The success of any metalworking project relies heavily on the types of materials you use. With a good understanding of steel materials and their many diverse types, you can avoid wasting resources, save on time and costs and create the best possible output to suit your needs.

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One distinct feature among steel products lies in the differences between hot-rolled steel and cold-rolled steel. Read on to find out the differences between these two important processes.

Hot-rolled steel

Hot rolled steel is ideal for products where exact tolerances are not required. It refers to a steel rolling process carried out with heat. In this rolling process, the steel undergoes high temperatures of over 500°C. This makes the steel easier to form, and also results in products that are easier to work with. It is important to note, however, that hot rolled steel has less strength than cold-rolled steel. Hot rolled steel is allowed to cool at room temperature, giving the finished product looser tolerances than the initial material used, unlike cold-rolled steel products. This also makes the finished product free from internal stresses that may arise during quenching or work-hardening processes. Hot rolled steel is more malleable and can be cast into a variety of different shapes, making it a good choice for producing sheet metals and structural components, such as l-beams and rail tracks.

Cold-rolled steel

Cold rolled steel is ideal for products demanding improved surface characteristics and exact dimensions. Conversely to hot rolled steel, it refers to the steel rolling process done at or around room temperature. Cold rolling involves the rolling of flat-rolled coils and sheet products. It undergoes more processing than the hot rolled steel because more pressure is required to form its shape. It has the added effect of strengthening the material and improving the finished product’s mechanical properties through work hardening. The cold-rolling process constitutes a finished product that has a more specific dimension than a hot rolled product. Cold rolled steel is less malleable than hot rolled steel, making it limited to only a few simple shapes. However, other cold-rolled shapes can be made using a series of shaping operations.  

You can rest assured knowing that steel is the best choice when it comes to your metalworking projects, providing long-term, consistent performance. If you need quality steel that is fabricated to suit your unique needs, contact Steel Fabrication Services today. Our team of expert structural steel fabricators have the experience and knowledge to answer any of your questions and will ensure that you find the best solution to suit your needs. To contact us today, simply call, fax, email or drop by our Brookvale location.