Aluminium Flat Bar vs SS Flat Bar - Quick Comparison
Aluminium Flat Bar vs SS Flat Bar. We’ll check both out side by side, but for now, here is a summary of the flat bars, until we discuss them below.
Aluminium flat bars and stainless steel bars are some great alternatives and we’ve come to find some unique and great benefits. Aluminum vs. Stainless steel has two wonderful and very contrasting options to look at when deciding which is best suited for your project.
For example, the lighter weight option is of aluminium whereas the more resistant to force and stronger of the two is stainless steel, which can make the ultimate decision between the two easier.
Continue to find out more information below.
Aluminium Flat Bar vs SS Flat Bar table comparison
| Property | Aluminium Flat Bar | Stainless Steel (SS) Flat Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight (2.70 g/cm³) | Heavy (7.93 g/cm³) |
| Strength | Medium | High |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Price (Approx.) | ₹260–₹320 per kg | ₹155–₹320 per kg* |
| Weldability | Good | Excellent |
| Machinability | Excellent | Good |
| Surface Finish Options | Mill Finish, Anodized, Polished | 2B Finish, Mirror Finish, Satin Finish |
| Common Applications | Lightweight structures, transportation, fabrication | Industrial equipment, food processing, chemical plants, and construction |
| Best Choice For | Projects where low weight is important | Heavy-duty, high-strength, corrosion-resistant applications |
Note that the price per kg of Stainless steel flat bar greatly depends on its grade, like (SS 202, SS 304, and SS 316) & dimension. It can even change per-day market rates
What is Aluminium Flat Bar?
Aluminium flat bar, commonly known as Aluminium patti, is a solid bar section made of aluminium alloy, with a flat rectangular cross-section. Further, it is used in many Electrical, architectural, solar panel mounting, and lightweight structural applications. Aluminium flat bars are available in the grades 6061, 6082, and 63400.
Additionally, they are available in the finish type, including Mill finish, Anodised finish, and Polished finish for use in decorative as well as industrial purposes.
Key Properties of aluminium flat bar
• Density: 2.70 g/cm3
• Tensile strength: 130 to 310 MPa
• Good corrosion resistance in most environments.
• Better electrical & thermal conductivity
• Excellent machinability
• Non-magnetic and Non-sparking
• Lightweight
What is Stainless Steel Flat Bar?
Stainless steel flat bars (SS Patti) are a solid rectangular shape of steel that is composed of nickel-chromium alloy steel. Being stronger and more corrosion-resistant and with a beautiful finish, the SS flat bar is suitable for heavy industrial purposes and is also a great choice for food-grade applications. Stainless Steel Flat bar is offered in the following grades: SS 202, SS 304, and SS 316, in hot-rolled, bright-drawn, polished, and mirror finish.
These products are also found in chemical, food processing, pharmaceutical, food grade & also in structural industries.
Physical Properties of SS Flat bar
- Density: 7.93 g/cm3 – much denser than aluminium.
- Tensile strength: 515 – 750MPa
- High corrosion & heat resistance
- Durable and a more hygienic surface. Smooth,
- attractive, easily cleanable
- finish, weldable and easily formed
- food & marine grade varieties are available.
Aluminium Flat Bar vs SS Flat Bar —Detailed Comparison
1. Weight and Density
Additionally, aluminum flat bar is almost three times lighter in weight when compared to stainless steel flat bar; thereby, aluminum remains an ideal option for projects where lightweight factors are vital for the product, like the products for a sector of space, transport, solar framework, and handy products.
| Property | Aluminum Flat Bar | SS 304 Flat Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 7.93 g/cm³ |
| Weight (50 × 6 mm × 1 m) | 0.81 kg | 2.38 kg |
So, if saving weight overall is crucial to the design, the aluminium flat bar should be your option. That is, of course, unless strength needs to be the priority, not weight. In that case, stainless steel is probably the material for you.
2. Strength and Hardness
Steel flat bars have more strength than Aluminium Flat Bar. An Aluminium 6061 T6 flat bar will have a tensile strength of 310MPa, while a standard SS 304 flat bar has a tensile strength of 515MPa. Another factor is temperature performance.
SS flat bar keeps its strength to around 800 C, while aluminum flat bar loses much of its strength above 200 C.
The answer is usually stainless steel for high-load or high-temperature jobs.
Comparison Summary
- SS 304 Flat Bar – Strength: 515MPa tensile strength
- Aluminium 6061 T6 – Strength: 310MPa tensile strength
- SS 316 Flat Bar – Strength: 579MPa tensile strength
- Aluminium 6082 T6 – Strength: 340MPa tensile strength
3. Corrosion Resistance
Aluminium vs Stainless steel flat bars- corrosion resistance. Aluminium and stainless steel flat bars are good at corrosion resistance, but they each behave in different ways depending on where they’re installed.
Additionally, aluminium naturally builds a protective corrosion-resistant oxide layer in open air, and as a result, anodised aluminium bars will offer good protection from corrosion in outdoor conditions.
