Bright steel bars used in tooling, shafts and power transmission components

Bright Steel Bars for Shafts, Transmission Components & Hydraulic Systems

Bright steel bars form the backbone of precision shafts, power transmission assemblies, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and electric motor components. Their dimensional accuracy, surface finish, straightness and controlled mechanical properties make them ideal for rotating, load-bearing and high-pressure applications.

Application Categories in This Group

This group covers the following major application categories. Select a category to view detailed components, grades and use-cases:


Components Manufactured Using Bright Bars

Explore key transmission, hydraulic and motor components manufactured using steel bright bars:

Note: These pages explain how bright steel bars are selected, processed and used to manufacture each component.


Why Bright Bars Are Essential for Shafts & Hydraulic Systems

  • Superior surface finish for bearing fits and sliding motion
  • Excellent straightness for high-speed rotation
  • High tensile and yield strength for torque transmission
  • Dimensional consistency for splines, keyways and precision machining
  • Compatibility with induction hardening and case hardening
  • Reduced machining time and lower tool wear

Shafts & Power Transmission Components

Bright bars are used to manufacture shafts that demand high fatigue strength, straightness and accurate tolerances. Applications range from small electric motor shafts to large industrial transmission assemblies.

Typical Components

  • Transmission shafts
  • Splined shafts, serrated shafts, keyway shafts
  • Coupling shafts
  • Bearing-supported shafts
  • Motor shafts and rotor shafts
  • Drive shafts for industrial machinery

Common Grades

Component Preferred Grades
Transmission & Drive Shafts EN8, EN19, 42CrMo4
Splined & Keyway Shafts EN24 / 4340
Motor & Rotor Shafts EN8D, C45

Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic cylinders, valves, piston rods and motion systems require bright bars due to their surface integrity and high load-bearing capability.

Hydraulic Components

  • Piston rods
  • Hydraulic cylinder shafts
  • Valve components
  • Guide rods
  • End fittings and clevis parts

Grades Used

Component Grades
Piston Rods EN8D, EN19
Hydraulic Cylinder Shafts C45, EN8, EN19
Valve Components 20MnCr5, 16MnCr5

Pneumatic Systems

Bright bars are selected for pneumatic applications where reliable linear motion and high surface finish are essential.

  • Actuator rods
  • Guide shafts
  • Precision fasteners
  • Valve elements

Electric Motor Parts

Motor shafts require high rotational balance, straightness and tensile properties.

Components

  • Stator shafts
  • Rotor shafts
  • Pump shafts
  • Fan motor shafts

Suitable Grades

Component Grades
Rotor Shafts EN8D, C45
Pump & Fan Shafts EN8, EN19

Precision Tooling Components

Bright bars are frequently used for dies, jigs, fixtures and high-precision tooling components that require excellent machinability and predictable heat treatment response.

  • Mandrels
  • Tool holders
  • Locating pins
  • Guide sleeves

Why Steelmet Industries?

  • Tight tolerance bright bars suitable for CNC machining
  • VD route steels available for critical applications
  • Consistency in straightness and mechanical properties
  • Support for customer drawings and development components
  • Testing support from NABL-certified labs

FAQs

Which grades are preferred for transmission shafts?

EN8, EN19 and 42CrMo4 are typically used due to their strength and machinability.

Are bright bars suitable for hydraulic cylinder rods?

Yes. EN8D and EN19 are widely used for hydraulic piston rods and load-bearing shafts.

Do electric motor shafts need high straightness?

Yes. Motor shafts require excellent straightness to avoid vibration and noise.

Can Steelmet supply VD route steel for critical applications?

Yes. VD/ESR route steels are available on request for high-purity applications.


Contact for Enquiries

For technical discussions, prototype development or production enquiries:

Contact Steelmet Industries

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