In the world of steel, there are the terms “cold-rolled,” hot rolled” as well as “cold drawn.” Knowing the way these types of steel are made, and the appropriate applications for each are essential to make sure you’re using the appropriate material for your task. Selecting the right kind of steel will help you save cash and time, while also ensuring that you’re providing the highest high-quality products to your clients.
COLD-ROLLED STEEL
Steel can be processed by different types of equipment and at a range of temperatures. One of these processes involves passing the metal through two sets of rollers which shape the metal to a certain thickness. When you compare cold-rolled steel with hot rolled steel, the differences begin in the temperatures at which material is processed. Cold rolling takes place when the metal is lower than its recrystallization temperature. This corresponds to the temperatures at which the steel grain structure is modified. Cold rolling takes place close to or at room temperature.
Since cold-rolled steel is processed at a lower temperature it needs an additional amount of pressure to produce the final product. It is often required to make several runs through the rollers to achieve the required thickness. This results in steel that has a high tensile strength which means it is less susceptible to breaking or deforming when it is stretched.
Steel won’t melt when it is cold rolled and the final product will be of the same and precise thickness. The cold rolling process’s pressure can also result in an enhanced polished appearance. This type of steel is perfect for products that require a consistent thickness as well as
a smooth, attractive surface, like kitchen appliances, furniture made of metal, and certain construction materials.
COLD DRAWN STEEL. COLD-ROLLED STEEL
Steel that is drawn cold, similar to cold-rolled steel, is processed at the temperature of the room. But, unlike cold rolling, which produces a flat result, cold drawn steel forms an extremely thin form, similar to rods or wire. This is done by hammering the hot-rolled steel until it fits through a die machine that rotates and pulls the metal to the final shape of elongation. The cross-section of the final shape could be square, round and rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal depending on what die is used. The cold-drawn metal is perfect for long-lasting products such as structural and shafting parts and consumer goods which require a stylish surface.
Cold drawn steel offers similar advantages as cold-rolled steel. The pressure that is required for cold-drawn steel produces strong tensile strength as well as a polished, smooth finish. As with cold-rolled steel, cold drew steel doesn’t alter form during processing, which means the final product will have the same size and thickness. Cold-drawn steel typically has to be drawn several times through various dies to reach the correct dimension, which leads to increased cost of production.
HOT ROLLED STEEL. COLD-ROLLED STEEL
Similar to cold-rolled steel, hot-rolled steel can be described as also flat. However, as it moves via the rolls at a higher temperature the hot rolled steel may alter shape and size throughout its cooling, which makes it unsuitable for projects which require uniform thickness. The hot-rolled steel has a rougher appearance and isn’t as durable as cold-rolled steel.
There are other advantages with hot-rolled steel over cold-rolled steel. The steel that is hot rolled is more malleable and therefore it’s easier to work with, both before or after the process of rolling. This is also a reason why hot-rolled steel has cheaper, because of having fewer steps during the process of hot rolling. For instance, the steel does not require cooling before it is sent through rollers, and it is capable of being drastically diminished in thickness in just one roll (compared with cold rolling which requires several passes). The hot-rolled steel can be employed for items such as rail tracks and I-beams that are manufactured in large numbers and don’t require the smoothest surface.
There are many aspects to take into consideration when selecting the right steel type like production cost as well as strength requirements and aesthetics. Understanding the differences between these three types can aid you in selecting the most suitable steel for your next project.
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