Everything You Need to Know About EN 31 Flat Bars
In high-stress industrial applications, material strength isn't just important — it's critical. One such material that delivers exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and toughness is the EN 31 flat bar. In this article, we explore the features, specifications, and applications of EN 31 flat bars to help engineers, fabricators, and manufacturers make informed decisions.
What is EN 31 Flat Bar?
EN 31 is a high carbon alloy steel, renowned for its excellent strength, hardness, and wear resistance. When supplied in the annealed condition, it can be hardened and tempered for even more demanding applications.
As a flat bar, EN 31 offers a rectangular cross-section and is produced in various widths and thicknesses for engineering-grade use.
Technical Specifications of EN 31 Flat Bars
| Property | Value/Range |
|---|---|
| Material Grade | EN 31 (High Carbon Alloy Steel) |
| Carbon Content | 0.90% – 1.20% |
| Chromium Content | 1.00% – 1.60% |
| Tensile Strength | 850 – 1000 MPa (after heat treatment) |
| Hardness | Up to 60 HRC (Rockwell) |
| Standard Length | 3 to 6 meters |
| Width & Thickness | Customizable based on requirement |
Applications of EN 31 Flat Bars
EN 31 flat bars are trusted in industries where high fatigue strength, hardness, and dimensional stability are essential.
Common Applications Include:
- Bearing races & rollers
- Automotive gears & shafts
- High-load machine tools
- Spindles & cutting tools
- Die-making and precision components
These applications demand not just durability, but also consistency — which is why quality sourcing is key.
Why EN 31 Over Other Materials?
| Feature | EN 31 Flat Bar | Mild Steel Flat Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Very High (Up to 60 HRC) | Moderate |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Low |
| Heat Treatability | Easily hardened & tempered | Limited |
| Cost | Higher | More economical |
| Applications | Heavy-duty, high-precision | General-purpose fabrication |
Sourcing From a Trusted EN 31 Flat Bar Manufacturer
When quality matters, sourcing from a reliable en 31 flat bar manufacturer ensures:
- Uniform chemical composition
- Dimensional accuracy
- Heat treatment support
- Certified testing (Ultrasonic, Hardness, Chemical)
- Custom cuts and bulk supply options
Quality Steel Mills is one of the experienced manufacturers in India and is well-equipped with CNC mills, annealing furnaces, and testing labs to meet both domestic and international standards.
Buyer’s Tips
Before placing an order for EN 31 flat bars, keep the following in mind:
- Confirm Material Certificate – Ensure you receive a Mill Test Certificate (MTC).
- Define Surface Finish – Choose hot rolled, cold drawn, or ground finish as needed.
- Tolerance Requirements – Precision applications require tighter tolerances.
- Heat Treatment Status – Specify annealed or hardened & tempered conditions.
Final Thoughts
EN 31 flat bars represent the backbone of many precision-engineered products. Their unbeatable hardness and toughness make them ideal for demanding applications — but only when sourced from a reputed supplier. Partnering with the right en 31 flat bar manufacturer gives you a head start in ensuring consistent performance, long service life, and top-tier quality.
