MS & Stainless Steel Hex Bars: Sizes, Dimensions, Grades, Prices & Applications
Industrial machinery, marine builds, and construction, all have completely different demands. However, there's a crucial componenent they all often have in common: a high-quality steel hexagonal bar.
A hex bar is a practical choice for components that need secure gripping, accurate machining, and reliable torque transfer. Its six flat faces make it especially useful for fasteners, fittings, machine parts, and fabricated components where a round profile may not suit the final design.
When looking for the right hex bar, remember that material selection matters just as much as size. MS hex bars are widely used for general engineering and fabrication, while stainless steel hex bars suit applications where corrosion resistance, surface quality, or demanding service conditions carry greater importance.
This guide covers hex bar sizes and dimensions, grades, pricing factors, and applications to help buyers specify the right material.
Key Takeaways
Hex bars have six flat sides and are widely used for machining, fasteners, fittings, and engineering components.
MS hex bars suit general engineering, fabrication, and automotive applications where strength and practical material cost matter.
Stainless steel hex bars are commonly selected for applications requiring corrosion resistance and consistent surface quality.
Hex bar sizes and dimensions are primarily specified by the distance across opposite flat faces.
Hex bar price varies with grade, size, quantity, tolerance, finish, custom requirements, and raw material costs.
Table of Contents
What is a Hex Bar?
A hex bar, also called a hexagonal steel bar, is a solid metal bar with six flat sides arranged in a hexagonal cross section. The profile provides flat surfaces for gripping, machining, and assembly, which makes hex bars particularly useful for components that interact with tools, threaded parts, and mechanical connections.
Unlike a round bar, which has a continuous circular surface, a steel hex bar has six defined faces. This geometry is the primary reason why it's suitable for producing nuts, bolts, fittings, couplings, and machined parts with less material removal when the finished component needs a hexagonal profile.
These bars are commonly made of mild steel, carbon and alloy steels, and stainless steel. At Fortran Steel, our range includes both mild steel hex bars and stainless steel hexagon bars for engineering and industrial requirements. Our MS hexagonal bar range covers 6 mm to 75 mm.
MS Hex Bar vs Stainless Steel Hex Bar
The choice between an MS hex bar and a stainless steel hex bar depends on service conditions, machining requirements, corrosion exposure and project budget.
Feature | MS Hex Bar | Stainless Steel Hex Bar |
Material | Mild, carbon or alloy steel grades according to specification | Stainless steel grades according to specification |
Corrosion resistance | Requires suitable protection where corrosion is a concern | Higher corrosion resistance, with performance dependent on grade and environment |
Machinability | Grade dependent and well suited to many machining operations | Varies considerably between stainless steel grades |
Surface | Available in standard and bright forms | Bright bars provide a smooth, consistent surface |
Cost | Generally more economical for standard engineering requirements | Typically carries a higher material cost |
Typical uses | Fasteners, machinery, fabrication and automotive components | Food processing, marine, pharmaceutical, chemical and industrial equipment |
Grade selection | Based on strength, machining and mechanical requirements | Based on corrosion conditions, strength, temperature and machining requirements |
Neither of these materials should be selected based on price alone. A component used in a protected machinery assembly has very different requirements from one exposed to chemicals, moisture, or marine conditions. That's why determining the application and working conditions needs to be the first step of selection.
Hex Bar Sizes and Dimensions
To understand hex bar dimensions, start with the way the profile is measured. Unlike round bars, where diameter is straightforward, a hexagonal profile has two important cross-sectional measurements.
Across flats: The distance between two opposite parallel faces is the primary dimension used to specify a hex bar.
Across corners: The distance between two opposite corners is greater than the across flats measurement and can matter when checking component clearance.
Length: Bar length should match manufacturing, handling, and cutting requirements.
Size: The nominal hex bar size generally refers to the across flats dimension.
Tolerance: Dimensional tolerance determines the permitted variation from the specified size and can be critical for precision machining.
For a regular hexagonal profile, the across corners dimension is approximately 1.1547 times the across flats dimension.
Hex Bar Size Chart
The table below provides dimensional references for common nominal measurements. These figures illustrate the geometric relationship between across flats and across corners. They should not be read as a stock availability list.
