Specifications
Surface Treatments
Certifications
- ISO 9001 - 2015 Certified
- PED 2014/68/EC
- NACE MR0175/ISO 15156-2
- NORSOK M-650
- DFAR
- MERKBLATT AD 2000 W2/W7/W10
A286 Hex Rod
A286 hex rod is hexagonal-cross-section A286 rod stock supplied in long unmachined lengths, distinguished from A286 hex bar by typical use (rod = cut-to-length raw stock for valve stems, machined hex-section parts; bar = production input for hex-fastener manufacture). TorqBolt manufactures A286 hex rod to AMS 5731 / 5732, ASTM A453 grade 660, and ASTM B637 standards in across-flats sizes 8-65 mm. Hot-rolled or cold-drawn finishes; heat-treated to deliver 130 ksi tensile / 95 ksi yield. Standard length 3 m for sizes 8-30 mm; 2 m for 30-65 mm. Used for high-temperature valve stems where positive wrench engagement at the body interface is critical, hex-shafted machine couplings, and custom machined hex-section components. See parent A286 rods, sister variants threaded rod, tie rod, and the canonical chemical composition, heat treatment.
About A286 Hex Rod
A286 hex rod is produced by cold-drawing hot-rolled A286 round bar through a hexagonal die, same operation as A286 hex bar but supplied in longer, less-segmented lengths optimized for downstream machining rather than fastener manufacture. Across-flats sizes match standard ISO 272 / DIN 1915 hex wrench dimensions: 10 mm AF, 13 mm, 17 mm, 19 mm, 24 mm, 30 mm, 36 mm. Each lot is sol-treated and aged per AMS 5732, surface-pickled, and supplied in 2-3 m straight lengths. Used as raw machining stock for high-temperature valve stems, hex-section drive shafts, hex-shafted couplings, and instrumentation pedestal hex bushings.
A286 Hex Rod Production & Standard Sizes
TorqBolt produces A286 hex rod in three primary production conditions:
- Cold-drawn hot-pickled hex rod, Standard production, hot-rolled round bar drawn through hex die, pickled finish. ±0.05-0.20 mm AF tolerance depending on size.
- Cold-drawn precision hex rod, Tighter ±0.05 mm AF tolerance via single-pass drawing with precision dies. Used for valve-stem and instrumentation components requiring close hex-fit.
- Hot-rolled hex rod (large sizes ≥ 50 mm AF), Hot-rolled directly to hex profile through square-pass mill rotated 30°. ±0.30 mm AF tolerance. Used for large hex-section structural and machinery applications.
- Solution-treated only (AMS 5731), Hex rod supplied without aging, downstream machinist performs aging after final geometry. Used when aging timing is critical to dimensional stability.
- Sol-treated and aged (AMS 5732), Default mill-aged condition, hex rod ready for machining without further heat treatment. Hardness 29-32 HRC.
A286 Hex Rod Sizes & Length Reference
| Across-flats | Across-corners | Production | Standard length | Tolerance | Available specs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm | 9.24 mm | Cold-drawn | 3 m | ±0.05 mm | AMS 5731 / 5732 |
| 10 mm | 11.55 mm | Cold-drawn | 3 m | ±0.05 mm | AMS 5731 / 5732 |
| 13 mm | 15.01 mm | Cold-drawn | 3 m | ±0.07 mm | AMS 5731 / 5732 |
| 17 mm | 19.63 mm | Cold-drawn | 3 m | ±0.07 mm | AMS 5731 / 5732 |
| 19 mm | 21.94 mm | Cold-drawn | 3 m | ±0.10 mm | AMS 5731 / 5732 |
| 24 mm | 27.71 mm | Cold-drawn | 3 m | ±0.10 mm | AMS 5731 / 5732 |
| 30 mm | 34.64 mm | Cold-drawn | 2-3 m | ±0.13 mm | AMS 5731 / 5732 |
| 36 mm | 41.57 mm | Cold-drawn / hot-rolled | 2 m | ±0.15 mm | AMS 5731 / 5732 |
| 46 mm | 53.12 mm | Hot-rolled + drawn | 2 m | ±0.18 mm | AMS 5731 |
| 55-65 mm | Hot-rolled | 2 m | ±0.30 mm | AMS 5731 / B637 |
A286 Hex Rod Manufacturing Process
Every a286 hex rod TorqBolt ships traces back to a vacuum-induction-melted plus vacuum-arc-remelted (VIM-VAR) ingot meeting AMS 5731 / 5732 chemistry. Process route:
- VIM-VAR round bar input: Hot-rolled or hot-extruded A286 round bar to AMS 5731 / 5732 chemistry. Diameter slightly oversize (round ⌀ ≈ AF × 1.10) to allow drawing reduction.
