Speed Alloys Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Flat Bar

Click below to download our PDF brochure on stainless flat bars.

Technically speaking stainless steel flat bar is portrayed as alloy metal, it has about 11% chromium mass. Stainless steel flat bar rarely ever stain, corrode, or rust as you might find with other types of steel, although this doesn't mean that stainless flat bars are stain proof.

Stainless steel flat bar is sometimes also known as corrosion-resistant steel when alloy grade or type isn't listed (most often in the aviation industry). There many different surface finishes available for stainless steel flat bar that will suit the conditions it'll be used in throughout it's lifetime. Stainless steel flat bar if you need a material flat bar with the attributes of steel and a strong resistance to corrosion the the Speed Alloys Stainless Steel Flat Bar will be right for you.

Stainless steel flat bar provided by Speed Alloys slightly differs from carbon steel (measuring by the chromium content). Carbon steel rusts if exposed directly to moisture. This rust is highly active and will increase corrosion by producing more rust, an endless cycle which will eventually consume the good metal surface. Stainless flat bars have enough chromium to produce a passive film of chromium oxide that will prevent surface damaging corrosion, this also blocks corrosion from spreading into the metal's internal structure.

As described above Ferritic stainless steel flat bars will commonly contain a minimum of about 11% chromium. They can be inexpensive as they do not contain a trace of nickel. This type of stainless steel flat bars are also magnetic.

Austenitic stainless steel flat bars contain 18% of chromium content and 8% nickel. This family is non-magnetic, this is an advantage in many situations, most commonly in marine apps where unwarranted magnetic force will confuse compass and direction finding tools.

These stainless steel flat bars have improved formability in comparison to ferritic stainless steels, and they are better at maintaining strength under high temperatures. An improvement is noticable in weldability as is corrosion resistance, and with less that 2% molybdenum, corrosion resistance is drastically improved.

Martensitic stainless steel flat bars contain 11.5% chromium, usually with zero nickel content but around 0.15% - 0.4% carbon content. This steel gives extremely high strength in the hardened condition. Tempering at 150°C to 170°C increases corrosion resistance, and it's very well known for abrasion and wear resistance. Some of these particular flat bars contain increased carbon content so you shoulldn't ever use them for welding.

Here at Speed Alloys we stock a great range of stainless steel flat bars we also have strong relationships with some of the worlds largest flat bar producers, whatever the quantity you require we will be able to meet your demands.