Steel is by far one of the most commonly used construction materials globally. Due to its versatility, it is used by various industries for support, additional enhancements and other purposes.
In addition, there are numerous kinds of metal fabrication processes that can improve the quality of this metal.
What Is Steel?
Steel is a metal variant made of iron and carbon. This is one of the reasons why it’s pretty popular: making, forming, and processing iron ore and scrap is relatively low cost compared to other types of metal variants.
What Are Flat Bars?
Flat bars, also referred to as rectangular bars, are used widely in engineering and construction. For example, these materials are used to manufacture support braces, latches, mechanical parts, industrial tools, etc.
Types of Flat Bars
These are measured first by their width and then their thickness. Flat bars are available in many metal types. But, the most common are steel flat bars and thanks to technology, you may now check out steel flat bar designs, sizes and options online.
But to give you a better picture of how each type is used in various industries, let’s take a look at every kind of flat bar below:
Mild Steel Flat Bar
This type of steel flat bar is commonly used in metals across many industries. They are also referred to as rectangular bars and are widely used for the following:
- anchor bolts
- pins
- rods
- structural parts
- gears
- ratchets
- tool holders
- structural steel
- signs
- automobile
- furniture
- decorations
- wire
- fencing
- nails
Stainless Steel Flat Bar
These bars have high resistance to corrosion staining and rust, making them well-suited for many industries, especially architecture and cookware.
These bars are often used for the following:
- nuts and bolts
- aircraft fittings
- gears
- screws
- shafts
- electrical switchgear components
- bushing
- food processing equipment (beer, milk, wine)
- kitchen benches
- sinks
- troughs
- architectural panelling
- railings and trims
- chemical containers
- heat exchangers
- woven or welded screens for mining
- quarrying and water filtration
- threaded fasteners
- springs
Tool Steel Flat Bar
These bars have a hardness and resistance to abrasion, making them a common material for manufacturing tools.
These bars are often used to make:
- chuck jaws
- dowel pins
- hammers
- knives
- large blanking dies
- thread roller dies
- long punches
- rolls
- master hubs
Alloy Steel Flat Bar
These rectangular-shaped metal bars, well-known as Alloy Steel Flat Bars, or Rectangular Bars, are widely used in structural and architectural applications and other fields.
Nickel and manganese are added to alloy steel to make it stronger. Nickel and manganese make the metal stronger, tougher, and harder. Alloy Steel is an ideal material for highly-demanding industrial applications because of its added elements.
Alloy steel flat bars are often used to build the following:
- ships
- vehicles
- aircrafts
- missiles
- weapons
- railways
- bridges
- pressure vessels
- machine tools
Aluminium Flat Bar
These are lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternatives to steel bar stock.
These flat bars are often used for the following:
- interior and exterior
- construction tube
- lawn furniture
- luggage racks
- air cylinders
- screw machine parts
- truck bodies and frames
- running boards
- steps
- flows
- walkways
- platforms
- cover plates
- trench covers
- truck runways
Brass Flat Bar
Due to its similarity to gold, brass flat bars are commonly used for decorative purposes. In addition, this material’s high workability and durability make it a popular material for making musical instruments.
Low friction is often required in applications involving this material. Therefore, these flat bars are usually used only for the following:
- terrazzo strip
- sensor bodies
- thermostat parts
- fluid connectors
- threaded inserts for plastic
- builders hardware
- lock bodies
- fittings
- hardware
- hot combs
- screws
- nuts
- bolts
- industrial materials
- faucet components
- pinions
Bronze Flat Bar
Bronze is distinguished by its dull-gold colour. It is often used for nautical purposes because of its corrosion resistance.
It is used for bushings and bearings and sculpture, musical instruments, and medals as an industrial material. The advantage of bronze is its low metal-on-metal friction, so it’s used for the following:
- bearings
- pipe fittings
- pumps
- valve components
- fasteners
- heat exchangers
Copper Flat Bar
Copper’s excellent electrical and thermal conductivity offers good strength, good formability, and corrosion resistance, making it a good option for tools and equipment powered by electricity. Samples of such products include vacuum devices, switches, interrupters, deposition units or any components for superconductive magnets.
Final Thoughts
There are many flat bar options in the market but the most common ones used are steel flat bars. However, other flat bar options such as bronze, copper, brass, and aluminium offer a distinct feature used in specific industries.