Metal can be produced in a wide variety of metal profiles of sizes and shapes. there are several manufacturing or profile types that will look relatively similar, but have important differences in properties and applications, such as two of the most commonly used materials are round bars and rods, both they have may indeed have some very general similarities, but some key differences between them can have a major impact on the functionality and durability of your project.
Production Equipment Differences
Rod mills are similar to bar mills at the front end, but the finishing end is different.
Length Differences
Rods have a smaller section (5.5 to 15 millimeters in diameter) and are always coiled, while bars are normally shipped in cut length.
Material Differences
Round bar is typically made from steel or stainless steel alloys with higher carbon content than rods. A round bar is usually stronger and more durable than a rod. However, because of its higher carbon content, the round bar is also more brittle and can be prone to cracking under certain circumstances. In contrast, rods are made from mild steel alloys with lower carbon content. This makes them less brittle but also less strong than round bars.
Size Differences
The size of a round bar or rod will vary depending on the type of material it is made from and its intended application. Typically, round bars tend to be thicker than rods, with diameters ranging from 1/8″ to 6″, while rods range in diameter from 1/16″ to 1″.
Application Differences
Due to their strength and durability properties, round bars are often used in the construction industry for projects like building support beams or columns, while rods are typically used in smaller applications such as reinforcing masonry walls or creating decorative pieces such as fence posts or guards rails.
Round Bar vs Rod
- Round bars are typically used in applications where the finished product needs to be machined or machined and heat treated.
- Rods are typically used in applications where the finished product needs to be heat treated but not machined.
- Round bars are typically made from hot-rolled steel, while rods usually come from cold-drawn steel.
- Round bars have a higher carbon content than rods, which gives them better strength and hardness properties.
- Rods have a higher manganese content than round bars, which gives them better wear resistance.
- Round bars are typically less expensive than rods due to the lower production costs associated with hot-rolled steel.
Works Cited: Round Bar vs Rod – What’s the Difference