The Difference Between Hot Rolled Steel & Cold Rolled Steel

When it comes down to making cold rolled steel and hot rolled steel , the process is quite similar.

They are both made from the

same materials.

They go through a similar manufacturing process, except for one crucial part.

Cold rolled steel is rolled, or passed through at least two rollers at room temperature

until it forms the desired shape and dimensions.

And hot rolled steel is rolled at or above its

recrystallization temperature, which is at

1,700 °F.

Why is steel rolled? Why at different temperatures?

Rolling steel removes induced stresses and

grain deformations of the steel.

Rolling steel also forms steel into desired shapes and dimensions.

The physical properties of hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel

vary greatly.

Appearance

Hot Rolled• Scaly• Blue-gray finish• Rough to the

touch

Cold Rolled• Glossy• Gray fi nish• Smooth to the

touch

Dimensions

Hot Rolled• Less Precise

Cold Rolled• More Precise

Strength

Cold Rolled• Stronger• Up to 80%

bett er yield strength.

• Up to 40% bett er tensile strength.

Hot Rolled• Weaker

Cost

Hot Rolled• Less Expensive

Cold Rolled• More Expensive

*This varies on many factors, including whether the steel that is being hot rolled is required to be reheated or not, and whether the steel is pickled and oiled.

Practical UsesHot Rolled Steel

I-beams, railroad tracks, and materials needed in large quantities.

Practical UsesCold Rolled Steel

Tooling and machining products, automotive parts, anything that requires more strength.

To Learn more about cold rolled and hot rolled steel, visit Capital Steel & Wire’s website.

www.capitalsteel.netSource