Mild Steel Flat Bar Weight, Sizes & Uses
What Is a Mild Steel Flat Bar?
A mild steel flat bar is a hot-rolled, low-carbon steel strip with a rectangular cross-section. It offers good weldability, machinability, and formability at a cost-efficient price point. It is ideal for brackets, frames, stiffeners, and general fabrication. In Singapore, flat bars typically follow international mild steel grades such as ASTM A36 and JIS G3101 SS400, both known for reliable weldability and general structural use.
Similar to other structural steel profiles such as mild steel C-channels, flat bars are widely used for framing and reinforcement due to their strong load-bearing properties.
Typical Standards and Properties
- Common grades: ASTM A36 (hot-rolled mild steel), JIS G3101 SS400 (structural carbon steel).
- Why these grades: Both provide consistent yield/tensile performance for general structural and fabrication work and accept standard welding processes used by SG workshops
Mild Steel Flat Bar Sizes and Lengths
We commonly see stock lengths of 6 m (cut-to-length available). Width and thickness vary by stockist, but workshops in Jurong, Tuas, and Sungei Kadut routinely work with combinations such as:
- Widths: ~20 mm to 150 mm
- Thicknesses: ~3 mm to 25 mm
Always check mill certs and actual stock lists before ordering, as availability changes with shipment cycles. (Sizes above are typical working ranges for hot-rolled flats in the region based on market listings for A36/SS400 flats.)
For projects that require a lighter alternative, consider our aluminium flat bars which offer excellent corrosion resistance and easy fabrication.
How to Calculate Weight per Metre
You can estimate weight from dimensions using the standard formula for mild steel flat bars:
Weight (kg/m) = 0.0075 × width(mm) × thickness(mm)
Example (common workshop job in Singapore):
A 50 × 6 mm flat bar, 0.0075 × 50 × 6 = 2.25 kg/m. A 6-metre length weighs about 13.5 kg.
This aligns with the density of mild steel (~7,850 kg/m³) used by industry calculators
Mild Steel Flat Bar Applications
Mild steel flat bars are widely used across different industries in Singapore thanks to their strength, versatility, and cost efficiency. From construction sites to shipyards, they serve as a reliable material for structural and fabrication needs. Below are some of the most common applications you’ll see across the island:
- Architectural & Fit-Out: Handrail flat bar caps, grille frames, door stiffeners, signage backplates for malls and offices along Orchard and Marina Bay.
- Industrial Fabrication: Machine bases, skids, and jig fixtures in Jurong Industrial Estate and Sungei Kadut workshops, bracing and cleats for structural frames.
- Marine & Offshore: Lashing plates, brackets, fender backing strips, and ladder side plates used by Tuas shipyards and repair yards.
- Facilities & Public Works: Guard plate edging, cable tray supports, and fencing straps in business parks and HDB common areas, where hot-dip galvanising or painting often follows for corrosion protection.
When used in flooring or structural platforms, mild steel flat bars can be paired with chequered plates for added grip and safety in industrial or marine environments.
These are typical use cases for A36/SS400 flats due to their weldability, machinability and general structural performance.
Selecting the Right Flat Bar
When you spec mild steel flat bar for a Singapore project, confirm:
- Grade and Certification: Request mill test certificates (MTC) for ASTM A36 or JIS SS400 to match your design assumptions.
- Finish & Protection: Choose as-rolled (mill scale) for fabrication, then specify galvanising or a paint system for outdoor or marine exposure.
- Tolerance & Straightness: Verify dimensional tolerance and camber for long lengths, especially for façade trims and rail caps.
- Cutting & Processing: Ask about cut-to-length, drilling, and slotting to reduce on-site time and waste.
For environments exposed to moisture or chemicals, stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance and a polished finish suitable for architectural applications.
Mild Steel Flat Bar Singapore Supplier
Whether you’re building structural frames, fabricating machinery parts, or creating custom architectural fittings, mild steel flat bars remain one of the most practical materials for Singapore projects. Their balance of strength, weldability, and affordability makes them essential in both industrial and commercial settings.
At The Monster Builder, we go beyond supplying quality mild steel flat bars. We also provide steel fabrication and CNC machining services tailored to your specifications. Our team ensures precise cutting, drilling, and finishing, helping you save time and maintain consistent quality across every project.
The Monster Builder also supplies complementary products like Unistrut channels that simplify installation and cable management in modern construction projects.
If you’re sourcing mild steel flat bar in Singapore, partner with a trusted local supplier that understands your needs from design to delivery. Contact The Monster Builder today to discuss your requirements and get a customised quote.
