Steel Round Bar

When it comes to construction, tooling, machining, and other applications, steel is one of the most popular materials to work with. It can be used in countless ways and offers a long list of advantages over other materials. Steel round bar, specifically, is suitable for many purposes. If you’re searching for steel round bar stock near me, be sure to keep certain points in mind along the way.

Investigating the Advantages of Steel Round Bar
Steel round bar offers a number of benefits when compared to certain other materials. One of the most prominent is its versatility. Different types of steel are used for construction, to make tools and machine components, and to create beautiful decorative elements to name a few of the possibilities. Of course, this barely scratches the surface.

• Longevity. Different types of steel have varying lifespans. That being said, you can expect it to last several decades under the right circumstances. Whether it’s used indoors or outside, the quality of the product, and the amount of wear and tear placed on the steel can all affect its longevity.
  
  
• Strength. After being processed and treated, steel can hold up to monumental pressure from enduring high temperatures and bearing heavy loads to withstanding constant use. Steel round bar doesn’t bend, break, or succumb to wear and tear quickly or easily.
  
  
• Flexibility. While steel doesn’t bend under the stress of everyday use, certain varieties lend themselves to forming and machining. In other words, they bend when you want them to and stand strong when you need them to.

In addition to those benefits, you have a vast selection to choose from. Steel round bar sizes vary widely, making them perfect for virtually any application. In general, hot rolled steel round bar is available in diameters ranging from 3/16 of an inch to 3 inches. You can purchase cold finished round bar from 1/8 of an inch in diameter up to 12 inches. Various lengths of steel round bar are offered as well. In some cases, it’s possible to get customized sizes.

Looking at Your Options
Several types and grades of steel round bar are on the market. Some aren’t suitable for certain applications. On the other hand, a few are good all-around options and will work in many situations. Look at the following choices, and consider what you plan to use your steel round bars for before making a final decision.

Hot Rolled Steel Bar
A-36 steel bar is a type of mild, hot rolled steel. Its yield point, or the point at which it permanently bends, is 36,000 psi. It has a tensile strength of 58,000 psi, meaning it can handle that much pressure without breaking.
Hot rolled steel bar is more malleable than some other options, making it a bit easier to work with. It can be bent, machined, welded, and abused without losing its strength and durability. This type of steel bar is often used to create framework, trim, fittings, axles, and structural reinforcements among other items.

Cold Finished Steel Bar
C-1018 cold finished steel round bar is another popular alternative. It’s basically hot rolled steel that has been further processed using lower temperatures. This gives it additional strength and makes it stronger, smoother, and more suitable for machining. Some of its common uses are machine parts, shafts, pins, and fixtures.
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Bottom Line
Both cold finished and hot rolled steel round bar are capable of meeting high demands. Cold finished steel tends to have higher yield and tensile strengths than hot rolled, and it’s better for machining. On the other hand, hot rolled steel round bar is better for welding. Keep in mind, neither option is suitable for prolonged exposure to corrosive elements.