However, where there are elevated concentrations of salt in the air or there are other corrosive chemicals in the environment, for example, on coastlines, at sea, or at a chemical production facility, stainless steel flat bar is the more appropriate choice. When dealing with these kinds of situations, stainless steel 316 flat bar with its higher molybdenum content is a preferred choice that provides superior resistance to corrosion.
| Environment / Application | Recommended Material | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Normal atmosphere | Aluminium | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective |
| Outdoor & weather exposure | Anodized Aluminium | Extra protective oxide layer improves weather resistance |
| Coastal & marine environment | SS 316 | Excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion |
| Chemical plants | SS 316 | High resistance to chemicals and corrosive environments |
| Food processing | SS 304 / SS 316 | Hygienic, easy to clean, and food-grade corrosion resistance |
| High-temperature applications | SS 310 | Excellent oxidation resistance and retains strength at high temperatures |
4. Price Comparison
In many cases, price will be a major influence in deciding between the aluminium and SS flat bar. It’s important to remember, however, that price isn’t always as simple to calculate as it appears, as aluminium comes in much dearer than aluminium but you do only get a quarter of the weight to Aluminium price for that much of a jump in weight.
Indicative prices are as at the time of writing (Ahmedabad):
| Material | Approx. Price (₹/kg) | Weight per Meter (50 × 6 mm Flat Bar) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium 6061 | ₹280 – ₹320 | 0.81 kg |
| Aluminium 63400 | ₹300 – ₹340 | 0.81 kg |
| SS 202 Flat Bar | ₹155 – ₹175 | 2.38 kg |
| SS 304 Flat Bar | ₹200 – ₹230 | 2.38 kg |
| SS 316 Flat Bar | ₹310 – ₹350 | 2.40 kg |
Aluminium 6061 50x6mm cost per meter:
0.81 kg × Rs 300 = Rs 243 per meter
SS 304 50x6mm cost per meter:
2.38 kg × Rs 215 = Rs 512 per meter
Thus, if the weight reduction leads to savings on transportation, then aluminium may actually be considerably cheaper when placed on bulk orders.
5. Machinability and Fabrication
Flat bar in aluminium is much more readily machined, cut, drilled and formed than stainless steel. Aluminium can also be cut at a lower speed, and less energy can be supplied, which will lead to increased output at a lower cost to the client when Machining.
This leads to aluminium being more readily extruded in a range of complex shapes and forms, which is perfect for any custom Fabrication projects in steel.
With this comes less specialised tools when working with aluminium compared to Stainless steel.
SS Flat bar, however, can be welded a great deal easier than aluminium and when higher temperatures are present with a weld, it stays stable with minimal movement, so ideal for precision welded products.
| Operation | Aluminium | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | Very Easy | Moderate |
| Drilling | Very Easy | Moderate |
| Welding | Good | Excellent |
| Bending | Excellent | Good |
| Machining | Excellent | Moderate |
6. Surface Finish and Appearance
Another major advantage is that there is a good quality of surface finishing for Both Aluminum and Copper Alloy products for the applications where appearance of the product is also important, like Decorative applications and Architectural products. Aluminium flat bars could also be anodised in different colours to make them popular for architectural and signage.
Stainless steel flat bars are also suitable for luxury interiors and architectural designs due to their polished/mirror and brushed/satin finishing, which enhances the overall look and feel of spaces. The SS flat bar has an improved lifespan compared to others, with its coating lasting even when placed in severe weather.
Available finishes:
Aluminium flat bar:
→ Mill Finish — standard industrial
→ Bright Polished — decorative
→ Anodised — colour options available
→ PVC Coated — additional protection
SS flat bar:
→ Hot Rolled — standard industrial
→ Bright Drawn — precision finish
→ No.4 Satin — architectural
→ Mirror Polish — premium decorative
→ 2B — standard stainless finish
When to Choose Aluminium Flat Bar
When your project has the following applications, select Aluminium flat bar:
• lightweight structure, where mass needs to be reduced to an absolute minimum
• Electrical bus bars and conductors because aluminium has high conductivity
• Solar panel mounting structures, because Anodized aluminum can both withstand a coastal environment and has low mass
• Architectural and interior use where Anodized color finishes are desired
• Coastal outdoor installations where the good performance of anodised aluminium is needed
• Projects with a restricted budget, where low cost per meter is of primary importance
Also, aluminium flat bar will offer the choice for transport, aerospace manufacturing and portable electronic devices, when each and every kilogram will come into play. It will be preferable in contact with food manufacturing applications where a nonmagnetic attribute is wanted.
When to Choose SS Flat Bar
Opt for a stainless steel flat bar if your application involves the following:
→ Structural projects where you require strength and high structural support
→ acid and alkali applications in the food,
→ dairy and pharmaceutical processing industries
→ stainless steel flat bar for use in environments subject to saltwater exposure, such as offshore and coastal projects (grade SS 316)
→ applications operating in temperatures exceeding 200°C.
→ Heavy fabrication and welded structures where strength and durability are primary requirements
Besides all this, stainless steel flat bar would be preferable to oil and gas, petrochemical, power plant and heavy industrial applications. The SS flat bar will keep its appearance and strength in any kind of environment and will last for decades with low upkeep.
