The terms "rod" and "cable" refer to fundamentally different types of components, distinguished primarily by their structure, flexibility, and typical applications.
Rod: A rod is typically a solid, relatively rigid bar or shaft, usually cylindrical but can have other cross-sectional shapes (square, hexagonal). Rods are often made of metal (steel, aluminum, brass), plastic, wood, or composite materials. Their rigidity makes them suitable for applications requiring structural support, transmission of force (push/pull rods), or acting as shafts or axles. Examples include connecting rods in engines, reinforcing rods (like rebar, though that's a specific type), curtain rods, or welding rods.
Cable: A cable is a flexible assembly, typically composed of multiple individual wires or strands bundled or twisted together. There are two main categories:
- Electrical/Data Cables: Consist of one or more insulated electrical conductors (wires) bundled together, often with shielding and an outer protective jacket (sheath). They are designed to transmit electrical power or data signals. Examples include power cords, network cables (Ethernet), coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables (which contain optical fibers instead of metal wires).
- Mechanical Cables (Wire Ropes): Consist of multiple metal strands (each made of smaller wires) twisted together to form a strong, flexible line capable of supporting tensile loads. They are used for lifting (cranes, elevators), suspension (bridges), towing, and control mechanisms (bicycle brake cables). These derive from products like wire rod feedstock.
The key difference lies in structure and flexibility: a rod is solid and relatively stiff, designed for compressive or bending loads or as a rigid connector, while a cable is composed of multiple elements, is highly flexible, and typically designed for transmitting power/data or handling tensile loads.