Wire rods are a foundational material in the manufacturing world, serving as the starting point for an incredibly diverse range of essential products. Their versatility stems from the ability to be drawn into wires of various diameters, strengths, and finishes, which are then further processed.
Here is a list of common products made directly or indirectly from wire rods:
- Fasteners: Nails (common, finishing, roofing), Screws (wood, machine, drywall), Bolts, Nuts, Rivets, Staples, Pins.
- Wire and Wire Products: Binding Wire (construction), Galvanized Wire (fencing, general use), Black Annealed Wire (binding, fabrication), Barbed Wire, Concertina Wire.
- Mesh and Netting: Welded Wire Mesh (concrete reinforcement, fencing, cages), Woven Wire Mesh (screens, filters, fencing), Chain-link Fencing, Gabion Boxes.
- Springs: Automotive Suspension Springs, Engine Valve Springs, Industrial Machinery Springs, Furniture Springs (mattresses, upholstery), Torsion Springs, Extension Springs.
- Ropes and Strands: Wire Ropes (cranes, elevators, bridges), Pre-stressed Concrete (PC) Strands and Wires, Guy Wires, Control Cables.
- Automotive Components: Tire Bead Wire, Tire Cord, Control Cables, Linkages, various small formed wire parts.
- Welding Consumables: Core wire for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) electrodes, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) wire, Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) wire.
- General Hardware and Components: Chains (industrial, decorative), Hooks, Hangers, Clips, Rings, Spokes (bicycles, wheels), Paper Clips, Baskets, Shelving components made from mild steel wire.
- Cold Heading Quality (CHQ) Products: High-quality fasteners and complex cold-formed parts requiring specific steel grades and processing.
This extensive list underscores the importance of wire rod as a critical intermediate product feeding into construction, automotive, agriculture, consumer goods, and nearly every sector of the manufacturing economy.