{"product_id":"304-stainless-steel-rectangular-bar-unpolished-mill-finish-5-8in-x","title":"304 Stainless Steel Rectangular Bar Unpolished Mill Finish - 5\/8in x","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the 304 Stainless Steel Rectangular Bar from OnlineMetals, the bottom line is simple: this bar is for fabricators and engineers who need a reliable, corrosion-resistant raw material in a standard, easy-to-work size. The review finds the strongest reason to buy is the combination of commonly used \u003cstrong\u003e304 stainless steel\u003c\/strong\u003e chemistry and a straightforward mill (unpolished) finish that reduces cost while preserving material properties for machining, forming, or architectural trim. It suits projects that require predictable performance rather than cosmetic polish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlloy:\u003c\/strong\u003e 304 stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance and high strength for general-purpose industrial uses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 5\/8in thickness, 4in width and 12in length make it convenient for small fabrication runs and prototypes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unpolished (mill) finish reduces price and preserves machinability for downstream cutting, welding, or forming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandards:\u003c\/strong\u003e Conforms to common specifications including ASTM-A276 and related AMS\/ASTM standards, which helps with material traceability in regulated applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for applications from food and beverage equipment to architectural trim and cryogenic use due to stable 304 properties.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe bar is aimed at metalworkers, machine shops, prototypers, and maintenance teams who need a tried-and-true stainless alloy in a compact, ready-to-machine piece. Its size and finish suit small runs, custom brackets, tooling parts, and visible trim when a polished surface is not required.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThose who require precision-ground flat stock, mirror finishes, or longer lengths should look elsewhere; suppliers offering polished bars or longer-stock programs will be a better fit for cosmetics or large-scale production needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood balance of strength and corrosion resistance from the familiar \u003cstrong\u003e304 stainless\u003c\/strong\u003e chemistry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractical 5\/8in x 4in x 12in size that works well for prototypes and small fabrications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeets industry specifications like ASTM-A276 for material traceability and confidence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnpolished mill finish retains machinability and typically lowers cost compared with finished stock.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinish is mill-grade, so extra work is needed when a finished appearance is required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome customers report the length can vary slightly and may be a bit short for tight-tolerance builds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e304 stainless steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5\/8in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWidth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnpolished (mill)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnnealed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandards\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMeets AMS-QQ-S-763, AMS-5639, AMS-5647, ASTM-A276, ASTM-A479, ASTM-F899, ASTM-A240 (call for availability)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 304 Stainless Steel Rectangular Bar is a sensible choice for workshops and engineers who need dependable, standards-compliant raw material with good corrosion resistance and machinability. It represents good value when a mill finish is acceptable and the 5\/8in x 4in x 12in size matches the project; those requiring finished surfaces or precise lengths should consider alternate stock options.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this bar ready to weld?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the annealed 304 material and mill finish make it suitable for common welding processes after proper preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it be used for food equipment?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e304 is commonly used in food and beverage applications, but final suitability depends on surface finish and fabrication methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre longer lengths available?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe listing is for 12in pieces; contact the supplier for availability of other lengths or full-length bars.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Online Metals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48233795813595,"sku":"B000H9NMLI","price":62.35,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51JYQNj_a-L._SL1231_2a037aa7-04a6-40d2-aa92-ddc8656e4e15.jpg?v=1770840759","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/304-stainless-steel-rectangular-bar-unpolished-mill-finish-5-8in-x","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}