When to use cold rolled steel?

16 Dec.,2024

 

Differences Between Hot Rolled & Cold Rolled Steel

Hot rolling, the process used to make hot rolled steel, involves rolling steel at high temperatures (typically over ˚F). These high temperatures are above steel&#;s recrystallization temperature, allowing the steel to be easily shaped, formed, and made in larger sizes. As it cools, hot rolled steel tends to shrink non-uniformly, giving less control on the size and shape of the finished product when compared to cold rolled steel.

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Characteristics of Hot Rolled Steel

Hot rolled steel tends to have a scaly finish which can be removed by pickling, grinding, or sand-blasting. This steel is essentially normalized, meaning free from internal stresses that can arise from quenching or work-hardening processes, because it is allowed to cool at room temperature. Other properties may include:

  • Slightly rounded edges and corners for plate products (due to shrinkage and less precise finishing)
  • Slight distortions
  • More malleable and able to be turned into various shapes
  • Increased ductility and toughness

Advantages of Hot Rolled Steel

Hot rolled steel tends to be cheaper than cold rolled steel because it is manufactured without any delays in the process and does not require reheating like cold rolled steel. It is also essentially normalized as it is allowed to cool at room temperature; this means it&#;s free from internal stresses that can arise from quenching or work-hardening processes.

Applications of Hot Rolled Steel

One of the many differences between hot and cold rolled steel is price. Hot rolled steel tends to be cheaper than cold rolled steel because it is manufactured without any delays in the process and does not require reheating like cold rolled steel. It can be used in applications where precise shapes and tolerances are not required, such as:

  • Structural Components (Railroad Tracks, I-Beams, Sheet Metal)
  • Agricultural Equipment
  • Metal Buildings
  • Stampings
  • Automotive Frames

COMMON USES FOR COLD ROLLED STEEL

Steel, a variant of iron with carbon added, often has other elements added to it in order to prepare it for processing and industrial use. While you may have heard of tempering, not all steelmaking processes involve heating the steel to its recrystallization temperature. Cold rolling, for example, is a popular treatment process that strengthens steel into a product called Cold Rolled Steel.

Unique Properties of Cold Rolled Steel

Cold Rolled Steel, often abbreviated as CR or CRS, is known for being extremely ductile. Additionally, it is formable for moderate draw applications, as well as being non-shrinking and non-creeping at ambient temperatures. 

Most often, you'll find details about Cold Rolled Steel as it compares to Hot Rolled Steel. Here are a few of the key differences between the two products: 

  • Strength &#; Cold Rolled Steel can exhibit up to 20% greater strength than Hot Rolled Steel, making it more suitable for high-stress applications. 
  • Precision &#; Cold Rolled Steel does not shrink after the forming process, allowing for the creation of precise components that require little to no secondary processing.
  • Surface

    &#; Cold Rolled Steel generally has a smoother and shinier surface, free of rust and scale. 

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COMMON COLD ROLLED STEEL PRODUCTS

With better surface characteristics and fewer imperfections, Cold Rolled Steel is most commonly used for precise applications where appearances are important. In addition, because of its tight size tolerance and excellent machinability, CRS is used across a wide variety of industries. Let&#;s discuss a few.

COLD ROLLED STEEL IN CONSTRUCTION

In the construction world, Cold Rolled Steel is commonly used to produce structures like beams, structures, columns, and sections. It also is frequently used in the construction of steel sheds, industrial buildings, and garages.

COLD ROLLED STEEL IN APPLIANCES AND MACHINERY

Cold Rolled Steel can be cut, bent, punched, drilled, and formed a lot easier than other metals, while also providing workable mechanical properties and low yield strength. On top of it all, the glossy and clean finish makes it the preferred choice for most mechanical production companies. This is why you can find Cold Rolled Steel in most household appliances, including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, electric fans, and microwave ovens.  

COLD ROLLED STEEL IN AUTOMOTIVE 

As you can see, Cold Rolled Steel is everywhere you look! Because of its shock-proof and wear-resistant qualities, it&#;s also frequently used in the automotive industry. Electric motors, seat parts, and fuel tanks are all fabricated with CRS. 

Cold Rolled Steel Carried by Mead Metals

When customers need high-quality Cold Rolled Steel, they come to Mead Metals. We have the processes, people, and vendor relationships to provide you with a quality product and excellent lead times. 

We carry Cold Rolled Steel in ASTM A, A109 and AISI / grades. We offer a range of sizes and quantities to fit your project's needs, accommodating high and low-volume orders. It is available in thicknesses from 0.005&#; to 0.134&#;, in drawing quality up through full hard tempers. Upon customer request, we offer tighter thickness tolerances and non-standard thicknesses. 

Are you in need of high-quality Cold Rolled Steel or other specialty metals?