Square Bars — Stainless Steel Square Bars from ULAMEX
Stainless steel square bars are solid, cold-drawn or hot-rolled bar products with a precise square cross-section, manufactured from grade 1.4301 (AISI 304). ULAMEX supplies square bars in standard length 4000 mm, with cross-sections ranging from 6×6 mm to 50×50 mm — covering the full spectrum from fine machining stock to heavy structural and industrial applications. Square bars are essential semi-finished products for CNC machining, precision components, architectural detailing, mechanical engineering and construction. As a wholesale supplier with over 35 years of experience, we deliver stainless steel square bars to industrial customers across more than 20 European countries.
Material Grades and Properties
Our stainless steel square bars are produced from grade 1.4301 (AISI 304 / X5CrNi18-10), the most commonly specified austenitic stainless steel for bar products. This chromium-nickel alloy combines excellent machinability with outstanding corrosion resistance, making it suitable for both structural and precision applications. Cold-drawn square bars offer tighter dimensional tolerances and a smoother surface finish compared to hot-rolled equivalents, while hot-rolled bars in larger cross-sections provide superior ductility for forging and heavy fabrication.
| Property | Grade 1.4301 (AISI 304) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 500–700 MPa |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | min. 190 MPa (annealed), higher for cold-drawn |
| Elongation (A5) | min. 45% |
| Hardness (HB) | max. 215 (annealed) |
| Density | 7.93 kg/dm³ |
| Machinability | Good (HSS and carbide tooling) |
For enhanced corrosion resistance in marine, chemical or pharmaceutical environments, square bars in grade 1.4404 (AISI 316L) are available on request. For improved machinability without compromising corrosion performance, grade 1.4305 (AISI 303) — the free-machining variant — can be sourced for high-volume CNC production runs.
Available Dimensions
Our stainless steel square bars are stocked in standard length 4000 mm. The table below shows the complete range of cross-sections available from our warehouse. All bars are supplied in bright-drawn (peeled) or hot-rolled finish, depending on the cross-section.
| Dimensions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 x 6 | 8 x 8 | 10 x 10 | 12 x 12 | 15 x 15 |
| 20 x 20 | 25 x 25 | 30 x 30 | 40 x 40 | 50 x 50 |
*Other dimensions and types available on request. Custom cut-to-length service available for all cross-sections.
Applications
Stainless steel square bars serve as versatile semi-finished products across a broad range of industrial, architectural and mechanical applications. Their solid, uniform cross-section makes them ideal for both structural use and precision machining into finished components.
- CNC Machining and Turned Parts: Raw material for CNC milling, turning and drilling operations producing shafts, pins, bushings, brackets, spacers and custom-machined components. The consistent cross-section of drawn square bars minimises material waste and setup time in automated production.
- Architectural and Interior Design: Decorative railings, balustrade infill bars, furniture frames, shelving brackets, display fixtures and shopfitting elements. Brushed or polished surface finishes available for visible installations.
- Food and Pharmaceutical Equipment: Machine frames, guide rails, mounting brackets and structural elements for processing equipment in hygienically demanding environments. Grade 304 withstands regular cleaning; grade 316L for chloride-containing wash solutions.
- Mechanical and Plant Engineering: Keystock, guide bars, actuator rods, coupling elements and structural members in automated production lines, conveyor systems and packaging machinery.
- Construction and Metalwork: Anchor bars, connection elements, grating support bars and reinforcement components in stainless steel construction projects. Square bars provide clean, finished edges for welded assemblies and bolted connections.
Standards and Certifications
Stainless steel square bars from ULAMEX comply with EN 10088-3 for stainless steel semi-finished products (bars, rods, wire and sections). Dimensional tolerances conform to EN 10278 for bright steel products (cold-drawn) and EN 10060 for hot-rolled bars. Surface condition follows EN 10088-3 requirements for peeled, ground or bright-drawn finish. Material test certificates EN 10204 Type 3.1 are available on request, confirming chemical composition, mechanical properties and heat traceability. ULAMEX is certified to EN 1090 and ISO 3834 — see our certifications page.
Why ULAMEX
- over 38 years in steel wholesale — established supplier since 1988, specialising in stainless steel, carbon steel and aluminium
- 60,000 m² warehouse with 10 square bar sizes in stock, ready for dispatch
- EN 1090 + ISO 3834 certified — documented quality management for structural and welded applications
- Full size range — from 6×6 mm precision bars to 50×50 mm structural bars, all in 4000 mm length
- Cut-to-length service — precision sawing to your specified dimensions
- Complete stainless steel range — combine square bars with round rods, profiles and sheets
- 3.1 mill certificates on request — full material traceability per EN 10204
- Delivery to 20+ countries — reliable logistics from Poland across Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cold-drawn and hot-rolled stainless steel square bars?
Cold-drawn (bright-drawn) square bars undergo additional processing after hot rolling — they are drawn through a die at room temperature, resulting in tighter dimensional tolerances (typically h11 or better), a smoother surface finish and slightly higher yield strength due to work hardening. Hot-rolled square bars have standard rolling tolerances and a rougher pickled surface, but offer better ductility for forging and bending. At ULAMEX, smaller cross-sections (6×6 to approximately 25×25 mm) are typically supplied cold-drawn, while larger sections (30×30 to 50×50 mm) are hot-rolled.
Can I obtain mill test certificates for stainless steel square bars?
Yes. All square bars are available with 3.1 inspection certificates per EN 10204 on request. These certificates document the specific heat’s chemical composition, mechanical test results (tensile strength, yield strength, elongation) and the material’s heat number for full traceability. This is standard practice for our B2B customers in construction, food processing, mechanical engineering and other regulated industries.
Are custom lengths available for stainless steel square bars?
Yes. Our standard stock length is 4000 mm, but we offer a precision sawing service to cut square bars to your exact project requirements. Multiple pieces can be cut from a single bar to optimise material usage. Specify your required lengths when requesting a quote. For high-volume orders with specific length requirements, we can also arrange mill-direct production.
Which grade is best for CNC machining — 304, 316L or 303?
For general-purpose machining with good corrosion resistance, grade 1.4301 (304) is the standard choice. If enhanced corrosion resistance is required (marine, chemical, food processing), choose 1.4404 (316L). For high-volume automated machining where cutting speed and tool life are priorities, grade 1.4305 (303) offers significantly better machinability due to its sulphur content — though with slightly reduced corrosion resistance and weldability. Contact us at [email protected] or +48 504 424 761 for grade recommendations.