In metalworking, round bars and precision ground bars are standard steel bars used for various applications. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are significant differences between the two. Understanding these differences is crucial in selecting the right option for your specific needs.
Round bars are cylindrical bars with a uniform diameter throughout their length. They are typically produced through hot rolling or cold drawing processes and are available in various sizes and grades. Round bars are widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries due to their versatility and availability.
On the other hand, precision ground bars undergo additional processing through precision grinding. This process involves removing material from the surface to achieve tight tolerances and a smooth, polished finish. Precision ground bars offer superior dimensional accuracy and surface finish, making them suitable for applications that require precise specifications and tight tolerances.
Both round bars and precision ground bars have their advantages and applications. The choice between the two depends on factors such as required tolerances, surface finish, and the project’s specific needs. Working with a trusted supplier, like Forte Precision Metals, ensures access to high-quality round bars and precision ground bars and expert guidance in selecting the most suitable option for your metalworking requirements.
Round Bar
The term “round bar” refers to a cylindrical long metal bar with several commercial and industrial applications. The diameter of the round bar ranges from 1/4″- 24″. It is also available in other sizes. Round steel comes in various types, including cold-rolled, hot-rolled, stainless steel bar stock, alloy steel, etc.
Round Bar Classification
By Process
The three round bar types are hot rolling, cold drawing, and forging. The desirable rolled bar standard is 5.5mm to 250mm.
Round bars of 5.5mm to 25mm are frequently sold in straight bar bundles and are often used as bolts, steel bars, and mechanical parts. The round bar greater than 25 mm is used mainly for producing mechanical parts, tube billets, etc.
By Chemical Composition
Carbon steel is classified into three types based on its carbon content (chemical composition: low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, and high carbon steel.
Low carbon steel
It is also called mild steel, and it has 0.10-0.30% carbon content and can be quickly processed, such as cutting, welding, and forging. It’s commonly used to make rivets, chains, bolts, and shafts.
Medium carbon steel
It is a type of carbon steel having a carbon content ranging from 0.25-0.60%. It also contains only about 0.70– 1.20% of manganese. Also, it may be split into two types based on the quality of the product: ordinary carbon steel and high-quality carbon steel.
The hot working and cutting capabilities are excellent, but the welding capabilities are lacking. The hardness and strength of this steel are more than those of low-carbon steel, but the toughness and plasticity are lower. Hot-rolled or cold-drawn materials could be utilized before and after the heat treatment.
After tempering and quenching, medium carbon steel possesses good overall mechanical qualities. As a result, medium carbon steel is commonly employed in applications requiring medium strength. It is widely used in fabricating several mechanical parts as a construction material.
High carbon steel
It has a carbon content ranging from 0.60-1.70 % and can be tempered and hardened. Cutting tools like drills, reamers, taps, crowbars, and hammers are made from high-carbon steel.
By Material
Steel Round Bars
Steel round bars come in two types: hot-rolled and cold-rolled. Hot-rolled round bars are often used in construction applications where a perfect finish and accurate dimensions are not required. Cold-rolled round bars are utilized for applications that need a flawless finish and precise measurements. Steel round bar is commonly used in frameworks, braces, supports, axles, and shafts.
Stainless Steel Round Bars
Stainless steel bar stock has corrosion-resistant properties. The Stainless steel bar stock can withstand high acidity levels and may be utilized in chlorinated or alkaline conditions. Stainless steel bar stock is used in machine components, construction, automobiles, etc.
Aluminum Round Bars
Aluminum round bar stock is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Aluminum round bar stock can be easily machined and cut. An Aluminium round bar stock is commonly used for supports, shafts, trim, braces, dowels, and pins.
Brass Round Bar
Brass round stock is usually used when electrical conductivity, strength, spark, and corrosion resistance are essential. Brass round stock can also be easily machined and has luster when polished. Brass round stock is used in Marine hardware, fasteners, fittings, and instruments.
Precision Ground Bar
Precision Ground Bar, referred to as ‘Turned Ground and Polished’ shafting, is a term used to describe circular bars that have been finely ground and polished from high-quality steel. They are highly polished to guarantee that the surfaces are immaculate and straight. Surface polish, roundness, straightness, and hardness are held to exceptionally close tolerances during production, ensuring high durability and minimal maintenance.
Manufacturing Process
Induction hardening is used to manufacture precision ground bars.
Induction hardening
It is a process in which heat does not come in direct contact; instead, heat is generated by electromagnetic induction. The steel gets set into a strong magnetic field, allowing an electrical flow to pass from the metal, producing heat. The steel’s core is unaffected by this procedure and preserves its physical qualities.
Then the steel is then quenched in oil, water, or any other specific polymer, causing a surface layer to harden into the martensitic structure.
Applications of Precision Ground Bar
The precision ground bar is widely used in applications that need great precision, such as
- weather measuring devices
- laboratory tools
- high-speed motor shafts
- drive shafts
- pump shafts
- ball bushings
The bar is typically needed to spin at high rates in these instances. As a result, exceptional straightness is essential for preventing undesired vibration and bearing wear.
Characteristics of Precision Ground Bar
Three main characteristics of precision ground bar distinguish it as a unique product:
● Improved roundness
● Improved straightness
● Tolerance for diameter consistency
Why Forte Precision Metals For Precision Ground Bars?
At Forte Precision Metals, Inc., we specialize in offering the best products and services for our client’s needs. Quality Inspections are essential because we want to ensure our metals are up to par and can withstand high-performance applications.
We satisfy all of your specifications, from rigorous milling to providing you with the finest metals for any purpose, as part of our dedication to delivering the best for all our clients. Request a quote today!
Various steel and metal products such as stainless steel bar stock, aluminum round bar stock, and brass round stock are also available, and they may be custom-sized to meet your exact needs. The products may be available in bars, sheets, plates, and tubes.
