Stainless Steel Flat Bar Strip A2 — Precision-Cut Metal for Structural, Fabrication & DIY Use
When a project demands a metal strip that holds its shape, resists rust, and arrives ready to cut or weld, finding the right thickness and width in one place is rarely straightforward. This stainless steel flat bar strip is stocked for makers, fabricators, and tradespeople who need exact dimensions without ordering custom mill runs.
Each strip is made from A2 (304-grade) stainless steel — a widely used austenitic alloy — and is available in widths from 10 mm (≈ 0.39 in) up to 400 mm (≈ 15.75 in), with thickness options ranging from 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm (≈ 0.0004 in to 0.039 in). Lengths are offered in 1 m and 3 m cuts. The flat, mill-finished surface is consistent across the full length of each piece.
Typical applications include stainless steel flat bar for shelving brackets and support rails, metal strip for enclosure fabrication and panel edging, thin shim stock for machinery alignment, and decorative banding for furniture or architectural trim. The corrosion resistance of A2 grade makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments where moisture exposure is a concern.
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Compatibility: Suitable for welding, bending, drilling, and cutting with standard metal-working tools. A2 (304) grade is compatible with most stainless fasteners and fittings. Not recommended for marine-grade (chloride-heavy) environments — consider A4 (316) grade for those applications.
✅ Key Features of These Stainless Steel Flat Bar Strips
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A2 (304) Stainless Steel
Austenitic 304-grade alloy delivers reliable corrosion resistance in most indoor and outdoor environments without surface treatment.
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Wide Width Range
Widths from 10 mm to 400 mm (≈ 0.39–15.75 in) cover narrow shim strips through broad structural plates in a single product listing.
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Precision Thickness Options
Thickness steps from 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm allow selection of ultra-thin shim stock or heavier structural strip from the same source.
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Two Standard Lengths
Available in 1 m and 3 m cuts — order the length that minimises offcuts for your specific project.
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Flat Mill Finish
Consistent flat surface across the full length makes these strips suitable for visible trim, panel edging, and precision shimming without additional dressing.
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Weldable & Machinable
A2 grade responds well to TIG and MIG welding, drilling, and standard metal-cutting tools — no special pre-treatment required for most fabrication tasks.
📐 Technical Specifications — Stainless Steel Flat Bar Strip
| Material Grade |
A2 (304) Stainless Steel |
| Width Range |
10 mm – 400 mm (≈ 0.39 in – 15.75 in) |
| Thickness Range |
0.01 mm – 1.0 mm (≈ 0.0004 in – 0.039 in) |
| Available Lengths |
1 m / 3 m |
| Surface Finish |
Flat mill finish |
| Form |
Flat bar / strip / plate |
| Alloy Type |
Austenitic |
| Weldability |
TIG / MIG compatible |
| Corrosion Resistance |
Suitable for general indoor and outdoor use; not rated for marine/chloride environments |
| Variant Options |
See variant options |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between A2 and A4 stainless steel?
A2 (304 grade) is the most common stainless steel alloy, offering good corrosion resistance in most indoor and sheltered outdoor environments. A4 (316 grade) adds molybdenum, which significantly improves resistance to chlorides and salt — making it the preferred choice for coastal, marine, or chemical-exposure applications. For general fabrication, brackets, trim, and shimming, A2 is typically sufficient.
How do I choose the right thickness for my project?
For shim stock and precision alignment tasks, thicknesses of 0.01 mm – 0.1 mm are typical. For light structural brackets or panel edging, 0.2 mm – 0.5 mm provides a balance of rigidity and workability. Thicknesses of 0.6 mm – 1.0 mm are suited to heavier-duty structural or load-bearing applications. If you are unsure, contact us to confirm suitability for your specific load or tolerance requirements.
Can these strips be cut to a shorter length?
Yes. A2 stainless steel can be cut with an angle grinder fitted with a stainless-compatible cutting disc, a metal-cutting bandsaw, or tin snips (for thinner gauges up to approximately 0.3 mm). Always use blades or discs rated for stainless steel to avoid contamination and premature tool wear. Deburr cut edges with a file or flap disc after cutting.
Is this material suitable for outdoor or exposed environments?
A2 (304) stainless steel performs well in most outdoor environments, including rain exposure and moderate humidity. It is not recommended for direct salt-spray or marine environments, where A4 (316) grade is the standard choice. For garden structures, architectural trim, and general outdoor fabrication in non-coastal areas, A2 is widely used without additional coating.
What width should I choose for a shelf bracket or support rail?
For light-duty shelf brackets, widths of 20 mm – 50 mm are common. Medium-duty rails and support straps typically use 50 mm – 100 mm widths. Wider strips (100 mm – 400 mm) are more suited to structural plates, large panel edging, or applications where surface area is needed for load distribution. Pair your width choice with an appropriate thickness — thicker strips carry more load for a given width.
Can I weld these strips to other stainless steel components?
Yes. A2 (304) stainless steel is readily weldable using TIG or MIG processes with a 308L filler wire. Ensure the work area and tools are free from carbon steel contamination to prevent rust transfer. For thin gauges (under 0.3 mm), TIG welding with careful heat control is recommended to avoid warping. Thicker strips (0.5 mm and above) are more forgiving during welding.
Do you offer custom lengths or widths beyond the listed options?
The listed variants cover widths from 10 mm to 400 mm and lengths of 1 m and 3 m. If your project requires a size not shown in the variant selector, contact us to confirm availability. For large-quantity or custom-cut requirements, reach out via the store contact page before placing your order.
🛒 Select your Thickness X Width and Length above, then add to cart.
