TMT vs TMX steel bars: Understanding the difference

TMX and TMT steel bars are one of the most popular construction materials in the modern construction sector. Unlike the traditional steel bars that have long been in use across the steel manufacturing and construction industry, these construction steel bars are far more durable.

TMT bars are manufactured using a thermo-mechanical treatment process, which involves rapid heating and cooling. This adds unique characteristics including high tensile and yield strength. The manufacturing process of TMX or Thermex Steel bars on the other hand is more extended. The extra steps increase the strength and ductility of the construction steel bars.

But which one to choose for construction? If you’re struggling to find the right building material for your construction project, then this article is the perfect guide for you. We will help you navigate through the difference between TMT and TMX bars so that you get the best value for your money: 

What are TMT bars?

TMT bars, which stand for Thermo-Mechanically Treated bars, are a new type of high-strength steel known for their excellent weldability, strength, ductility, and flexibility. In modern construction projects, longevity and safety are major concerns. TMT bars can withstand high temperatures, harsh conditions, and heavy loads without collapsing, which makes them a trusted choice amongst builders and constructors.

Read also: Which One Should You Choose: TMT Bars vs CTD Bars

What are TMX steel bars?

TMX bars are produced using Thermex technology, a recent advancement in the steel industry. These bars are noted for their high tensile strength and superior quality. The term TMX refers to the specific technology used to make them, which ensures they are robust and reliable for construction projects.

Read also: TMT bars vs. Conventional steel bars: Which is better for your construction project?

Both TMT and TMX bars are crucial in construction, offering unique benefits due to their specialized manufacturing processes and high-quality features.

TMT bars vs TMX steel bars: Which one should you opt for?

The choice between TMT and TMX can be difficult. Let’s dive deep into factors like the manufacturing process, appearance, strength, ductility, weldability and cost to understand which one has the edge over the other.  

i) Manufacturing process:

While TMT Bars undergo thermo-mechanical treatment involving rapid heating and cooling cycles, TMX bars are manufactured by expanding a hot-rolled steel bar through a series of dies. 

This major point of difference gives rise to all the other differences between these two building materials. Despite both the processes having similar inputs, the outputs are completely different in terms of strength, ductility and flexibility. 

Because of the TMT bars being quenched, they have a unique hardened outer layer coupled with a soft, ductile and untouched core. This makes these steel bars truly stand out and emerge as the most innovative and tensile choice for both large and small-scale projects.

ii) Strength and durability:

When you’re constructing a bridge, house or commercial structure, it will be there for decades. During that time, the steel bar has to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, rain, earthquake, and so on. This demands high tensile strength and unparalleled performance and durability. 

Besides, when TMT bars come in touch with water, thy often start corroding. The iron in the TMT oxidizes when it comes in contact with moisture, which can impact the structural integrity. Thus most constructors look for corrosion-resistant steel bars. 

However, steel bars manufactured using thermex technology involve quenching the bar’s surface which creates a hard, protective outer layer. These additional layers protect iron from rusting. 

These bars are used way more across all sorts of applications, especially in high-rise buildings and infrastructure projects. They are the epitome of robustness and longevity and thus, have emerged as the first choice for construction projects in seismic zones and coastal regions.

iii) Ductility:

Ductility ensures structural integrity. Using earthquake-resistant steel bars keeps the structures safe even when the ground shakes vigorously. 

TMT bars have superior ductility, are very resistant to succumbing to failure. This inherent property enhances the overall flexibility of the building and also allows smooth, seamless bending and shaping during construction. 

While manufacturing TMX bars, the quenching and self-tempering process is done in a controlled manner. Hence , the outer layer becomes stronger while the inner core stays soft and ductiles, which is essential for earthquake resistance. 

iv) Weldability:

During construction projects, constructors often need to weld the steel bars. Ease of fabrication is of great importance in the construction and steel industry. Renowned for their excellent weldability and workability, TMT and TMX bars are the go-to construction material for a diverse array of construction projects. It allows builders to express their creativity without compromising on quality and structural integrity.

v) Cost & availability:

The cost is a major point of difference for people looking to purchase. While TMT bars offer durability and ductility, not all are the same. You should look into the grades from Fe415 to Fe600, as the TMT bar price may vary depending on what you choose. 

TMX steel bars are more expensive than TMT, as the process is more advanced. These are more suitable for complex structures, like high rise buildings, skyscrapers, bridges, and other commercial construction projects. 

When you are choosing between TMT and TMX Bars, it depends on not just the type of your construction project, but also the budget and long-term durability requirements. While both TMT and TMX stand out from the other traditional kinds of steel bars in the industry, TMX are far better. 

Features of TMX steel bars

• Superior quality steel bars
• High tensile and yield strength
• High corrosion resistance
• Superior resistance to fires
• Easily weldable
• Can be used for all construction purposes
• Saves 17% of steel for steel bar manufacturing using Thermex technology

Embracing excellence with Adukia Industries

Adukia Industries is a premium TMT Bars Manufacturer that uses premium Thermex technology to power up the entire country with UltraMax TMT Bars. Our low-carbon steel bars have high corrosion resistance and earthquake resistance characteristics. With our distributorship spread all over India, we are a trusted name in family households as well as the commercial clientele for decades now.