Over 50,000 customers of Specialty Metals are provided with fast, friendly customer service every year. We\u2019re the place to try when you need metal of any shape and size. We\u2019re based in Warrington, UK. We pride ourselves on our rapid turnaround and a large range of options.<\/p>\n
Key product details:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Metal \u2013 6082 Grade Aluminium<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Coating \u2013 No. <\/strong><\/li>\n
- Width \u2013 63.5mm<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Thickness \u2013 4.76mm<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Flat bar strip is also available in\u00a0mild steel\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0stainless steel.<\/a><\/p>\n
Speciality Metals are the best suppliers for you because:<\/p>\n
- \n
- FREE UK delivery on all orders<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Order dispatch within 24 hours of order<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Located in Warrington, UK which is the UK home of mesh and metals<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Our experienced staff are experts in the mesh market and care personally about your customer experience<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
\nFAQs About Aluminium Flat Bar<\/h4>\n
How do you Prevent Galvanic Corrosion When Aluminium Bar is in Contact with Another Metal?<\/h2>\n
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in electrical contact in the presence of an electrolyte, like water. With aluminium being quite reactive, it often acts as the anode in this electrochemical process and corrodes preferentially when in contact with many other metals. To prevent or minimise galvanic corrosion when an aluminium bar is in contact with another metal, consider the following strategies:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Material Selection:<\/strong> The closer two metals are on the galvanic series, the less potential there is for galvanic corrosion. If possible, choose metals that are near each other on the series to reduce the risk.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Isolation:<\/strong> Use non-conductive barriers between the metals. This can include rubber or plastic washers, gaskets or coatings that physically separate the two metals, preventing electrical contact.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Protective Coatings:<\/strong> Apply coatings like paint, anodising or plating to one or both metals. This barrier prevents direct contact and reduces the exposure of the metal to the electrolyte. Anodising is particularly effective for aluminium as it thickens the natural oxide layer, providing enhanced protection.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Cathodic Protection:<\/strong> In some industrial settings, an external voltage source can be used to make the entire structure act as a cathode, protecting it from acting as an anode and corroding.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Control the Electrolyte:<\/strong> If feasible, limit the exposure of the metal pair to the electrolyte. This can be done by ensuring good drainage, sealing out moisture or using water repellents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Size Ratio:<\/strong> If a small piece of aluminium must be in contact with a large piece of a less reactive metal, the aluminium will corrode quickly. If possible, increase the size of the aluminium part or decrease the size of the other metal part to reduce the impact.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Regular Maintenance and Inspection:<\/strong> In environments prone to galvanic corrosion, regular inspection helps identify early signs of corrosion. Cleaning and maintaining the contact points can help in prolonging the life of the metals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Avoid Accumulation of Debris:<\/strong> Organic matter, dirt or other debris can trap water and create localised cells for corrosion. Keeping the surfaces clean helps in reducing the risk.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Can I Achieve a Brushed Finish on Aluminium Bar Flat Strips?<\/h2>\n
Yes, achieving a brushed finish on aluminium bar flat strips is entirely possible and is a popular choice for many applications due to its sleek and contemporary appearance. The brushed finish involves creating a series of fine lines on the aluminium surface, typically in a unidirectional pattern, which can both enhance the metal’s aesthetic appeal and reduce the visibility of fingerprints or minor scratches. Here’s how you can achieve this finish:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Safety First:<\/strong> Before beginning, always wear protective gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask. This ensures that you’re protected from any aluminium dust or sharp edges.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Clean the Surface:<\/strong> Start by cleaning the aluminium strip to remove any dirt, grease or oxidation. Using a mix of mild soap and water with a soft cloth works well. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Choose the Right Tool:<\/strong> For a uniform brushed finish, you can use a:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Scotch-Brite pad:<\/strong> This is one of the most common tools for manual brushing.<\/li>\n
- Sanding Block with Fine-grit Sandpaper:<\/strong> 220-grit to 400-grit sandpaper is usually suitable.<\/li>\n
- Power Sander or Rotary Tool:<\/strong> If you have a larger piece or want a more consistent finish, a power tool can be helpful. Attach a fine abrasive pad or sanding disc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Brushing Technique:<\/strong> Begin at one end of the aluminium strip and move in a straight and consistent motion to the other end. Avoid stopping or changing directions, as this can create inconsistent patterns. Apply even pressure throughout.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Repeat if Necessary:<\/strong> Depending on the depth and consistency you desire, you might need to repeat the process several times. If you’re looking for a finer finish, you can transition to a finer abrasive pad or sandpaper.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Clean and Protect:<\/strong> After achieving your desired finish, clean the aluminium strip again to remove any residue. To protect the brushed finish and enhance its appearance, you can apply a thin layer of metal sealant or clear lacquer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Maintenance:<\/strong> A brushed finish might require occasional rebrushing or cleaning to maintain its appearance, especially if the strip is exposed to handling or environmental elements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
How do Aluminium Bar Flat Strips React to Common Chemicals?<\/h2>\n
Aluminium bar flat strips, like all aluminium products, have a unique reaction profile when exposed to various chemicals. At its surface, aluminium forms a thin, protective oxide layer which offers a primary defense against many substances.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Acids:<\/strong> Strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, can react with aluminium, leading to its dissolution. This is why aluminium containers aren’t recommended for storing strong acids. Weak acids, like acetic acid, can also cause corrosion over prolonged exposure.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Bases:<\/strong> Strong alkalis, like sodium hydroxide, can dissolve the protective oxide layer, making aluminium susceptible to rapid corrosion. Once the oxide layer is breached, the underlying aluminium reacts to form aluminate.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Salts:<\/strong> While aluminium is resistant to many salts, chloride-containing salts, as found in saltwater environments, can induce pitting corrosion. This localised form of corrosion can lead to small, deep pits on the aluminium surface, making chloride environments challenging for aluminium.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Organic Solvents:<\/strong> Generally, pure aluminium exhibits good resistance to many organic solvents like acetone or ethanol. However, the presence of other contaminants in the solvents might influence reactivity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Water:<\/strong> While pure water doesn’t generally harm aluminium, the presence of impurities or minerals in water can lead to varied reactions. For instance, water with high mineral content (hard water) can leave deposits on the aluminium surface.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Oxidising Agents:<\/strong> Strong oxidisers can potentially disrupt the stable oxide layer on aluminium, making it more reactive.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Mercury and Gallium:<\/strong> These metals can severely compromise the integrity of aluminium. They penetrate the metal’s grain boundaries and weaken its structural strength.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
Check out our blogs discussing stainless steel metal strip<\/a> and mild steel flat bar<\/a>. It will prove a useful read to help you to make an informed decision on which material would work best for you.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
We are also very proud of our ever expanding YouTube<\/a> channel.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
Our goal for our blogs, videos and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers.\u00a0 Contact us today if you have any questions at all. We are always really keen to help in any way that we can.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
We are also very proud of our highly popular\u00a0eBay store<\/a>, check us out there too.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- Sanding Block with Fine-grit Sandpaper:<\/strong> 220-grit to 400-grit sandpaper is usually suitable.<\/li>\n
- \n
- \n
- Order dispatch within 24 hours of order<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Coating \u2013 No. <\/strong><\/li>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.smetals.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Aluminium-Sheet-Benefits-Banner.png\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":19801,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[460,349],"product_tag":[56,351],"class_list":["post-15391","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-aluminium-flat-bar","product_cat-flat-bar","product_tag-aluminium","product_tag-flat-bar","first","instock","taxable","shipping-taxable","purchasable","product-type-variable"],"yoast_head":"\n