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
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- Metal \u2013 6082 Grade Aluminium<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Coating \u2013 No. <\/strong><\/li>\n
- Width \u2013 19.05mm<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Thickness \u2013 3.125mm<\/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
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- 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
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\nFAQs About Aluminium Flat Bar<\/h4>\n
Can Flat Bar Aluminium be Used in Food Processing Areas?<\/h2>\n
Flat bar aluminium is a viable choice for use in food processing areas, primarily due to its non-toxic nature, corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning. Aluminium’s inherent resistance to corrosion ensures that it doesn’t rust or deteriorate quickly, even when exposed to food acids or salts. Moreover, the metal doesn’t impart any taste, aroma or colour to food, making it safe for direct contact with various food items. The smooth surface of aluminium flat bars allows for efficient cleaning and sanitising, crucial for maintaining hygiene standards in food processing environments. However, it’s essential to note that aluminium can react with highly acidic or alkaline foods, potentially leading to the metal’s degradation over time. Thus, in applications where prolonged contact with such foods is expected, protective coatings or other barrier methods might be advisable. In summary, while aluminium flat bars are well-suited for many applications within food processing areas, the specific environment and substances they will be exposed to should guide their use.<\/p>\n
How do I Polish Flat Bar Aluminium to a Mirror Finish?<\/h2>\n
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Safety First<\/strong>: Always wear safety goggles, a dust mask and gloves to protect yourself from aluminium dust and any chemicals you might be using.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Clean the Aluminium<\/strong>: Begin by cleaning the flat bar thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease or oxidation. You can use a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap. Rinse and dry the aluminium completely.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Sanding<\/strong>: Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper (around 400 grit) to remove any major scratches or imperfections. Sand the surface evenly using straight, parallel strokes. Once done, move to a finer grit (around 600) and repeat the process. Continue this progression, moving to finer grits (800, 1000, up to 2000 or higher) until the aluminium is very smooth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Wet Sanding<\/strong>: As you move to the finer grits, you can use a technique called wet sanding. This involves using a little water on the sandpaper which can help achieve a smoother finish and prolong the life of the sandpaper.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Buffing<\/strong>: Once the surface is smooth, use a buffing wheel attached to a drill or bench grinder. Apply a small amount of aluminium or metal polish compound to the buffing wheel and then buff the aluminium in circular motions. This will create a shiny, mirror-like finish.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Polishing<\/strong>: After buffing, use a clean, soft cloth and a high-quality metal or aluminium polish. Apply the polish in small amounts and work it in using circular motions. This will enhance the mirror finish and remove any minor blemishes left from buffing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Protection<\/strong>: To protect the mirror finish and prevent oxidation, you can apply a thin layer of a clear metal sealant or wax. This will keep the aluminium looking shiny for a longer period.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Maintenance<\/strong>: Over time, even with a sealant, aluminium may lose some of its shine. Regular light polishing can help maintain the mirror finish.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
What is the Typical Lifespan of a Flat Bar Aluminium?<\/h2>\n
The typical lifespan of flat bar aluminium can vary widely based on several determining factors. Inherently, aluminium is resistant to corrosion due to its natural oxide layer which protects the underlying metal. In ideal conditions, such as indoor environments where the metal isn’t subjected to aggressive chemicals, abrasion or other physical stresses, flat bar aluminium can last indefinitely with minimal degradation. However, in more challenging environments, such as coastal areas with salty air or industrial settings with acidic or caustic substances, its lifespan may be reduced. The specific alloy of aluminium also plays a role. For instance, some aluminium alloys are designed for better corrosion resistance or structural strength. Regular maintenance, like cleaning and occasionally applying protective coatings, can also extend the aluminium’s life. In most standard applications, well-maintained aluminium flat bars can easily last several decades. However, it’s important to regularly inspect the aluminium, especially in demanding environments, to ensure its integrity and performance over time.<\/p>\n
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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
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- Order dispatch within 24 hours of order<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Coating \u2013 No. <\/strong><\/li>\n
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