Aluminum flat bar is soft and most commonly alloyed with lithium, zinc, copper, silicon, magnesium, and manganese. When exposed to air, an anti-oxidant coating is formed and instantly protects products.
What is Aluminum Flat Bar?
Aluminum flat bar, sometimes referred to as flats, are solid pieces of aluminum squeezed out into rectangles. The edges and corners of these bars can be either rounded or sharp.
Aluminum flat bar is made from a light metal with applications ranging from daily use to precision technology, such as:
- Screw machine parts
- Running boards
- Floors
- Steps
- Truck bodies and frames
- Platforms
- Walkways
- Truck runways
- Trench covers
- Construction tube
- Luggage racks
- Lawn furniture
- Air cylinders
The Benefits of Aluminum Flat Bar
In addition to being lightweight, aluminum flat bar features excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, ductility, and high resistance to corrosion. Aluminum flat bar is also heat treatable and has good machinability.
Aluminum flat bar has medium to high strength, a good surface finish, and excellent toughness. It is important to note that the strength of aluminum flat bar will vary depending on the grade. Aluminum flat bar can be used in all kinds of fabrication projects where lightweight material is required and corrosion is a critical concern.
Because aluminum flat bar is so versatile, there is a use for them in practically every application. Finding the right aluminum flat bar for your application can be a challenge, but knowing the characteristics and properties of the different aluminum alloys will go a long way toward choosing the flat bar that is right for you.