What is the common form of workpiece material purchased in long pieces?

Bar stock is a common form of workpiece material purchased in long pieces, typically used for machining and fabrication processes. It comprises solid, elongated pieces of metal that are available in various shapes, such as round, square, or rectangular. The length and uniformity of bar stock make it ideal for further processing, such as turning, milling, or drilling to create precise components.

In contrast, sheet stock refers to flat pieces of material, often used in applications like stamping or forming but not in long, cylindrical pieces like bar stock. Wire stock consists of very thin, flexible strands of metal, commonly used for applications such as electrical wiring or tying, but again, not appropriate for applications demanding rigidity and structural integrity. Tube stock is hollow and cylindrical, often used for pipes and hollow structural components, which serve different purposes compared to the solid bar stock typically employed in machining and construction tasks.