Steel is a versatile material used in various industries, but not all steel products are processed in the same way. Two common metalworking processes are hot rolling and cold rolling, and each has unique features and applications. We’ll break down some of the differences between hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel so you can make an informed decision for your next manufacturing project.
Manufacturing Process
The main difference between hot- and cold-rolled steel lies in their manufacturing processes:
Hot-Rolled Steel
Hot rolling is a metalworking process that happens above the steel’s recrystallization temperature—usually over 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit. During the process, steel is fed into rolling mills at these high temperatures to achieve a desired shape and thickness. Then, the steel is cooled at room temperature, which results in a slightly rough surface texture.
Cold-Rolled Steel
Cold-rolled steel, on the other hand, occurs below the recrystallization temperature of steel, often at room temperature. Cold rolling takes place after hot rolling and decreases the thickness of the steel while boosting strength and smoothing out the surface finish.
Material Properties
Hot and cold rolling produce distinct material properties in the final products.
Hot-Rolled Steel
Hot-rolled steel has a rougher surface texture than cold-rolled steel, as well as lower tensile strength. However, these factors make hot-rolled steel much more affordable thanks to the simpler production process.
Cold-Rolled Steel
Cold-rolled steel has higher tensile strength and a smoother surface, but those features cost money. Because it takes an extra step in the manufacturing process, cold-rolled steel is more expensive than hot-rolled plates and sheets.
Applications
Differences in their properties make hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel suitable for different applications:
Hot-Rolled Steel
The hot-rolling process will commonly produce larger components, like plates and hot-rolled steel sheets. Hot-rolled products are often used to create water heaters, truck frames, and agricultural equipment.
Cold-Rolled Steel
Cold-rolled steel products include smaller components, like sheets, strips, rods, and bars.
Now that you understand the differences between hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel, remember that you can always count on California Steel Services to provide the very best in hot-rolled steel plates and sheets.