You may have heard of both hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel, but do you know the difference between them? If not, we&#;re here to help.
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Production of both hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel starts with the same steps. They're both initially processed at extremely high temperatures. However, once the treated steel is ready, cold rolled steel goes through a few extra steps. The mill lets the metal cool off until it's room temperature, then draws it through rollers or puts it through annealing treatment. This additional labor makes it more expensive than hot rolled steel.
There are three main visual differences between hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel. Hot rolled steel has rounded edges, a rough surface texture, and no grease on its finish. Alternatively, cold rolled steel has sharp edges, a very smooth surface texture, and an oily or greasy feel to it.
The pros and cons of hot rolled steel come down to strength versus price. Hot rolled steel is weaker than cold rolled, but it&#;s also cheaper since it doesn&#;t go through the second production process. However, this doesn't automatically mean cold is better just because it's stronger and more expensive.
The more significant difference in how to use it is how specific your material needs are. Hot rolled steel is perfect for welding, railroad tracks, and I-beams because there is less concern for smooth finishes and precise shapes. The tolerance range is also wider because the metal shrinks during the cooling process, so you can't be as exact with the measurements.
While hot rolled steel has a rougher surface, the aesthetic difference is fixable if that's your only reason for avoiding it. It will add to the total cost, but you can grind or sandblast the steel to a smooth finish.
Cold rolled steel is going to cost more, but it may be worth the higher price tag if it fits your needs. You're going to pay for tight tolerance, smooth finish, and consistency between pieces.
So when should you splurge on the higher-cost option? In addition to the visual benefits of a smooth surface, cold rolled steel is best when you need consistency and tight tolerances on a project. Workers shape the steel at room temperature, so there's no risk of shrinkage during the cooling process. You'll know the exact dimensions you're getting, and every piece is uniform.
Steel is available in many grades, shapes, and finishes, with the World Steel Association listing over 3,500 different steel grades, each with distinctive properties. All those various types mean that steel has seemingly endless applications in industries as diverse as automotive, military, construction, and manufacturing.
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Changing steel&#;s chemical composition is one way to optimize it for specific applications, but it&#;s not the only way. Steel&#;s manufacturing process also significantly affects steel products, even though the specifications and grades might be similar or alike. One essential variance among steel products is the difference between hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel.
The metal forming process known as rolling uses a series of rollers to modify the shape, enhance uniformity, or improve the material&#;s mechanical properties. Rolled steel is classified into hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel, each with distinct characteristics making them appropriate for different applications.
The difference between hot rolled vs. cold rolled steel relates to the processing methods at the mill. For example, hot rolled steel involves rolling the steel at high temperatures. In contrast, cold rolled steel is processed in cold reduction mills where the material is cooled, followed by annealing to remove internal stresses or temper rolling to improve its tensile properties.
Hot rolled steel is roll-pressed at over 1,700 degrees F, making it easier to form and leading to products that are easier to work with.
Manufacturers start the process with a large, rectangular metal piece called a billet. The billet is heated and sent for pre-processing, which entails flattening it, keeping it at a high temperature, and running it through a series of rollers for its finished dimensions. The extremely hot steel strands are pushed through the rollers at high speeds. The rolled steel is spun into a hot roll coil (HRCS steel) for hot rolled sheet steel and left to cool. For bars and plates, the materials are sectioned and packaged.
Because hot rolled steel is cooled and shrinks after processing, there is less control over its final shape, meaning it isn&#;t as suitable for precision applications. Instead, HRS steel is more likely to be used in applications where precise dimensions aren&#;t critical. Construction projects typically use HRS material.
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