Speed Alloys Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Round Bar

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

In metallurgy stainless steel round bar is described as alloy metal, containing around 11% chromium content by mass. Stainless steel round bar doesn't tend to stain, corrode, or rust as you would find with ordinary steel, nevertheless it isn't stain-proof.

Stainless steel round bar can also be referred to as corrosion-resistant steel when the alloy type or grade is not provided (this is most common in the aviation industry). You'll find many surface finishes of stainless steel that will suit the environment in which the material will be exposed to throughout it's lifetime. Stainless steel round bar is utilised where both the attributes of steel and strong resistance to corrosion are needed.

Stainless steel round bar provided by Speed Alloys can be different from carbon steel (measured by the amount of chromium that is present). Carbon steel will rust if exposed directly to air and moisture. This iron oxide film (rust) is highly active and will accelerate corrosion by producing more iron oxide, an endless cycle which will eventually consume the good metal surface. Stainless round 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 steels will commonly contain a minimum of 11% chromium. They can be inexpensive as they do not contain a trace of nickel. This type of stainless steel round bars are also magnetic.

Austenitic stainless steel round bars usually will have around 18% of chromium content and 8% nickel. This family is non-magnetic, which can be an advantage in many situations, most commonly in marine apps where unwarranted magnetic force will confuse compass and direction finding tools.

These stainless steel round bars have improved formability in comparison to ferritic stainless steels, they also tend to be tougher, and 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 round bars have over 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 variations contain increased carbon content and it is advised not to be used for welding.

Here at Speed Alloys we stock a massive range of stainless steel round bar we also maintain good relationships with some of the worlds largest bar producers, whatever the quantity you require we will always be able to meet your demands.