Specifications

IS 2062 composition and properties

Sub-grades A, BR, B0 and C differ in impact-test requirements and some limits; sub-grade C has lower sulphur and phosphorus. See IS 2062 for full requirements.

Values for plates, sections, flats and bars to IS 2062.

Sub-grades A, BR, B0 and C set the impact-test requirement; sub-grade C is impact tested at −20 °C. Equivalent international grades are ASTM A36 (E250) and A572 Grade 50 (E350), and EN 10025 S275 / S355.

MS flat weight chart

Weight = width × thickness × 0.00785 kg/m. Use our weight calculator for other sizes.

Galvanised flats for earthing

Hot-dip galvanised MS flats are widely used as earthing conductors and lightning protection strips in buildings, substations and plants. The size is chosen for the fault current and the corrosion allowance over the design life – common sizes include 25 × 3, 25 × 5, 40 × 5 and 50 × 6 mm. In highly corrosive soils or coastal sites, copper or stainless steel flats may be specified instead.

Protection, storage and fabrication

Mild steel rusts when exposed to moisture, so it is supplied black with a light oil or mill scale, or primed, painted or hot-dip galvanised as ordered. Store material off the ground, under cover where possible, and keep it away from stainless steel to avoid contaminating stainless surfaces. Mild steel cuts, drills, bends and welds easily with standard equipment and consumables; preheat is normally only needed for thick sections or higher-strength grades.

Quality, documents and dispatch

Every supply is checked against the order for grade, size, length and quantity, with heat numbers matched to the mill test certificates. Material is invoiced with GST for supplies in India and dispatched with an e-way bill where required, and exported with the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and MTC. Third-party inspection by the buyer's nominated agency can be arranged on request.

Standards explained

IS 2062 is the Indian standard for hot-rolled structural steel – plates, sections, flats and bars – and sets the chemistry, carbon equivalent, strength and impact requirements of each grade and sub-grade. Section dimensions and weights are set separately, in IS 808 for beams, channels and angles, and tolerances in IS 1852. When buying to international projects, ASTM A36 or A572 and EN 10025 grades are used instead; equivalents are approximate, so material should be certified to the standard named in the design.

Flats in fabrication

Flats are the most versatile steel product for small fabricated parts: they are cut to length and drilled to make base plates, cleats, connection plates, gussets and stiffeners, bent to make brackets and clamps, and welded into frames, gates, grills and railings. Hot-rolled flats have slightly rounded edges and a mill-scale surface; for visible or precision work, flats can be cut from plate with square edges, or bright flats can be used.

Gratings and walkways

Mild steel flats are the bearing bars of welded and press-locked gratings used for floors, platforms, stair treads and trench covers in plants and buildings. Bar size and spacing are chosen for the span and load, and gratings are usually hot-dip galvanised for long life. Serrated flats give better slip resistance where floors may be wet or oily.

How to order MS flats

To get an accurate quotation quickly, please give: the size (width × thickness), grade, length, quantity and finish (black, painted or galvanised). If the material is for a project with a specification or drawing, send it with the enquiry so the grade, sub-grade and testing can be matched. For export orders, also give the delivery port and any marking, packing or documentation requirements.

Applications and related products

MS flats are used for base plates, cleats, gussets and stiffeners, brackets and hangers, earthing strips, gratings, frames, gates and railings, and general fabrication. Other mild steel products: MS pipes, MS sheets, MS plates, MS angles, MS channels, MS beams and MS round bars. Grade information is on the mild steel page, and other materials on the flats page.