Stainless Steel Bar and what is it?

A stainless steel bar is basically steel which has been alloyed with non-corrosive or low corrosive metals to give it stainless and low corrosive properties. Being able to withstand stains and being less prone to rust and wear gives it a clear advantage over other types of steel and other metals for that matter. These properties make it more popular in manufacturing processes and particularly in the production of kitchen utensils, barbecues, garden equipment and furniture.
 Mass produced steel is produced in lengths which are easy to transport, but can be forged in custom lengths for special fabrications. Steel is produced in a refinery and shaped into various shapes including bars.


Steel bar can be produced in a multitude of different shapes and specifications suitable for the manufacture of all kinds of products such as cutlery, tableware and saucepans. Steel bar is not only used in the manufacture of kitchen utensils, it is commonly used in the production of all number of everyday objects, such as:

• Bus shelters and road signage
• Telephone booths and street furniture
• Building facades
• Lifts and escalators
• Subway trains and station structures
• Fuel and chemical tankers
• Components for the automotive industry

Stainless steel is steel which has been produced not to stain, corrode or rust as easily as standard steel. It is also known as CRES (Corrosion-Resistant Steel) in some industries where the mix of metal alloys is not detailed such as aviation sector.


There are many different types of steel because different uses of the steel require different finishes, such as a polished reflective finish as used by cutlery manufacturers. It can be finished with many different surface textures and qualities; such as coarse, brushed, matte and even a mirrored finish can be achieved.

Composition of Stainless Steel Bar

Stainless steel bar is typically composed of steel which has been produced by alloying several metals together with at least 10% chromium. Chromium is a high polish, high melting point and hard metal, which odourless, tasteless and is easily manipulated into other shapes or forms. Other than chromium, it is usually composed of varying amounts of nickel, nitrogen and molybdenum, which affect its properties.


It is the chromium content which gives steel its stainless properties. The chromium oxide forms a thin layer on the outside of the steel which is un-detectable by the naked eye, which is self healing if scratched and bendable. Its re-healing properties are only active when in contact with oxygen gas, if the steel is in use in a non-oxygenated environment, such as underwater, corrosion may occur more easily.

Making Stainless Steel Bar

Stainless steel bar and other steel products such as flats, sheet and wire are produced within a blast furnace. Within the furnace, carbon electrodes are aligned to make contact with amounts nickel, nitrogen and molybdenum at a very high temperature.


Once the furnace reaches the optimum melting point the different metal alloys present fuse to create one metal alloy. Then the alloy is fed into an argon vessel where de-carbonization takes place, once within the vessel, forging or casting can begin.


Steel is very malleable and can be moulded into a variety of shapes, such as bar, rounds, flats, sheet and can be drawn into steel wire.

Stainless Steel Bar Re-cycling

Stainless steel bar benefits from being able to withstand high temperatures, both high and low as well as high pressure environments, making it relevantly low maintenance. Low maintenance metals can more easily be used in mass produced and heavily used objects, such as items used around the home like kettles, saucepans and cutlery.


Once steel products reach the end of their shelf life they can easily be re-cycled because they are 100% recyclable and still reach a good price on the scrap metal market. It is its recyclability that makes it a popular choice for the building industry because government regulations nowadays push businesses to be as 'green' as possible.

Stainless Steel Bar Stockholders

Steel suppliers hold large quantities of steel bar, flats and tube products and are known as stainless steel stockholders. Some steel stockholders or suppliers offer additional services such as steel sawing, shearing, profiling and drilling.

To find stainless steel stockholders who supply stainless steel bar products contact Chase Alloys on (044) 01543 573200