Across Flats | Approx. Across Corners |
6 mm | 6.93 mm |
10 mm | 11.55 mm |
15 mm | 17.32 mm |
20 mm | 23.09 mm |
25 mm | 28.87 mm |
30 mm | 34.64 mm |
40 mm | 46.19 mm |
50 mm | 57.74 mm |
60 mm | 69.28 mm |
75 mm | 86.60 mm |
These hexagonal bar dimensions become particularly important when buyers are planning machining allowances, finished component dimensions, and equipment clearances.
Common MS Hex Bar Sizes
Our current mild steel hex bar sizes range from 6 mm to 75 mm. This range supports requirements across machining, fabrication, automotive, construction, and industrial equipment applications.
Size selection should reflect the finished component rather than the nominal dimension alone. Machining allowance, tolerance, required mechanical properties, and final geometry all deserve consideration before an order is placed.
For projects with specific dimensional requirements, we also provide customisation in lengths and profiles. Our MS hexagonal bars are produced with close dimensional control for applications where machining accuracy matters.
Stainless Steel Hex Bar Sizes and Dimensions
Our stainless steel hex bar sizes currently cover 5 mm to 80 mm, with H11 tolerance for this product range.
The right stainless steel hex bar dimensions depend on the component being manufactured, machining allowance, and final dimensional requirements. The SS grade that's chosen is another important consideration because availability can differ according to the material specification and required size.
Custom lengths and profiles are available for our stainless steel bright hexagonal bars. This can be useful when a manufacturer wants material supplied closer to production requirements rather than working entirely from general bar lengths.
Know More About Stainless Steel: The Ultimate Guide to Stainless Steel Compositions
Grades of MS and Stainless Steel Hex Bars
A grade determines much more than the name written on a purchase order. Mechanical properties, machinability, corrosion performance, and suitability for a particular component can all depend on correct grade selection.
The table below reflects grades currently published for our respective hexagonal bar ranges.
Hex Bar Type | Grades Published by Fortran Steel |
MS Hex Bar | EN8, EN18, EN19, EN32B, 16MnCr5, EN42, SAE1008, SAE1010, SAE1018, 15B25, ENIA(L) |
Stainless Steel Hex Bar | 201, 202, 301, 303, 304, 304L, 309, 310, 310S, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 317, 317L, 321, 321H, 347, 410, 416, 420, 430, 430F, 431, 630, 17 4PH, F51, F60 |
Buyers should specify the required grade together with dimensions, tolerance, finish, and application details. Similar-sized bars in different grades can behave very differently during machining and in service.
Hex Bar Price: What Factors Affect the Cost?
There is no single hex bar price that applies across materials, sizes, and order quantities. Steel and stainless steel values change with raw material markets, while the actual specification can substantially alter the final quotation.
Material grade: Alloy content and grade requirements have a direct influence on material value.
Size and dimensions: Larger cross sections use more material and carry a higher hex bar weight per metre.
Order quantity: Volume can influence production planning, material procurement, packing and commercial terms.
Surface finish: Bright and other specified finishes may involve additional processing compared with standard material.
Manufacturing process: Production route and processing requirements contribute to the final cost structure.
Dimensional tolerance: Tighter tolerances can require more precise manufacturing and inspection controls.
Raw material market: Changes in steel, stainless steel, and alloy input costs can move quotations over time.
Custom requirements: Special lengths, profiles, testing or documentation should be included when requesting a quotation.
Delivery location: Freight, packing and logistics requirements form part of the delivered material cost.
For procurement teams, comparing quotations solely based on price per kilogram means missing out on important specification differences. Grade, tolerance, finish, testing, dimensions and delivery terms should be aligned before commercial comparisons are made.
Applications of MS and Stainless Steel Hex Bars
The six-sided profile makes hex bars useful across manufacturing sectors where components require machining, secure tool engagement, or a defined hexagonal finished shape.
MS Hex Bar Applications
MS hex bars are widely used in engineering and manufacturing where machinability, strength, and practical material cost are important.
Some common applications of MS hex bars are:
Machinery components: Hex bars are machined into parts used across industrial equipment and mechanical assemblies.
Engineering components: The profile suits fittings, connectors, spacers and other accurately machined components.
Fasteners: Hexagonal stock is a natural starting profile for many nuts, bolts, and threaded components.
Fabrication: Mild steel hex bars suit fabricated assemblies that require a strong solid steel section.
Automotive components: Selected grades are used for machined and engineered parts across automotive manufacturing.
Stainless Steel Hex Bar Applications
A stainless steel hex bar is commonly selected where the application calls for corrosion resistance, dimensional accuracy, or a clean surface.