- Surface preparation: Round bar pickled in HNO₃ + HF, dried, lubricated with drawing soap.
- Hex die cold drawing: Bar drawn through hexagonal die at 0.5-1.0 m/min, single-pass for AF ≤ 30 mm, multi-pass for larger sizes.
- Inter-pass annealing (large sizes): For multi-pass drawing of AF > 30 mm, intermediate sol-annealing at 1650 °F restores ductility for next pass.
- Solution treatment: Vacuum or atmosphere furnace 1650 °F (AMS 5732) or 1800 °F (AMS 5731). 1 h per inch, oil-quench.
- Precipitation aging: 1325 °F for 16 hours, air-cool. Hardness 29-32 HRC for AMS 5732.
- Straightening: Multi-roll straightener for ≤ 2 mm/m straightness tolerance over 3 m length.
- Inspection: 100 % AF dimensional check by snap gauge per ISO 272 / DIN 1915 tolerance. Across-corners verified for hex geometry compliance.
- Cut to length + label: Rod cut to standard 2-3 m lengths, end-faced, heat-traceability labelled.
A286 Hex Rod Inspection & Certification
Each lot ships with a signed inspection certificate. Aerospace orders default to AS9100D first-article reporting per AS9102. Industrial orders default to EN 10204 type 3.1; sour-service and offshore step up to type 3.2 with third-party witness. Inspection scope:
- Across-flats dimension verified by snap gauge per ISO 272 / DIN 1915 tolerance.
- Across-corners verified by ring gauge or 6-point gauge for hex profile compliance.
- Straightness check per ASTM A484, typical ≤ 2 mm/m for cold-drawn hex rod.
- Surface inspection 100 % visual for drawing-die scoring, surface laps, edge rounding.
- Hardness sample 1 per heat per ASTM E384.
- Tensile coupon from each heat per ASTM E8.
- Magnetic permeability < 1.005 per ASTM A342 on every aerospace heat.
- AS9102 first-article on aerospace heats; EN 10204 3.1 commercial heats with heat-traceability label.
A286 Hex Rod Installation & Service Notes
Hex rod is raw stock, torque does not apply directly. Downstream applications: when hex-rod-machined valve stems are torque-tightened in service, the hex section transmits the wrench torque without slipping. Standard wrench AF dimensions per ISO 272 enable use of stock wrenches. Aging shrinkage 0.05 % linear; design machining allowance accordingly. For high-temperature valve-stem applications, use silver or nickel anti-galling coat at the hex / wrench interface to prevent surface galling at temperature.
A286 Hex Rod Applications by Industry
A286 hex rod is downstream-machining stock for hex-section components:
- High-temperature valve stems: Hex rod machined to valve stems where the hex section provides positive wrench engagement at the valve body. A286 retains hex-section strength at 700 °C, critical for steam, hot-gas, and chemical-process valves.
- Hex-shafted machine couplings: Hex rod machined to drive-coupling shafts where the hex section provides positive rotational lock without keyways. Used in pump impeller drives, gear-coupling shafts.
- Hex pedestal bushings: Hex rod machined to instrumentation pedestal bushings where the hex outer profile prevents rotation in the mating housing.
- Hex-cross-section pivot shafts: Hex rod for pivot shafts in aerospace control linkages and mechanical assemblies requiring positive rotational lock.
- Custom hex-section machined components: Hex rod for custom drawings, hex spacers, hex spool pieces, hex-cross-section structural members.
- Hex-shafted hand tools: Custom hex rod for high-temperature hand-tool drive shafts, refinery and gas-turbine maintenance tools.
