What Is a Metal Rod?
A metal rod is a cylindrical metal product with a fixed diameter.
In general, metal rods are made of metal material formed into a bar shape and are composed of various metal materials such as steel, aluminum, brass, and copper.
They are used for various purposes depending on their diameter, length, and material. For example, they are used in construction, structural reinforcement, machining, tool manufacturing, and automobile and aircraft manufacturing. Surface treatment and processing methods may also improve properties such as strength, durability, and corrosion resistance.
Uses of Metal Rods
The main applications of metal rods include:
- Reinforcing buildings and structures:
Seismic reinforcement of buildings, repair of bridges, etc. - Machining:
Manufacturing parts such as shafts, gears, and bolts. - Tool manufacturing:
Drill bits, bits, grinders, etc. - Automobile and aircraft manufacturing:
Body frames, suspensions, engine parts, etc. - Ship manufacturing:
Hull frames, steering mechanisms, motor mounts, etc. - Railroad car manufacturing:
Car body frames, wheels, sleepers, etc.
Properties of Metal Rods
1. Workability
Metal rods can be shaped using various processing methods such as cutting, bending, and drilling. By combining these processing methods, metal rods of various shapes can be manufactured for various purposes.
Cutting Processing:
Cutting is a processing method in which a metal rod is cut into a specified shape using cutting tools. Lathes and milling machines are mainly used. By cutting a metal rod, various shapes, such as straight or cylindrical, can be produced, enabling the manufacture of high-precision round bars.
Bending:
Bending is the process of folding metal rods. Curved and angled shapes can be produced by this method.
Drilling:
Drilling is the process of drilling holes in a metal rod. Drills, taps, and boring machines are mainly used to drill holes in metal rods.
A milling machine is a type of machine tool used to process materials such as metal and plastic. The workpiece is fixed to the milling machine, and a rotating cutting edge (end mill) is used to cut the surface of the material to a specified shape and size.
2. Corrosion and Wear Resistance
Metal rods can be surface-treated to improve corrosion and wear resistance. Surface treatments include plating, painting, quenching, and heat treatment.
Plating Treatment:
Plating is a method of improving corrosion resistance and appearance by electrochemically plating metal or alloy on the surface of metal rods. Zinc, chrome, nickel, etc. are used for plating.
Coating:
Coating is a method of improving corrosion resistance and rust prevention by applying paint to the surface of metal rods. Epoxy resin, acrylic resin, urethane resin, etc. are used for the paint, which improves appearance and protection.
Quenching:
Quenching is a method of improving the hardness and strength of metal rods by heat-treating them at high temperatures. Quenching improves the wear resistance and durability of metal rods. It is used for metals such as steel and stainless steel.
Heat Treatment:
Heat treatment is a method to change the hardness and strength of metal rods through heat treatment. Heat treatments include tempering, annealing, and deep quenching, in addition to quenching.
Surface treatment of metal rods improves durability and wear resistance, extending the life of the product. It also enhances the appearance of the product. Selecting the appropriate surface treatment method is essential based on the application and environmental conditions.
3. Size
Metal rods are manufactured in various sizes depending on the application, and each size has different characteristics.
Thicker size round bars are used for architectural applications, serving as reinforcement materials for structures such as columns, beams, and walls of buildings, where strength and load-bearing capacity are crucial.
On the other hand, precision applications like medical devices require thin-sized round bars, used in metal plates for fixing broken bones and fine parts such as test tube holders.
Other Information on Metal Rods
Products Made From Metal Rods
Products made from metal rods include screws, springs, wires, rods, pins, tubes, and steel frames.