Metal Bars & Metal Rods

Metal bars and rods are widely used across various industries due to their versatility and strength. Metal bars typically have a larger, more defined cross section, which can be round, square, rectangular, or hexagonal. They are often produced through hot rolling and come with higher tensile strength and hardness.

Metal rods are generally smaller in diameter with a round, slender form. They are frequently produced through cold drawing, resulting in a smoother surface finish, tighter dimensional tolerances and better wear resistance.

Types of Metal Bars

As a fundamental building block in various industries, metal bars come in diverse cross-sectional shapes tailored for specific functional and aesthetic purposes.

Square Bars

Square bars have a uniform square cross section, with four sides of equal length that offer excellent strength, stiffness and hardness. Their uniform shape allows for even load distribution and clean alignment, making them easy to cut, weld and fabricate.

Rectangular (Flat) Bars

Also known as flat bars, the cross section of rectangular bars feature two parallel flat sides and two longer sides forming right angles. They provide a good balance of strength, toughness and ductility. These bars are easily weldable and can be cut, drilled, and bent to suit various requirements.

Round Bars

Round metal bars have a circular cross-section and are measured by their diameter. They can range from small diameters for light applications to thick bars for heavy-duty use. Round bars are versatile, offering good strength and malleability.

Hexagonal (Hex) Bars

Hex bars have a six-sided cross section. Their unit of measurement is often referred to as Across Flats (AF), as the diameter is measured across two flat faces on opposing sides.The unique shape enhances mechanical strength and toughness. Hexagonal stainless steel bars in particular offer excellent corrosion resistance.

Types of Metal Bars and Rods By Composition

Metal rods are categorised into ferrous and non-ferrous types based on their iron content. This distinction greatly influences their properties and consequently, their applications.

Ferrous Metal Rods

Iron is the primary component in ferrous metals, giving them a magnetic quality and providing high strength and hardness. However, that also makes them susceptible to rust and corrosion when exposed to moisture, with notable exceptions like stainless steel.

Non-Ferrous Metal Rods

Non-ferrous metals are those that do not contain a significant amount of iron. They are generally non-magnetic and highly resistant to rust and corrosion (though they can corrode in other ways). They are also often lighter and more malleable than ferrous metals, and many have excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Metal Rod

Choosing the right metal rod for any application in NZ is a critical decision that impacts performance, safety, longevity and cost-effectiveness. Here, careful consideration of several factors is essential:

• Material: Different metals and alloys offer varying degrees of tensile strength, yield strength and hardness. For load-bearing structures, high-strength steels are crucial while a softer, more ductile metal might be needed for bending or shaping. Factors such as thermal conductivity and weldability are also determined by the material of the metal rod.
• Shape: Different shapes distribute stress differently. Round rods are generally good for torsional loads, while square or rectangular rods offer better resistance to bending if oriented correctly. Hexagonal rods are specifically designed to be gripped easily by wrenches for fasteners.
• Size and dimension: Thicker rods, regardless of shape, have a larger cross-sectional area and can withstand greater forces (tension, compression, bending, torsion) before deforming or failing. Structural designs specify precise dimensions based on anticipated loads.
• Environmental conditions: Will the metal rod(s) be exposed to temperature extremes, moisture and humidity, UV radiation, chemicals or salinity? High temperatures can reduce a metal's strength while very low temperatures can make some metals brittle. High humidity can lead to rust and corrosion, while prolonged exposure to UV light can degrade certain coatings or surface treatments.

Applications of Metal Bars & Rods

Metal bars and rods are ubiquitous in industrial settings, serving as fundamental components and raw materials across a vast array of applications. This includes:

• Construction: Metal bars are primarily used for structural integrity and reinforcement in construction projects. Steel rebars are embedded within concrete structures to enhance their tensile strength, while square, rectangular and round bars are used to create the skeletal frameworks of buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities
• Fabrication: Fabrication involves cutting, shaping, and joining metal to create various structures and products. Bars and rods are cut to length, drilled, bent, and welded to produce a wide range of components like brackets, gussets, mounting plates, fixtures and machine parts.
• Machining: Machining involves using tools to remove material from a workpiece in order to achieve a desired shape and dimension. Various bar shapes can be machined into gears, pinions, and other power transmission components.
• Medical: Stainless steel and titanium rods are used for surgical instruments, orthopedic implants (e.g., spinal rods, bone pins), prosthetics and medical device components due to their biocompatibility and corrosion resistance

Find the Perfect Metal Rod at RS NZ

Do you require metal rods & bars for your industrial and commercial purposes in NZ? At RS NZ, you can find products from reliable brands that include Siemens, Precision Brand and Legrand.

Also looking for metal channels, metal tubes and metal sheets? Our well-stocked shop has got everything you need. Buy your stainless steel round bars, metal rods and other accessories online today. To find out more about our ordering process, delivery services, and delivery fees, please refer to our delivery page.