface to form a protective layer. Examples include phosphating and chromating.

10. Environmental Control:

• If possible, control the environment around the steel. This could involve reducing humidity, maintaining a certain pH level, or avoiding exposure to certain chemicals.

How do you Cut a Hot Rolled Mild Steel Flat Bar?

Cutting a hot rolled mild steel flat bar can be done using various methods depending on the tools available, the precision required and the thickness of the bar.

1. Hand Hacksaw:

   • Suitable for relatively thin bars or occasional cuts.
   • Ensure the blade has appropriate teeth for cutting steel.
   • Clamp the bar securely in a vise to prevent movement.
   • Use steady, full-length strokes while applying a consistent pressure.

2. Circular Saw:

   • Equipped with a metal cutting blade, a circular saw can efficiently cut through steel bars.
   • Ensure you wear protective eyewear and ear protection.
   • Lubricate the cut with cutting fluid to prevent overheating and extend blade life.

3. Angle Grinder:

   • Fitted with a metal cutting wheel, an angle grinder can make quick cuts.
   • It’s essential to wear safety goggles, gloves and hearing protection.
   • Ensure you secure the steel bar before cutting.
   • Always cut away from your body to avoid potential injury.

4. Bandsaw:

   • Bandsaws, especially those designed for metal, provide precise and relatively fast cuts.
   • They work by using a continuous band of toothed metal which rotates on two wheels to cut the material.
   • Use appropriate speed settings and blade type for cutting steel.

5. Chop Saw:

   • This is a more industrial tool, great for making multiple, consistent cuts.
   • Like the circular saw, ensure it has a metal cutting blade and use cutting fluid if necessary.

6. Plasma Cutter:

   • A plasma cutter is an electric tool that cuts by sending a pressurised gas through a small channel. In this channel, an electric arc is formed, turning some of the gas into plasma which is hot enough to cut metal.
   • It provides a fast and clean cut, especially for thicker bars.
   • Ensure you follow safety procedures, including wearing appropriate protective gear.

7. Oxy-acetylene Torch:

   • This method uses a mixture of oxygen and acetylene gas to produce a very high-temperature flame capable of cutting through steel.
   • It’s less precise than other methods but can handle very thick bars.
   • Safety is paramount when using a torch, including wearing proper eye protection with the correct shade of lens and ensuring a well-ventilated area.

8. Shearing:

   • Some workshops may have shearing machines which can provide clean and fast cuts, especially for thinner steel bars.

Tips for Cutting:

• Always mark your cut line clearly to ensure accuracy.
• If accuracy is critical, consider leaving a small amount of extra material so you can grind or file down to the precise measurement.
• Regularly check and maintain your cutting tools to ensure they remain sharp and effective.

Lastly, always prioritise safety. Whichever method you choose, ensure you’re wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety goggles, gloves and ear protection.

How do you Bend a Hot Rolled Steel Flat Bar?

Bending a hot rolled steel flat bar requires some understanding of the material’s properties and the application of appropriate tools and techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bend a hot rolled steel flat bar:

1. Determine the Bend Radius:

   • The bend radius is the inside radius after the bend, and it’s crucial because it determines how sharp or broad the bend will be.
   • For mild steel, it’s typically safe to bend it where the inside radius is at least equal to the material thickness. However, sharper bends can be achieved based on the specific grade of the steel and the desired application.

2. Mark the Steel:

   • Using a marker or chalk, mark the steel flat bar where you want the bend to start and end.
   • You might also want to mark the middle point of the bend for reference.

3. Choose the Right Tool:

   • Manual Bending: For thin bars or simple projects, a manual bending method might suffice. This involves placing the steel in a vice (or similar tool) aligned with your mark and then using a mallet or your hands to bend the steel around a form that matches the desired curve.
   • Bending Machine or Brake: For more substantial or precise bends, a bending machine, often referred to as a brake, is preferred. You place the steel in the machine aligned with your marks, and the machine bends it to the desired angle.
   • Roll Benders: These are suitable for creating smooth, rounded bends. The steel is passed through three rollers, which progressively shape the bar into a curve.

4. Heat Bending (if necessary):

   • If you’re working with a thicker steel bar, or if you need a sharper bend, you might consider applying heat. Using an oxy-acetylene torch, heat the area where you’ve marked the bend until it’s cherry red. Once heated, use tools or machinery to bend the steel. Heating makes the steel more malleable and reduces the risk of cracking.
   • Ensure you have proper protective equipment, such as safety goggles, gloves and a welding jacket when using this method.

5. Check the Angle:

   • After making the bend, check the angle using a protractor or angle gauge to ensure you’ve achieved the desired degree of bend.
   • If you’ve over-bent the steel slightly, you can correct it by bending it back a bit.

6. Finishing:

   • Once you’ve achieved the desired bend, check the steel for any imperfections. If there are any marks, scratches or minor deformities, you can often correct them using a hammer, file or grinder.

7. Allow to Cool (if heat was applied):

   • If you used heat to assist with the bend, let the steel cool slowly to room temperature. Cooling too rapidly, such as quenching in water, can induce additional stresses and potentially make the steel brittle.

8. Apply Protective Coatings (if necessary):

   • If the steel has been exposed to heat or if its surface coating has been damaged during bending, consider applying rust protection. This could be in the form of paint, primer or other coatings.