Steel rods / bars, including those made of stainless steel and titanium, are essential elements in a wide range of industries. Widely used for their mechanical properties and numerous advantages, these materials are essential for applications in everything from construction to aeronautics.

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What is a steel rod?

A steel rod is a round steel bar used in a variety of industrial and construction applications. These rods are renowned for their strength, durability, and formability.

Steel rods are generally made from various types of steel, each with its own specific properties depending on its composition. They are available in a variety of diameters and lengths to suit all needs.

Steel rods are widely used in construction, machinery manufacturing and many other areas. They are often used as structural elements, machine components and in transport infrastructure.

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Stubs: cold-drawn bars of steel, stainless steel & titanium

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Our 100Cr6 (52100) alloy steel rods, or "stubs" as we call them here at Gardette, are short, thick round bars, generally used for applications that require high strength and durability.

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‍Steel bars

Our steel "stub" bars are known for their strength and versatility. They are used in applications where impact strength and wear resistance are crucial.

‍Applications:

• Construction: Used as support & structural elements.
• Machinery: Critical components in heavy equipment and machine tools.

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Stainless steel bars

Stainless steel is well-known for its corrosion resistance and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Our stainless steel "stub" bars / rods are often used in corrosive environments and for applications where hygiene is paramount.

Applications:

• Food industry: Food processing & storage equipment.
• Medical sector: Medical devices & machines.
• Decoration: Interior and exterior design elements.

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Titanium bars

Titanium is known for its lightness and exceptional strength. Titanium "stub" bars are often found in applications where high strength performance and low weight are key.

Applications:

• Aeronautics: Structural components in aeroplanes and spacecraft.
• Chemical industry: For corrosion-resistant equipment.
• Elite sport: For light, long-lasting equipment, e.g. bike frames or golf clubs.

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Advantages of different cold-drawn materials with a round cross section

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Steel

• Sturdiness: Steel is extremely tough & durable.
• Versatility: Can be used in a multitude of applications.
• Cost: Relatively cost-effective compared to other materials.

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Stainless steel

• Corrosion resistance: Ideal for humid & corrosive environments.
• Easy to clean: Perfect for the food & medical industries.
• Aesthetics: With its sleek, modern look.

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Titanium

• Lightweight: Much lighter than steel while still remaining very strong.
• Resistance: Can withstand extreme conditions including corrosion & high temperatures.
• Durability: Long lifespan even in harsh environments.

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How to choose the right material

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Take the following factors into account when deciding on a material for your application:

• Environment: The material must be resistant to environmental conditions (corrosion, temperature, etc.).
• Load & stress: The ability to withstand mechanical loads & stresses.
• Cost: The budget available for the project.
• Aesthetics: The material's appearance is an important factor.

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Some example choices

• For heavy structural applications: Opt for steel rods.
• For corrosive environments: Stainless steel rods are best.
• For applications that need to be light in weight, but high in mechanical strength: Titanium bars are the ideal choice.

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Cold-drawn alloy steel rods - 100Cr6 (52100)
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Producing alloy steel rods

Steel rods or bars are made via a hot or cold rolling process. The hot roll forming process is used to make large cross sections, while cold rolling is used to achieve more precise dimensional tolerances.

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Alloy steel rod production

Alloy steel rods - or "stubs" as we call them - are made of steel, stainless steel or titanium, and are generally forged or extruded. Forging gives them a finer grain structure, improving the material's strength, while extrusion makes it possible to produce complex shapes with high precision.

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Maintaining durable cold-drawn rods / bars

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Maintaining steel rods

• Corrosion protection: Apply protective coatings or opt for galvanised steel.
• Regular inspection: Check for cracks or deformations.

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Maintaining stainless steel rods

• Cleaning: Use non-abrasive cleaners to keep the rod shiny.
• Protection: Avoid aggressive chemicals that could damage the steel's surface.

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Maintaining titanium rods

• Inspection: Check structural integrity regularly, especially in critical applications.
• Cleaning: Use special titanium cleaning products to avoid damage.

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Example applications

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Successful use of round steel bars in the automotive industry

Steel rods are commonly used for manufacturing car parts thanks to their combination of strength and affordability.

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Medical uses for stainless steel rods

Stainless steel "stub" rods are essential for producing surgical instruments, where hygiene and corrosion resistance are essential.

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Titanium in the aeronautical sector

Titanium rods are used in aeroplanes to reduce weight while still maintaining high strength, improving fuel efficiency and performance.

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Conclusion

In short, alloy steel rods, made of steel, stainless steel and titanium, are fundamental in many industries due to their unique properties. In order to maximise their effectiveness and durability, it is essential that you choose the right material for the right application, understand manufacturing processes and take proper care of your alloy steel rods.