While the terms "wire" and "wire rod" are related and often used in the context of steel products, they refer to distinct items in the manufacturing chain. Understanding the difference is key to comprehending steel processing and applications.
Wire Rod: This is a semi-finished, long steel product produced by hot rolling steel billets. It typically has a circular cross-section and is wound into coils for handling and transport. Wire rod serves as the primary raw material for manufacturing various types of wire. Its surface is generally as-rolled (often with some scale) and its dimensions are less precise than finished wire.
Wire: This is a finished product created by drawing wire rod through a series of dies. The drawing process reduces the diameter, increases the length, improves surface finish, enhances mechanical properties (like tensile strength), and achieves precise dimensional tolerances. Wire can undergo further treatments like annealing (softening), galvanizing (zinc coating for corrosion resistance), or coating with other materials. It is sold in coils or cut lengths for direct use in countless applications.
In essence, wire rod is the feedstock, the starting point, typically thicker and less refined. Wire is the end product derived from wire rod, thinner, smoother, stronger, and tailored to specific applications through the drawing process and subsequent treatments.