Regarded as the standard when referring to flat bar in most industries, 304 stainless steel flat bar is one of the most versatile stainless steels. The two materials offer a similar appearance, but 316 stainless steel delivers superior corrosion resistance. Stainless steel flat bar is most frequently sold with HRAP in 304 or 316 grades. With identical finishes on each side and tolerances of true flat bar is ideal for applications where polish, uniformity, or sharpness are required. These bars are generally fabricated via hot rolling, annealing, and pickling (HRAP), though true flat bars may also be formed via cold drawing.
Edge-treated stainless-steel flat bars are best for applications where tolerance and sharpness are not as critical in the end-use application. Also known as sheared or edged flat bars, edge-treated flat bars are cut from stainless steel plates and then processed to flatten the body and smooth the edges. Edge-treated flat bars are more cost-effective due to their production method.
Before being converted from its raw material to a finished piece, they are usually sold as edge-treated flat bars or true flat bars. Stainless steel flat bar comes available in a variety of finishes, grades, alloys, and types before being treated for its end-use.
Stainless Steel Flat Bars-Before the Finishing Process