Governing Standards & Material Specifications
Every A286 rod product is released against the applicable industry standard. EN 10204 type 3.1 mill certificates ship with every order. See A286 AMS / ASTM specifications hub for full spec scope.
| Authority | Specification | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM | A453 grade 660 Cl. A/B/C/D | High-temperature bolting material |
| AMS | 5731 | Bar / forging, solution-treated |
| AMS | 5732 | Bar / forging, solution-treated and aged |
| AMS | 5853 | Welding wire (matching A286) |
| UNS | S66286 | Material designation |
| DIN | 1.4980 / X5NiCrTiMoVB25-15-2 | European designation |
| EN | 10204 3.1 / 3.2 | Mill / third-party-witness certification |
A286 Hex Rod vs Alternative Materials
Engineers compare A286 against three alternatives: A286 vs Inconel 718, A286 vs 17-4 PH, and A286 vs Waspaloy. See A286 equivalent grades.
How to Specify A286 Hex Rod
A complete a286 hex rod callout should include all relevant elements. Example callout:
A286 hex rod, AMS 5732, ASTM A453 grade 660 Class A, sol-treated and aged, 19 mm AF (M12 wrench size), length 3000 mm, cold-drawn finish, ±0.10 mm AF tolerance, EN 10204 3.1.
A286 Hex Rod, Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between A286 hex rod and A286 hex bar?
Both are hexagonal-cross-section A286 produced by cold drawing through a hex die. Hex bar is typically supplied in shorter segments optimized for fastener-maker production lines; hex rod is supplied in longer 2-3 m lengths for downstream machining. Material and standards are identical.
What across-flats sizes are available?
Standard 8, 10, 13, 17, 19, 24, 30, 36 mm AF, matching ISO 272 hex wrench dimensions. Larger sizes 46, 55, 65 mm AF available in hot-rolled condition. Custom AF dimensions on special order.
What's the standard length of A286 hex rod?
3 m for sizes 8-30 mm AF; 2 m for sizes 30-65 mm AF (handling and straightness considerations). Custom lengths up to 6 m on special order for sizes 8-25 mm.
Can A286 hex rod be NACE MR0175 verified?
Yes, when supplied with hardness ≤ HRC 35 (HV ≤ 327) per NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156-3 for sour-service. Each heat receives Vickers traverse before release.
Is A286 hex rod magnetic?
No. Magnetic permeability < 1.005 verified per ASTM A342. Preserved through cold drawing, sol-treatment, and aging.
What surface finish on A286 hex rod?
Cold-drawn: pickled finish, Ra ~1-3 µm. Hot-rolled: pickled, Ra ~6-12 µm. For tighter surface finish on machined hex components, the rod is machined post-drawing, surface finish on the finished part is set by the machining operation, not the rod input.
What's the lead time on AMS 5732 cold-drawn hex rod?
Standard sizes 8-30 mm AF: 4-6 weeks from heat release. Larger sizes 30-65 mm AF: 6-10 weeks. Aerospace AS9102 first-article: add 1-2 weeks.
Can A286 hex rod be supplied solution-treated only?
Yes, AMS 5731 / ASTM B637 sol-treated condition for downstream machinist who prefers to age post-machining. Solution-treated rod is softer (24-28 HRC) and machines more easily; aging done after final geometry.
What downstream operations are typical on A286 hex rod?
CNC turning to round + threading, CNC milling to add slots / keyways / cross-bores, drilling for cross-pins, and surface finishing. The hex outer profile is preserved while the rod is machined to add features.
Why TorqBolt for A286 Hex Rod
Three reasons aerospace and industrial OEMs place a286 hex rod orders with us:
- Vertically integrated supply, VIM-VAR melt sourcing from approved AMS-conforming mills, in-house drawing + thread rolling + vacuum heat-treatment.
- Aerospace AQMS, AS9100D-certified factory in Mumbai with published quality manual.
- Lead time discipline, 4-6 weeks for ASTM A453 grade 660 standard sizes, 8-12 weeks for custom-drawing aerospace parts.
Over thirty years in fastener manufacture with active ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, PED, and NORSOK M-650 quality system audits.
Recent A286 Hex Rod Order Patterns
Active hex rod orders cover 13 mm and 17 mm AF cold-drawn for high-temperature valve-stem manufacture, 24 mm AF for gas-turbine accessory drive coupling shafts, 36 mm AF for industrial machinery hex pivot shafts, and 30 mm AF cold-drawn AMS 5732 for instrumentation pedestal hex bushings.
Satisfaction Survey
