ARS rod systems are available with a range of surface finish options to suit the project aesthetics, installation location, environmental corrosion criteria and available budget requirements.
Considering these parameters and drawing on our many years of field experience, Ronstan can assist you select an appropriate finish to ensure the product performs adequately over the course of the products intended life.
The following surface finishes are offered as standard options.
Stainless Steel finishesSatin Polished #4 (240 grit)
A grainy, matt finish. Often used in architectural applications for its unobtrusive & minimalist appearance. Better suited to internal non-corrosive environments.
Electropolished
The most cost effective stainless steel finish, providing a high level of corrosion protection and light aesthetics. Note; this process may sometimes produce an uneven ‘frosting’ appearance due to surface reaction with the chemical process.
It may also highlight marks or imperfections in the raw material surface.
A selective electro chemical metal removal process (exactly the reverse of plating). The process results in the simultaneous smoothing, levelling and brightening of stainless steel.
It selectively removes surface flaws, embedded impurities and high points in the surface layer.
Bright Polished #7 with Passivation
The smoothest, shiniest finish providing an improved level of corrosion protection.
Bars are mechanically polished then passivated. Passivation is a chemical treatment applied to the surface of the stainless steel to remove contaminants and assist in the formulation of a continuous chromium-oxide passive film. (Note-ARS2 passivation is not standard).
Carbon Steel Rod FinishesRaw
Raw carbon steel as drawn or cast (sometimes referred to as “black” or “self colour”). The lowest cost surface but will require a secondary coating to prevent oxidisation and corrosion staining from forming. Note; raw carbon steel rods and components placed in storage or transport may suffer surface corrosion as a result of the environment they are subjected to.
Hot-Dip Galvanised
The most cost effective finish for carbon steel tendons providing well proven performance to BS EN ISO1461:2009.
Grit Blast and Prime Painted
A typical finish requirement for carbon steel items before receiving a final colour top coating. The grit blasting is done to remove surface impurities and provides a clean surface for a metal primer paint to key to. Note; painted surfaces may be affected/damaged by transport and handling.
Other surface finishes for the stainless steel or carbon steel rod systems are available on request. Contact Ronstan to discuss your requirements.
Figure 1 shows a typical Ronstan rod system broken down into its parts. All length dimensions for rod production are taken from centre-of-pin to centre-of-pin. Thread setting – Unless otherwise requested rod systems are manufactured at mid-adjustment. This means we manufacture the rod to the dimension provided with 1/2 of the thread already taken up within each fork (and turnbuckle if used).
This ensures adjustment can be either taken up or let out. Joiners or turnbuckles will be equispaced along the assembly length, unless specified otherwise.
Other thread positions or end types available, (eg: hexnut) on request.
Rod identification number stamping is available for ARS1 & ARS3 and will be placed on the spanner flat of the rod. This is helpful for projects with a large number of rods of similar but critically different lengths.
A stamp can assist in easy identification on-site for efficient installation. Please notify Ronstan at the time of order and provide details of any special stamping requirements or schedules.
Figure 1. Typical bar identification