Some common applications of MS hex bars are:
Food processing equipment: Stainless grades suit components used in equipment where hygiene and corrosion performance matter.
Chemical equipment: Suitable grade selection supports components exposed to specific chemicals and processing conditions.
Marine applications: Selected stainless grades are suited to components working around moisture and saline environments.
Pharmaceutical equipment: Stainless hexagonal stock can be machined into precision parts for pharmaceutical equipment.
Architectural fabrication: A consistent surface and defined profile suit visible fabricated and architectural components.
Industrial machinery: Stainless hex bars are used for fittings, fasteners, machine parts, and precision components.
How to Choose the Right Hex Bar
To choose the right hex bar, make sure you're sourcing your bars from a reliable, reputable steel supplier. Then begin with the finished component and work backwards to the material specification. This approach makes it easier to determine the required hex bar dimensions, grade, tolerance, and surface condition before purchasing.
Check the application: Identify the loads, operating environment, and function of the finished component.
Select the material: Choose MS or stainless steel according to mechanical, corrosion, and fabrication requirements.
Specify the grade: Match the grade to strength, machining, temperature, and environmental conditions.
Confirm dimensions: State the required across flats size, length, and other relevant dimensional requirements.
Define tolerances: Precision components may require tighter dimensional control than general fabrication work.
Review surface requirements: Specify bright or other required surface conditions based on machining and appearance needs.
Consider machining: Account for cutting, turning, threading, and other operations planned after material procurement.
Confirm documentation: Mention testing, certification, and traceability requirements at the enquiry stage.
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Why Choose Fortran Steel for Hex Bars?
At Fortran Steel, we supply MS hex bars and stainless steel hex bars for a broad range of industrial and engineering requirements. Our range covers multiple forms of both MS and SS bars in different grades and customisable dimensions.
With 35+ years of expertise, we deliver excellence in steel throughout the world.
Wide grade selection: Our MS and stainless steel hex bars are available in grades suited to diverse engineering applications.
Custom sizing: Lengths and profiles can be tailored to match specific component and production requirements.
ISO-certified Quality assurance: Batch testing and certification support material verification and traceability throughout procurement.
Consistent dimensions: Controlled tolerances and uniform profiles support precision machining and dependable component production.
Specification support: Our team helps buyers select suitable grades, sizes, tolerances and finishes for their requirements.
Looking for MS or SS hexagonal steel bars for your next requirement? Get in touch with us today!
FAQs
What is a hex bar?
A hex bar is a solid metal bar with six flat sides and a hexagonal cross-section. It is widely used for fasteners, fittings, machinery parts, automotive components, and other products that require machining or secure tool engagement.
What are the standard hex bar sizes?
Standard hex bar sizes vary by material, grade, and supplier. At Fortran Steel, our MS hexagonal bar range covers 6 mm to 75 mm, while our stainless steel hexagonal bars cover 5 mm to 80 mm.
What is the difference between a hex bar and a hex rod?
A hex bar and hex rod commonly refer to the same type of solid, six-sided metal section. The terminology can vary between suppliers, markets, and industries, so buyers should rely on the stated material grade, dimensions, tolerance, and finish rather than the product name alone.
Are stainless steel hex bars corrosion resistant?
Yes, stainless steel hex bars provide corrosion resistance, but the level varies considerably by stainless steel grade and service environment. Exposure to chemicals, chlorides, temperature, and moisture should be considered when selecting the grade.
Which is better, MS or stainless steel hex bar?
The better choice between an MS hex bar and stainless steel hex bar depends on the application. MS is widely suited to general engineering and fabrication, while stainless steel is commonly selected where corrosion resistance, surface quality or particular service conditions are important.
How are hex bar dimensions measured?
Hex bar dimensions are primarily specified across flats, which is the distance between two opposite parallel faces. Across corners measures the distance between opposite corners and is larger than the nominal across flats dimension.
What are stainless steel hex bars used for?
Stainless steel hex bars are used for fasteners, fittings, machine parts, and components across industries such as food processing, marine, pharmaceutical, automotive, and industrial machinery. The application should be matched with the appropriate stainless steel grade.
Can hex bars be supplied in custom sizes?
Customisation is available for specific hex bar requirements. At Fortran Steel, we can do custom lengths and profiles for both MS and stainless steel hexagonal bar products, subject to the required specification and order details.
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