Easy Fabrication

One of the primary benefits of flat bar metal is its ease of fabrication. The flat, even surface makes it simple to cut, bend, and drill, allowing for quick customization and modification in both DIY projects and large-scale industrial applications. This ease of working reduces labour time and costs, making projects more efficient and economical.

Strength and Durability

Despite their simple appearance, flat bars are known for their strength and durability. They can withstand considerable weight and stress, making them ideal for structural applications where reliability and longevity are crucial. Depending on the material, flat bars can also offer enhanced properties, such as corrosion resistance and heat tolerance.

Aesthetics

Due to their clean, minimalistic lines, flat bars can be an attractive choice in architectural and decorative applications. They can be polished, painted, or treated with various finishes to enhance their appearance or blend in with other structural elements. This aesthetic flexibility allows architects and designers to utilize flat bars in visible parts of a structure where appearance is important.

Flat Bar Applications

Flat bar metal is a highly versatile material used in various applications spanning many industries. Here are some common uses for flat bar metal:

Construction and Structural Applications

Flat bar is frequently employed as framing, bracing, and support elements within buildings due to its strength and ability to withstand considerable weight and stress.

Manufacturing and Industrial Equipment

Flat bars are used to construct machinery parts and equipment. Their robustness makes them suitable for components that require a degree of mechanical strength and durability. Flat bars are often seen in conveyor belts, assembly lines, and other manufacturing tools.

Architectural and Design

Architects and designers frequently use flat bar metal for aesthetic and functional purposes. Its clean lines and smooth surface make it a popular choice for decorative trims, frames, and accent pieces in exterior and interior designs.

Automotive

Flat bars are used to manufacture various automotive components such as frames, chassis parts, and brackets.

Fencing and Railings

Flat bars are commonly used to fabricate fences and railings. Their easy workability allows for custom designs ranging from simple protective barriers to elaborate decorative fencing.

Furniture

Flat bars are often used in the frames of tables, chairs, and other furniture pieces, providing a modern, industrial look while ensuring stability and support.

Art

Artists and sculptors often use flat bar metal to construct sculptures and other art installations due to its flexibility and strength. It allows for the creation of large, durable structures and finer, detailed works.

Marine Applications

In marine environments, stainless steel flat bars are used to manufacture parts and fixtures that need to withstand corrosive seawater. These applications include ladders, deck components, and other fixtures that require strength and resistance to corrosion.

How is Flat Bar Measured?

Flat bar is measured by first taking its width and then its thickness. The width of a flat bar refers to the broader side of the rectangle. It is the distance across the flat bar from one edge to the opposite edge. Width is usually the most significant dimension of a flat bar and often determines its application—wider flat bars are typically used for more substantial structural purposes.

The thickness is the smaller dimension and refers to the distance from the top surface of the flat bar to the bottom surface. The thickness can vary greatly depending on the project’s requirements and the load the flat bar needs to support. It plays a critical role in determining the strength and flexibility of the bar.

Flat Bar Types

Flat bar is available in many metal types, including:

• Alloy Steel
• Aluminum
• Brass
• Bronze
• Copper
• Mild Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Tool Steel

We stock hundreds of different sizes and weights of flat metal that you can buy in-store with the help of our incredible staff or online with a few clicks of the mouse. Don’t see what you need? Our flat bar can be cut to your exact specifications – please contact us directly.