80mm Width x 3mm Thick Plain Mild Black Steel Flat Bar Section

Black Steel Flat Bar

Our mild black steel flat bar is 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.

Speciality Metals offers a wide range of black steel flat bars that are versatile, durable, and cost-effective. Mild steel flat bar sections of 80mm wide and 3mm thick are available in a variety of lengths for all kinds of applications. As a result of its excellent welding, forming, bending and machining capabilities, it is a great choice for fabricators, and its malleability allows it to be easily shaped to fit a variety of specifications. The black steel flat bars can be recycled, making them an environmentally friendly option for businesses that want to reduce their carbon footprints. Whether you need it for construction or manufacturing, this black steel flat bar section is an excellent choice for achieving a strong, long-lasting finished product.

Key information:

• Width – 80mm
• Thickness – 3mm
• 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.

Can I Solder Mild Steel Flat Bars?

Yes, you can solder mild steel flat bars, but there are some considerations and steps you should be aware of:

1. Preparation: Properly cleaning the steel is essential. Remove any rust, oil or other contaminants from the surface you plan to solder. This can be achieved using sandpaper, steel wool, or a wire brush.

2. Flux: Applying flux is crucial when soldering mild steel. The flux acts as a barrier, preventing oxidation during the soldering process and aids in the flow of the solder. There are specific fluxes available for soldering steel, and it’s advisable to use one of those.

3. Solder Choice: Soft solders, like those made of tin-lead or tin-antimony, can be used for mild steel. However, the joint will not be as strong as a brazed or welded joint. The choice of solder will often depend on the application and the required strength of the joint.

4. Heat: Mild steel requires more heat than softer metals like copper or brass. Use a propane torch or another suitable heat source to bring the steel to the right temperature. The solder will flow when the steel is hot enough.

5. Application: Once the area is sufficiently heated, touch the solder to the joint. If the steel is at the correct temperature, the solder should melt and flow smoothly over the steel, creating a bond.

6. Cooling: Allow the soldered joint to cool naturally. Rapid cooling can weaken the joint.

7. Post-soldering: Clean the soldered area to remove any residual flux, as it can be corrosive and may lead to premature failure of the joint.

What Happens to the Mechanical Properties of Mild Steel Flat Bars When They’re Heated?

When mild steel flat bars (or mild steel in general) are subjected to heating, several changes occur in their mechanical properties. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Thermal Expansion: Initially, as the temperature rises, mild steel will expand. This is a universal trait for most metals, and mild steel is no exception.

2. Decrease in Yield Strength: As the temperature increases, the yield strength (the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically) of mild steel decreases. This means that it would start to deform at a lower stress when hot compared to when it’s at room temperature.

3. Decrease in Tensile Strength: Similar to the yield strength, the tensile strength (the maximum stress a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled) of mild steel also decreases with increasing temperature.

4. Increase in Ductility: With increased temperature, mild steel generally becomes more ductile. This means it can be deformed more without breaking, which is why hot working (like forging or hot rolling) is possible.

5. Phase Transformation: When mild steel is heated to a specific range, it undergoes a phase transformation. Around 723∘C, the crystal structure of mild steel changes from body-centered cubic (BCC) to face-centered cubic (FCC), marking the transition from the ferrite phase to the austenite phase. This transformation plays a crucial role in processes like annealing, quenching and tempering.

6. Recrystallisation: If mild steel has been cold-worked (deformed at room temperature), heating it can lead to recrystallisation, where new, strain-free grains form, effectively eliminating the effects of the cold work. This process begins at temperatures as low as 400∘C for heavily deformed steel but is usually complete by 650∘C.

7. Loss of Magnetism: As mild steel approaches its Curie temperature (around 770∘C), it loses its ferromagnetic properties and becomes paramagnetic.

Is it Safe to Powder Coat Mild Steel Flat Bars?

Yes, it is safe to powder coat mild steel flat bars, and in fact, powder coating is a popular finishing technique for many steel products, including flat bars. Powder coating provides a durable and aesthetic finish, offering protection against corrosion, chipping and other environmental wear. Before powder coating, the mild steel flat bars should be properly cleaned and pretreated to remove any oils, rust or contaminants. This ensures better adhesion of the coating and a smoother finish. The powder, which is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, is electrostatically sprayed onto the surface. Afterwards, the coated steel is placed in an oven where the powder particles melt and fuse to form a hard protective layer. The result is a uniform, corrosion-resistant and attractive surface that extends the life of the mild steel flat bar. However, as with any process, it’s crucial to follow safety protocols, especially when handling and curing the powder, to ensure a high-quality and safe result.