40mm Width x 5mm Thick Flat Bar Stainless Steel Metal Strips

Metal Strips

Top quality flat bar stainless steel metal strips supplied straight from Warrington, UK. As the name suggests, stainless steel flat bar is essentially pre-fabricated stainless steel strips.

There are dozens of widths and thicknesses of Stainless Steel Strips available from 20mm x 3mm thick up to 50mm x 6mm thick.

Speciality Metals offers an impressive selection of flat bar stainless steel metal strips in various lengths, measuring 40mm in width and 5mm in thickness. These metal strips boast an array of impressive qualities that make them an ideal choice for a wide range of application needs. They are highly durable, corrosion resistant and have excellent resistance to weather, chemicals and heat. Additionally, they are malleable, giving them the versatility to be shaped to fit different structures. These metal strips also have hygienic properties, making them suitable for use in any environment. Overall, Speciality Metals’ flat bar stainless steel metal strips are a reliable and top-quality choice.

Key information:

These are the available options from stock:

• 20mm Width x 3mm Thick 
• 20mm Width x 5mm Thick 
• 20mm Width x 6mm Thick 
• 25mm Width x 3mm Thick 
• 25mm Width x 5mm Thick 
• 25mm Width x 6mm Thick
• 30mm Width x 5mm Thick 
• 30mm Width x 6mm Thick 
• 40mm Width x 3mm Thick 
• 40mm Width x 5mm Thick 
• 40mm Width x 6mm Thick 
• 50mm Width x 3mm Thick 
• 50mm Width x 5mm Thick 
• 50mm Width x 6mm Thick 

Why Choose Speciality Metals

Speciality Metals is known to be the United Kingdom’s best up-and-coming small-quantity metal company.

• 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

Furthermore we stock a vast range of stainless steel sections that compliment our mesh range perfectly.

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.

We are developing our online offers to give more customers access to the best metals and mesh available in the UK. 

Our mission is to be the UK’s go-to supplier for small-quantity metal requests. With an ever-growing range of products, we provide you with high quality materials, outstanding customer service and fast delivery times. Our experienced staff

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

How do I Clean and Maintain 304 Stainless Steel Flat Bars?

Cleaning:

1. Routine Cleaning:

   • For regular cleaning, use warm water and a mild detergent. A soft cloth or sponge works well for this purpose. After cleaning, rinse the surface with clean water to remove any detergent residue.

2. Tough Stains and Fingerprints:

   • For tougher stains, use a mixture of baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and gently rub with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain of the steel. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
   • Commercial stainless steel cleaners can also be effective in removing stains, tarnish and fingerprints.

3. Avoiding Scratches:

   • Always wipe or clean in the direction of the grain. This minimises the visibility of any scratches that might occur.
   • Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface.

4. Discoloration and Heat Tint:

   • Discoloration or heat tint from high temperatures can be removed using a commercial stainless steel cleaner or a mild abrasive pad combined with a cleaning solution. Again, always rub in the direction of the grain.

5. Removing Oxidation:

   • Oxidation or rust spots can be removed using a paste made from baking soda and water, or a commercial cleaner formulated for rust removal on stainless steel.

Maintenance:

1. Protection:

   • To protect the surface, you can periodically apply a thin layer of mineral oil or a commercially available stainless steel polish. This provides a protective layer and enhances the shine.

2. Avoiding Corrosives:

   • Ensure that the flat bars are not exposed to corrosive chemicals, especially chlorine-based solvents or bleach.

3. Regular Inspection:

   • Periodically inspect the flat bars for any signs of corrosion, damage or wear. Early detection can prevent more significant issues in the future.

4. Environmental Factors:

   • If the flat bars are used in environments with high salinity or exposure to industrial chemicals, regular and more frequent cleaning is advised to prevent surface damage or corrosion.

5. Avoid Prolonged Contact:

   • Do not let other metals, especially iron or carbon steel, remain in contact with the stainless steel for extended periods, as this can lead to contamination and rust spots.

Can 304 Stainless Steel be Safely Used in Marine Applications?

304 stainless steel possesses good corrosion resistance due to its chromium content, which enables the formation of a protective passive oxide layer on its surface. However, when considering marine applications, there are some factors to keep in mind.

In marine environments, especially those with high salinity or near coastal regions, stainless steel is exposed to higher concentrations of chloride ions. These ions can compromise the protective oxide layer of 304 stainless steel, leading to pitting and crevice corrosion. The situation becomes even more pronounced in areas with high temperatures and humidity, which can accelerate corrosive activity.

For these reasons, while 304 stainless steel can be used in some marine applications, it may not be the ideal choice for components that are continuously exposed to saltwater or located in the splash zone. Instead, 316 stainless steel, which contains molybdenum, is typically preferred for marine applications. The addition of molybdenum enhances the alloy’s resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments.

That said, for less critical marine components or for those located inside a marine vessel where direct and continuous exposure to saltwater is limited, 304 stainless steel may be considered suitable. For example, cabin hardware, handrails or other interior components can often be made from 304 stainless steel without issue.

Is 304 Stainless Steel Recyclable?

Yes, 304 grade stainless steel is recyclable. In fact, stainless steel, in general, is one of the most recycled materials globally, and here’s why:

1. End-of-Life Collection Rate: Stainless steel has an impressive end-of-life collection rate, with estimates indicating that over 80% of products containing stainless steel are collected and recycled at the end of their operational life.

2. Recycling Process: When stainless steel products are recycled, they are typically melted down and then re-cast into new products. The quality of stainless steel remains consistent even after recycling, meaning there’s no degradation in the material’s properties even after multiple recycling processes.

3. Resource Efficiency: Recycling stainless steel is efficient in terms of resource utilisation. Using recycled material reduces the need for virgin raw materials and the energy consumption associated with producing new stainless steel from ore.

4. Economic Incentive: Stainless steel scrap has value, providing an economic incentive for recycling. This economic value arises from the content of alloying elements like chromium, nickel and molybdenum.

5. Environmental Impact: Using recycled stainless steel in manufacturing reduces CO2 emissions and water usage compared to using primary raw materials. This makes the stainless steel industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

6. Versatility: Regardless of the original product – whether it was a kitchen sink, building facade or industrial machinery – once the stainless steel is recycled, it can be used to produce any other stainless steel product.