Gunmetal rods, or gunmetal tubes, are commonly used in engineering, manufacturing, construction and household repair. They're hollow circular tubes made from gunmetal - a type of bronze which is an alloy of copper, lead, tin and zinc. They're different to bronze rods, in that they contain more zinc and less tin.
Gunmetal rod applications
Gunmetal rods are typically used for bearings, bushes, washers and linings. They may also be used with softer materials than would be recommended for the harder lead-free bronze. You can choose from a range of sizes depending on the intended application.
The properties and advantages of using gunmetal rods
Gunmetal is an alloy that is known for its robustness, heat resistance and anti-corrosive properties. Gunmetal rods are:
- Highly tensile (meaning they can withstand stress)
- Resistant to corrosion
- Resistant to abrasives
There are also gunmetal rods with added lead. The presence of lead reduces friction, running temperature and the possibility of seizure in conditions where lubrication is poor.