Industrial & Manufacturing Blog
Sheet metal fabrication can use a wide range of metals, and there is a similarly wide range of factors that determine which option is best for each project. Steel remains a popular choice, and one of the most fundamental decisions you'll need to make when selecting this metal is whether to choose cold rolled steel or hot rolled steel.
Hot rolled steel is pressed at extremely high temperatures to ensure it is easy to form. Cold rolled steel also goes through this process, but it is then rolled again at room temperature. Both options have their own benefits, but cold rolled steel often makes the superior choice.
Here are just four reasons why.
1. Added Strength
Often the most compelling reason to choose cold rolled steel over hot rolled is its superior strength. When steel is compressed by rollers at room temperature, the metal crystals flatten and tighten until grains are packed as tightly as possible. This means cold rolled steel is typically around 20% stronger than hot rolled steel, making it the ideal option when projects require steel capable of putting up with plenty of strain.
2. Smoother Surface
The smoothness of steel surfaces doesn't always matter, but this can sometimes be a concern. For example, projects where aesthetics are important often prefer a smooth, polished texture. In such cases, cold rolled steel should be used. When hot rolled steel cools, reformed metal crystals create a relatively rough material. If the same steel is then cold rolled, rollers will compress crystals and elongate them at the microscopic level. This produces surfaces with smooth textures that are free of any noticeable indentations.
3. Thinner Profiles
Cold rolling doesn't just offer superior strength – it also allows for a much thinner final product. It allows for tighter tolerances than hot rolling, especially when full-hard cold rolling is used. This can reduce the thickness of steel sheets significantly without impacting strength. As such, cold rolled steel is typically used for applications that require strength in small dimensions, such as automotive parts and metal furniture.
4. Superior Precision
One issue with hot rolled steel is that it expands at high temperatures and is then left to shrink as it cools. Since metal cools down unevenly, the edges of hot rolled metal sheets can be distorted slightly. However, this isn't an issue with cold rolled steel. Since metal doesn't expand at room temperature, it won't shrink after being cold rolled. This helps maintain dimensional accuracy and produces steel sheets with straight edges.
For more information, contact a company such as Beta Metal Spinning.
Share22 August 2023
Greetings to all who come here. My name is Brad Hansen and I am an accountant who happens to know an awful lot about wells. My church began charity work in Cambodia over a decade ago and it has installed dozens of wells in villages across the country. Before I started helping in Cambodia, I had no idea about different types of water pumps. Over the years, I have learnt that different pumps are needed depending on terrain and usage. Of course, making sure that pumps are cost effective and easily maintained is important for charity projects. These days, I use my accountancy skills to purchase water pumps and other equipment at the best possible prices. Initially, I honed my understandings through research and talking to experts, so I feel that I have some knowledge to share. I hope readers of this blog find it helpful. Peace to you all.