Aluminium vs SS Flat Bar — Application Guide
| Application | Recommended Material |
|---|---|
| Solar Panel Mounting Structures | Aluminium 6061 |
| Electrical Busbars & Conductors | Aluminium 63400 |
| Food Processing Equipment | SS 304 / SS 316 |
| Marine & Coastal Structures | SS 316 |
| Chemical Plant Piping | SS 316 |
| Interior Architectural Applications | Anodized Aluminium |
| Exterior Architectural Applications | SS 304 / Aluminium |
| Gates, Railings & Fencing | SS 304 / Mild Steel (MS) |
| Pharmaceutical Equipment | SS 316L |
| Conveyor Systems | SS 304 |
| Automotive Lightweight Components | Aluminium 6082 |
| High Temperature Applications | SS 310 |
Besides all this stainless steel flat bar would be preferable to oil and gas, petrochemical, power plant and heavy industrial applications. SS flat bar will keep its appearance and strength in any kind of environment and will last for decades with low upkeep.
Buy Aluminium and SS Flat Bar in Ahmedabad
Altra Enterprise is also supplying aluminium flat bars & stainless steel flat bars from our warehouse, Kathwada GIDC, Ahmedabad. In addition, we keep in stock bulk quantities of hot selling size for immediate dispatch to the whole of Gujarat and all India.
Our flat bar range includes:
Aluminium Flat Bars
- Grads 6061, 6082 and 63400
- Thickness 3mm to 50mm
- Width 20mm to 300mm
- Mill, Anodized and Polished finish
Stainless Steel Flat Bars
- Grads SS 202, SS 304 and SS 316
- Thickness 3mm to 50mm
- Width 20mm to 300mm
- Hot Rolled, Bright and Mirror finish
We can provide both flat bars in Ahmedabad with Custom Cut to Length & Surface Treatment. Contact Altra Enterprise to get the best Flat Bar Price in Ahmedabad with quick delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. Aluminium flat bar vs SS flat bar – Which is stronger?
No, a stainless steel flat bar is significantly stronger than an aluminium flat bar. With a tensile strength of 515 MPa compared to 310 MPa for 6061 T6 Aluminum flat bar. Aluminium has excellent mechanical strength compared to SS304 with the use of the following type. SS 304 has a tensile strength of 515 MPa compared to Aluminum 6061 T6’s 310 MPa.
Q.2. Aluminium vs SS flat bar – which is more affordable?
Aluminium flat bar is considerably more costly than stainless steel flat bars per kilogram, costing Rs 280 – Rs 320 per kilogram. Stainless steel flat bars 202 starting from only Rs 155 per kilogram. While an aluminum flat bar weighs less than one-third of stainless steel flat bars of the same length, resulting in similar prices per meter in certain instances.
Q.3. Can an aluminium flat bar be used in the outdoor?
Yes. Moreover, anodised aluminium flat bar provides superior performance in outdoor settings. For the coast and ocean environment, though, SS316 flat bars can give you more years of corrosion resistance compared to aluminium flat bars.
Q.4. What is the weight per meter for a 50mm X 6mm aluminium flat bar?
The aluminium 6061 T6 flat bar (50 x 6mm) would weigh 0.81 kg per meter, whereas a stainless steel 304 flat bar of similar dimensions would weigh. 2.38kg per meter. It’s evident from the calculation that aluminium flat bars are roughly 3 times lighter than SS Flat bars for a specific size.
Q.5. Which type of flat bar is suitable for solar panel mounting?
Aluminium 6061 flat bar is ideal for mounting solar panel structures, combining Lightweight properties, good corrosion resistance, and reasonable cost for Outdoor solar projects.
Q.6. Where to purchase Aluminium and SS flat bars in Ahmedabad?
Altra Enterprise offers a broad range of aluminium and SS flat bars in all grades and sizes in Kathwada GIDC, Ahmedabad. Call us now at +91-7600305469 for instant quotations, competitive wholesale prices and prompt deliveries across India.
Conclusion
So, whether you choose to opt for aluminium flat bar or stainless steel flat bar, they both offer considerable benefits for various needs, so the correct material really comes down to what’s best for you based on strength, weight, finish and budget!
The main differences at a glance.
→ Opt for aluminium flat bar if it’s being used for a lightweight structure, for electrical purposes or for solar-related jobs.
→ Opt for stainless steel flat bar if you need high strength or need the material to be food grade or suitable for use in the food industry or around chemicals.
→ It’s worth bearing in mind that whilst aluminium is more expensive per kilo than stainless steel, it’s a third of the weight.
→ Stainless steel 316 flat bar is ideal if you’re after a corrosion-resistant solution, such as in marine and chemical applications.
→ Both aluminium flat bars and stainless steel flat bars come with cut-to-length and custom surface treatment services available.
Aluminium Flat Bar | SS Flat Bar Ahmedabad-Bulk Stock-Fast Delivery | Contact Altra Enterprise for a good price of aluminium flat bar & SS flat bar in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with timely delivery in the entire India.
