40mm Width x 5mm Thick Mild Steel Flat Metal Strips

Flat Metal Strips

Our mild steel flat metal strips 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.

When it comes to high-quality flat metal strips, Speciality Metals has you covered. Mild Steel Flat Metal Strips with 40mm Width and 5mm Thickness are manufactured in the UK and are available in different lengths to meet your needs. Furthermore, these strips are not only durable and versatile, but also cost-effective. With their excellent welding, forming, bending, and machining abilities, they are an excellent choice for a variety of projects. You can reuse them again and again because they’re easily recyclable and malleable. So, whether you’re a professional metalworker or DIY enthusiast, these strips are definitely worth considering.

Key information:

• Width – 40mm
• Thickness – 5mm
• 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 Mild Steel Flat bars Compare to Stainless Steel Flat Bars in Terms of Cost?

Comparing mild steel flat bars to stainless steel flat bars in terms of cost involves looking into several aspects of both materials. Here’s a breakdown of the comparison:

1. Material Cost:

   • Mild Steel: Generally, mild steel is less expensive than stainless steel. This is because the production of mild steel is simpler and doesn’t require the alloying elements that stainless steel does. As a bulk material, mild steel is often cheaper per pound or kilogram.

   • Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is more expensive than mild steel due to its alloying elements, such as chromium, nickel and molybdenum, which add to production costs. These elements provide stainless steel with its characteristic corrosion resistance.

2. Production Cost:

   • Mild Steel: Mild steel can be easier and more straightforward to produce, contributing to its lower cost.

   • Stainless Steel: The production of stainless steel involves more complex processes to ensure the right mix of alloying elements, leading to higher production costs.

3. Maintenance and Longevity:

   • Mild Steel: Although the initial cost of mild steel is lower, it may require regular maintenance (like painting or galvanizing) to prevent rust and corrosion, leading to potential long-term costs.

   • Stainless Steel: The higher upfront cost of stainless steel can be offset by its longevity and minimal maintenance, especially in environments where corrosion is a concern.

4. Application:

   • Mild Steel: For applications where corrosion resistance isn’t crucial, mild steel might be the more cost-effective option.

   • Stainless Steel: In applications where the material will be exposed to corrosive environments (e.g., chemical exposure, marine environments), the long-term cost benefits of using stainless steel might justify its higher initial cost.

5. Supply and Demand:

   • Both mild steel and stainless steel prices can fluctuate based on global supply and demand, availability of raw materials, trade policies and other economic factors.

6. Recyclability:

   • Both mild steel and stainless steel are recyclable. However, the scrap value for stainless steel is typically higher due to its alloying elements.

7. Aesthetic and Finishing Costs:

   • Mild Steel: If aesthetics are important, mild steel might require finishes or coatings to achieve a desired look, adding to its cost.

   • Stainless Steel: Stainless steel has a naturally appealing finish, often requiring no additional finishing, which can be a cost advantage in aesthetic applications.

Is There a Difference in Appearance Between Mild Steel Flat Bars and Other Metals?

Yes, there is a difference in appearance between mild steel flat bars and other metals. The visual distinctions primarily depend on the type of metal or alloy in comparison, the finish applied, and the environmental exposure. 

1. Mild Steel Flat Bars:

   • Color: Mild steel typically has a dull gray or slightly brownish hue when it’s untreated.
   • Surface: New, untreated mild steel is smooth but can develop a rough texture over time due to oxidation or rusting.
   • Luster: Mild steel doesn’t possess a natural shine or luster. However, it can be polished or coated to achieve a shinier appearance.
   • Response to Environment: Mild steel is prone to oxidation when exposed to moisture, leading to the formation of rust. This rust gives it a distinct reddish-brown appearance.

2. Stainless Steel:

   • Color: Stainless steel has a brighter, more silvery appearance compared to mild steel.
   • Surface: Stainless steel is typically smooth and retains its appearance due to its resistance to oxidation.
   • Luster: Stainless steel has a natural shine, which can be enhanced further with polishing.
   • Response to Environment: Generally resistant to tarnishing and rust, especially if it’s a higher-grade stainless steel with significant chromium content.

3. Aluminum:

   • Color: Aluminum has a silvery-white appearance.
   • Surface: Aluminum is smooth and can form a protective oxide layer that prevents further oxidation.
   • Luster: Aluminum has a matte luster, though it can be polished for a shinier finish.
   • Response to Environment: Aluminum forms an oxide layer when exposed to air, giving it good corrosion resistance. It doesn’t rust like steel but can show signs of corrosion in specific conditions, appearing as a white powdery substance.

4. Brass or Bronze:

   • Color: Brass has a bright gold-like appearance, while bronze has a darker, reddish-brown or sometimes a greenish hue.
   • Surface: Both are generally smooth but can develop a patina over time.
   • Luster: Both metals can be polished to achieve a bright shine.
   • Response to Environment: Brass and bronze can develop a patina or tarnish over time, especially in humid environments.

5. Copper:

   • Color: Copper has a bright reddish-brown hue when new.
   • Surface: Smooth, but can develop a green patina (verdigris) over time, especially in outdoor environments.
   • Luster: Can be polished to a high shine but will tarnish without a protective coating.
   • Response to Environment: Copper oxidises over time, especially when exposed to air and moisture, leading to the green patina.

Can I get a Decorative Finish on Mild Steel Flat Bar?

Certainly! Mild steel flat bars can be treated to achieve various decorative finishes that not only enhance their aesthetic appeal but also provide a layer of protection against corrosion. Here’s a brief overview of achieving a decorative finish on mild steel flat bars:

Decorative Finish on Mild Steel Flat Bar:

Mild steel, due to its malleability and ease of treatment, lends itself well to a variety of decorative finishes. 

1. Polishing: By using abrasive materials, mild steel can be polished to achieve a smooth, shiny surface. This gives the steel a reflective and decorative look, similar to more polished metals.

2. Painting: Mild steel can be painted in a myriad of colors and designs to match any décor or theme. Before painting, the surface should be primed to ensure paint adhesion and to provide additional protection against corrosion.

3. Powder Coating: This is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. Once applied, the steel is heated (or cured) to allow the powder to form a hard shell. Powder coating offers a broad spectrum of vibrant colors and is more durable than traditional painting.

4. Patination: By using specific chemicals, mild steel can be given a patina that can range from blues and greens to browns and blacks. This method artificially induces a weathered or aged look to the steel.

5. Hammered Finish: Using specialised tools, the surface of the mild steel can be hammered to achieve a textured, decorative finish that reflects light uniquely and offers an artisanal look.

6. Plating: Mild steel can be plated with other metals, like chrome, nickel or brass, to provide a shiny and decorative finish. This process also offers added protection against rust and corrosion.

7. Etching: Using acids or other chemicals, intricate designs and patterns can be etched onto the surface of the steel.