31.75mm Width x 4.76mm Thick Metal Flat Aluminium Strip

Flat Aluminium Strip

We offer a wide selection of flat aluminium strip online from trusted mills in the UK. Providing high-quality, low-priced aluminium flat strip products to UK businesses and the general public, Speciality Metals is a leading aluminium metals supplier.

Speciality Metals, a UK-based supplier, offers flat aluminium strips in various lengths with a width of 31.75mm and thickness of 4.76mm. It is highly corrosion-resistant and can withstand weather, chemicals and heat, making it ideal for a variety of applications. Because it conducts electricity and heat extremely well, it is an excellent choice for both electrical and thermal applications. Additionally, this strip is lightweight, flexible and hygienic, making it a popular choice in the food and medical industries. Furthermore, the strip is fully recyclable, making it an eco-friendly metal solution.

Over 50,000 customers of Specialty Metals are provided with fast, friendly customer service every year. We’re the place to try when you need metal of any shape and size. We’re based in Warrington, UK. We pride ourselves on our rapid turnaround and a large range of options.

Key product details:

• Metal – 6082 Grade Aluminium
• Coating – No.
• Width – 31.75mm
• Thickness – 4.76mm

Flat bar strip is also available in mild steel and stainless steel.

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

FAQs About Aluminium Flat Bar

Is There a Risk of Metal Fatigue When Bending Flat Aluminium Strip?

Metal fatigue refers to the weakening of a material caused by repeatedly applied loads. When bending a flat aluminium strip, there are inherent stresses introduced to the material. Aluminium, being a ductile metal, can be bent relatively easily without breaking. However, if the same piece of aluminium is bent back and forth multiple times, or if it is bent to a severe degree, it can lead to work hardening, where the metal becomes more brittle and less elastic. This hardening is a precursor to fatigue cracks.

The risk of metal fatigue in bending aluminium doesn’t typically come from a single bend but from repetitive bending or flexing in the same spot. Over time, microscopic cracks can initiate and grow, eventually leading to failure. The rate of fatigue and the risk of failure depend on several factors, including the aluminium alloy, the temper of the metal, the degree of the bend, the radius of the bend, and the frequency of bending. Additionally, external factors such as corrosion can exacerbate the issue, as corroded spots can act as stress concentrators, accelerating fatigue.

In applications where repeated bending or dynamic stresses are expected, it’s essential to choose an appropriate aluminium alloy and temper, design with a generous bend radius, and ensure proper protective coatings to mitigate corrosion. If done correctly, the risk of metal fatigue can be significantly reduced, ensuring the longevity and integrity of the bent aluminium strip.

Is it Possible to Stamp or Engrave Flat Aluminium Strip?

Yes! Aluminium is a versatile and ductile metal, making it well-suited for both stamping and engraving processes. Stamping involves applying pressure to the aluminium strip with a die or punch to create a raised or recessed design. Given aluminium’s malleable nature, it accepts stamping with relative ease, allowing for intricate patterns and designs without requiring excessive force.

Engraving, on the other hand, involves removing material from the surface to create an indented design. Flat aluminium strips can be engraved using mechanical methods, such as rotary tools, or more advanced techniques like laser engraving. Mechanical engraving typically uses a pointed tool to carve out the design, while laser engraving uses concentrated laser beams to vaporise the material, providing a high level of precision and detail.

When stamping or engraving aluminium, it’s important to take into consideration the alloy and temper of the strip, as these factors can influence the ease of the process and the final outcome. Furthermore, post-process treatments, such as anodising or sealing, can enhance the durability and appearance of the stamped or engraved design. Overall, the inherent properties of aluminium combined with modern manufacturing techniques make it an excellent candidate for decorative and functional stamping or engraving applications.

How do I Finish the Edges of a Flat Aluminium Strip After Cutting?

Finishing the edges of a flat aluminium strip after cutting is crucial for safety, aesthetics and sometimes functionality. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Safety First: Always wear safety gloves, safety glasses and protective clothing before working with metals. The freshly cut edges of aluminium can be extremely sharp.

2. Deburring: The first step is to remove any burrs or sharp protrusions created during the cutting process.

   • Hand Deburring Tool: This is a tool specifically designed for removing burrs from metal edges. It often looks like a small hook or blade.
   • File: A metal file can be used to manually smooth the edges. Ensure you file in one direction rather than sawing back and forth.
   • Scotch-Brite Pad or Steel Wool: These can also be effective in removing smaller burrs and refining the edge.

3. Sanding: After deburring, further smoothing can be achieved through sanding.

   • Start with a coarser grit sandpaper (e.g., 220-grit) and progress to finer grits (e.g., 400-grit or 600-grit) for a smoother finish.
   • Sanding blocks or electric sanders can be used, depending on the size and shape of your aluminium strip and your preferred level of finish.

4. Polishing (Optional): If you want a mirror-like shine on the edges:

   • Use a polishing compound and a soft cloth or buffing wheel.
   • Ensure the edge is cleaned off any debris or previous sanding residue.

5. Rounding the Edges (Optional): For some applications, you might want to round off the edges rather than just smoothing them.

   • This can be achieved using a file or a dedicated edge beveling tool.

6. Cleaning: After you’ve achieved the desired finish, clean the edges with a cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol or a similar cleaning agent to remove any residual debris or oils.

7. Protective Finishes (Optional): Depending on the application, you might consider applying protective finishes.

   • Clear Coat or Lacquer: This provides a protective layer, especially if you’ve polished the aluminium to a high shine.
   • Anodising: This electrochemical process thickens the natural oxide layer of aluminium, providing enhanced corrosion resistance and a decorative finish.

8. Regular Maintenance: Depending on where and how the aluminium strip will be used, occasional maintenance like cleaning and re-polishing might be necessary to keep the edges in optimal condition.

Check out our blogs discussing stainless steel metal strip and mild steel flat bar. It will prove a useful read to help you to make an informed decision on which material would work best for you. 

We are also very proud of our ever expanding YouTube channel. 

Our goal for our blogs, videos and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers.  Contact us today if you have any questions at all. We are always really keen to help in any way that we can.

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