BULB FLATS
SMD Steel partners with world class mills to supply bulb flats in a full wide range of sizes and grades. Large inventory at our Mississippi plant available for immediate delivery to support our customers.
- Full size range: b x t (mm) – 80 x 5 to 430 x 20
- Lengths: 40 ft (stock); 20ft-52ft (mill direct orders)
- Grades: ABS A, B, D, A32, A36, AH / DH 36, EH36
- Standards: EN 10067 – 1997
Our bulb flats are approved by various shipbuilding classifications including ABS, Lloyds, GL, DNV, Lloyds etc.
Contact
Sukhi Kohli
Cell: 832.526.0407 or sukhi@smdsteel.com
What are Bulb flats?
Globally, bulb flats are the most used structure profiles for the ship, barge, and bridge industry to reinforce steel plates . They can be applied in almost all shipbuilding vessels, like offshore, cruising, barges, fishing etc., and feature a unique shape of flat, with a tapered flange on one side ,which provides for more accessible cleaning and good weldability. Bulb flats can be shotblasted and primed using a range of industry standard pre-fabrication primers for enhanced fabrication performance and product protection.
Benefits of Bulb Flats
- Excellent strength to weight ratio makes them highly resistant to buckling from extreme stresses compared to angle or flat bar.
- Provide a low paint area, with no need for edge grinding prior to painting, which saves time and money during fabrication. Also require fewer lugs compared with alternative plate stiffeners.
- No hidden recesses, but a round shape that prevents corrosive buildup and makes it easy to access, clean and maintain painted surface, thus giving longer life span.
- Feature a good radius of the bulb and the side to be welded and the tolerance for the straightness and the surface.
