50mm Width x 6mm Thick Stainless Steel Flat Bar UK Supply

Stainless Steel Flat Bar UK Supply

Top quality metal stainless steel flat bar UK produced, stocked and dispatched. 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.

When it comes to reliable and durable construction materials, few options are as versatile as stainless steel. The 50mm width x 6mm thick stainless steel flat bar offered by Speciality Metals in the UK is a prime example of this. This high-quality steel is corrosion resistant, able to withstand the elements and harsh chemicals, and even resist heat damage. Plus, its malleability makes it easy to work with and shape to your desired specifications. Add to that its hygienic properties, and you have a construction material that can stand up to the toughest conditions while still looking great. With various lengths available, getting the exact size you need has never been easier. Choose stainless steel flat bar UK from Speciality Metals for your next project and see the difference it can make.

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.

Is There a Shelf Life for Stainless Steel 304 Flat Bar?

Stainless Steel 304 Flat Bar does not have a defined “shelf life” in the traditional sense. The inherent corrosion resistance of stainless steel ensures that it remains unchanged in terms of its composition and properties for extended periods, even when stored. This long-lasting durability is due to the chromium present in the alloy, which forms a protective oxide layer on the steel’s surface, guarding against oxidation and deterioration. However, storage conditions can play a role. If the flat bar is stored in highly corrosive environments, exposed to aggressive chemicals or conditions with high salinity, it may show signs of surface tarnishing or staining over time. It’s recommended to store Stainless Steel 304 in a dry, clean environment to maintain its pristine condition. That said, even if minor surface corrosion occurs, it often can be remediated through polishing or other surface treatments. In essence, while there’s no expiry date, proper storage ensures the material remains in optimal condition for use.

What are the Main Elements in Stainless Steel 304 Composition?

Stainless Steel 304, often referred to as “18/8 stainless steel” because of its elemental makeup, is one of the most commonly used stainless steels. Here are the main elements in its composition:

1. Chromium (Cr): Typically between 18% to 20%. Chromium is the defining element of stainless steel and is responsible for the material’s corrosion resistance. It reacts with oxygen in the environment to form a thin, invisible layer of chrome-containing oxide, making it “stainless.”

2. Nickel (Ni): Usually in the range of 8% to 10.5%. Nickel enhances the formation of the protective oxide layer, further improving corrosion resistance. It also provides the austenitic structure, lending ductility and toughness to the alloy.

3. Carbon (C): Generally up to 0.08%. Carbon is kept at low levels in Stainless Steel 304 to reduce the risk of sensitisation, a phenomenon where chromium carbides precipitate at grain boundaries, potentially leading to intergranular corrosion.

4. Manganese (Mn): Usually present up to 2%. Manganese can help improve the steel’s hot-working properties.

5. Silicon (Si): Typically up to 1%. Silicon can aid in oxidation resistance and provides some additional strength.

6. Phosphorus (P): Generally present up to 0.045%. It can increase the material’s tensile strength and machinability but can decrease its impact resistance.

7. Sulfur (S): Usually up to 0.03%. Like phosphorus, sulfur can enhance machinability but might reduce ductility.

8. Nitrogen (N): It can be present in small amounts, enhancing the material’s strength.

9. Iron (Fe): The balance (the majority) of the composition. Iron is the primary base metal in stainless steel.

These proportions might slightly vary based on the exact requirements and manufacturing processes, but the listed ranges are standard for Stainless Steel 304. The precise combination of these elements gives SS 304 its unique properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Do Stainless Steel Flat Bars Tarnish or Rust Over Time?

Stainless steel flat bars, famed for their resistance to oxidation and tarnishing, primarily owe this characteristic to the chromium content present in the alloy. When exposed to oxygen, chromium forms a protective oxide layer on the surface, acting as a shield against corrosion. However, while stainless steel is incredibly resistant to rust, it’s not entirely impervious. In conditions where the steel is exposed to corrosive agents, such as chlorine, high salinity environments or certain aggressive chemicals, the protective layer can be compromised, leading to the possibility of rust or tarnish. Additionally, surface contaminants, which might include iron particles or other non-stainless materials, can lead to localised rusting or discoloration. Regular cleaning, proper storage and using the right grade of stainless steel for the specific environment (for instance, 316 in marine applications) can mitigate these risks. In essence, while stainless steel flat bars are highly resistant to tarnishing and rust, certain conditions can challenge their normally stalwart nature. Proper care and consideration of the environment can ensure their longevity and pristine appearance.