Made with vanadium, this alloy steel retains its strength at temperatures up to 1100° F. It’s hardened for increased abrasion and impact resistance. Also known as chrome-moly steel, it resists fracturing from repeated stress. These rods are used for a wide range of parts, including gears, shafts, and die holders.

Note: Rods may be made from either 4140 or 4142 alloy steel. They are interchangeable in most applications.

Made from 4130 alloy steel, also known as chrome-moly steel, these rods have low carbon content for good weldability. They’re often used to make gears and bushings. The surface of these rods is hardened to make them more resistant to wear and impacts. They’re also normalized, which is a heating process that relieves internal stress and helps prevent cracking during machining or additional hardening.

Made with chromium and vanadium, 6150 alloy steel holds up to wear, shock, and repeated stress better than 5160 steel. This steel maintains its shape and becomes very hard when heat treated, so it’s good for applications involving vibration, impact, and abrasion. Its rods are often used to make disc springs, gears, and shafts.

Often used for gears, bushings, and pins, this 4820 alloy steel resists wear from friction and abrasion. It’s a case-hardening steel, which means that heat treating will create a hard surface without making the interior brittle.