Difference Between TMT and TMX Steel: Which is Better

In the present times, both TMX steel and TMT steel are the most widely used steel bars for reinforcement purpose in the construction sector. Both are called “New Generation Bar”. But there are some difference between TMT and TMX Steel.

You would be wondered to know that TMX steel bars are more in demand than TMT steel bars in the world including India. TMX steel bars have an estimated market share of 60% globally and almost 80% in India.

In such a situation, it becomes necessary to know what is TMX steel and how to find out whether a steel bar is TMX steel or TMT steel.

To help you out, we have explained in this article what is TMX steel and the major difference between TMT and TMX steel. At the end of this, you will be sure about which one can be used for your construction and why TMX steel should be preferred above TMT steel bars if you will read it carefully.

Let's continue.

What is TMX Steel?

TMX Steel (Thermex Steel) is a high quality steel used widely in construction field. Actually "Thermex" is a German technology used for manufacturing high quality steel bars with the help of state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. These manufactured steel bars are called TMX steel bars. These bars have superior quality when compared to TMT steel bars.

Thermex Technology

Thermex is a new advanced and modern technology used for manufacturing high quality and ultra strength steel bars of new generation. This is a licensed technology from Germany.

Thermex process includes quenching of water and self-tempering at different temperatures. This treatment cool down the outer core rapidly that hardens the outer core of the rebars and ensure its ductility. Rapid cooling gives the outer core of steel bars a martensitic surface.

What is TMT Steel?

TMT (Thermo-Mechanically Treated) Steel is also a type of high quality steel used in construction field. It is manufactured by “Tempcore” technology with Thermo Mechanically Treatment process. It is widely used for residential constructions.

Tempcore Technology

The Tempcore technology is a quench and self-tempering process invented and developed in 70s in Belgium by CRM Group for the manufacturing of high quality reinforcement bars (rebars).

In Tempcore technology hot rolled bar is intensively surface quenched by water for production of reinforcement bar or rebar. As soon as the bar emerges from the last hot rolling stand of the rolling mill and during the subsequent air cooling, the quenched outer layer is tempered by the dissipation of retained heat from the core.

How to Find Out Whether A Steel Bar is TMX Steel or TMT Steel

Thermex and Tempcore, the both are two licensed self-tempering processes and quenching processes used by steel companies for manufacturing high quality reinforcement bars. For example, Tata Steel Limited uses Tempcore technology while SAIL uses Thermex technology for quenching processes of bars. These two steel manufacturers giants named their rebars as TMT (Thermo-Mechanically Treated) bars. Other companies followed them. So it is quite difficult to find out whether a steel bar is TMX steel bar or TMT steel bar.
But worry not, we are here to help you.

1. Just go to the official website of the steel bar manufacturing company. On clicking menu, go to the product list and then go to TMT bar section. Here you can find the technology used in manufacturing of the TMT steel bar (read carefully).
2. Download the brochure. Search for Thermex and Tempcore simultaneously in pdf. This may resolve your problem.
3. If you are unable to find out with above two processes. Then, you can ask them by sending a message in their contact us page.

Difference Between TMT and TMX Steel

The terms given below show the difference between TMT and TMX steel and also explain why TMX steel is preferred over TMT steel.

1. Manufacturing Technology: The major difference between TMX and TMT steel bars is their manufacturing process. As mentioned above TMX steel bars are manufactured using “Thermex Technology” and TMT steel bars are manufactured using “Tempcore Technology”.
2. Carbon Percentage: TMX steel has low carbon percentage (0.15%) than that of TMT Steel carbon percentage (0.30% Max).
3. Rib Designs: TMX bars possess prominent rib designs across the road which enhance their adhesiveness and provides a longer life for the construction.
4. Elongation: TMX steel bars has higher elongation (16% to 23%) than normal TMT steel bars (14.5%). Thus TMX steel provides better resistance over earthquakes and other natural disasters.
5. Ductility, Weldability & Bendability: TMX steel bars have better ductility, weld-ability and bend-ability property when compared to TMT steel bars.
6. Fire Resistance: TMX steel bars have super resistance against heat or fire and so can tolerate higher temperatures when exposed to fire.
7. Corrosion Resistance: TMX steel bars are more resistant to corrosion than Cold Twisted Deformed (CTD) bars.
8. Earthquake Resistance: TMX steel bars have higher elongation than TMT steel bars that improves flexibility of bars and provides resistance against natural calamities like earthquakes to the end structures.
9. Profitability: TMX Steel Bars provide excellent yield strength and tensile strength when compared to TMT Steel Bars. This means that when we use TMX steel bars, less steel is required for the construction process, thereby saving on storage, transportation and material costs.

Conclusion

Both TMX Steel and TMT Steel are new generation high quality steel bars. The main difference between TMX and TMT steel is the technology used in their manufacturing process. While the German technology called "Thermex" is used in the manufacturing of TMX steel bars, the Belgian technology called "Tempcore" is used in the manufacturing of TMT steel.

In fact, it is these manufacturing processes that determine the other differences between the two. The “Thermax Technology” demonstrates the ultra-high quality of TMX steel bars. TMX steel bars have higher elongation, tensile strength, ductility, bendability, weldability, fire resistance.

FAQs on Difference Between TMT and TMX Steel

Hope we have been successful to give you an idea of what is TMX steel and Thermex technology and what is the difference between TMX and TMT steel through this article.

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