Steels – The most important material in the construction of any structure. Steel comes in different grades, specifications, shapes and finishes each with unique properties. These various types of steels can be used in infrastructure, appliances, vehicles, wind turbines, and many more applications. Different type of construction work needs different type steel composition. Optimizing the steel’s properties for each application goes beyond the chemical composition. One such key distinction we can make is that difference between hot rolled and cold rolled steel.
Let’s talk about the difference between these,
The main difference being, how they are processed. As the name suggests hot rolled steels are rolled at high temperatures, while cold rolled steels are rolled at high temperature but further processed in cold reduction material. Understanding the differences between hot and cold rolled steel can help you determine the best type for your needs.
HOT ROLLED STEEL
Hot rolled steels are prepared using hot rolling process, in which steel is rolled at high temperature over 1700˚F. Once the steel is heated at this temperature, it allows the steel to easily gain the desired shape. As and when it cools, hot rolled steels tends to shrink non-uniformly, giving less control on the size and shape of the finished product.
CHARACTERISTICS OF HOT ROLLED STEEL
- Slightly rounded edges and corners for plate products
2. Hot rolled steels tend to have scaly finish
3. Slight distortions
4. Can be easily turned into various shapes
5. Increased ductility and toughness
ADVANTAGES OF HOT ROLLED STEEL
As only heating process is involved in the making of hot rolled steels, these are cheaper than cold rolled steels. 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
- It can be used in applications where precise shapes and tolerances are not required, such as:
2. Structural Components (Railroad Tracks, I-Beams, Sheet Metal)
3. Agricultural equipments
4. Metal Buildings
5. Stampings
COLD ROLLED STEEL
Cold rolled steels are prepared by heating process which is then followed by cold process where the steels rods are being cooled at room temperature and annealed or temper rolled. Cold rolling produces steel with closer dimensional tolerances and a wider range of surface finishes than hot rolling which is 20% stronger than hot rolled through the use of strength hardening.
ADVANTAGES OF COLD ROLLED STEEL
Cold rolled steels are harder and stronger than hot rolled steels which can be used in precise applications. Increased hardness, resistance against tension breaking, and resistance against deformation due to work hardening.
APPLICATIONS OF COLD ROLLED STEEL
Cold rolled steel is used in applications where tolerances, surface conditions, concentricity, and straightness are factors.
- Home appliances
- Metal furniture
- Aerospace Structural Components
- Automotive parts
We at Omsairam Steels and Alloys Pvt. Ltd. are the top manufacturers of tmt bars in and around Jalna. Visit our website for more information.
