Know Your Grades of Steel and Uses
In order to know the difference between cold-rolled vs. hot rolled steel, it is necessary to start by understanding that steel is graded according to its component alloys. For example, there are carbon, nickel, chromium, chromium-vanadium, nickel-chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, silicon-manganese and Nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel alloys in various types of steel.
Each steel type has certain properties that react to cold and heat. For example, stainless steel is a chromium-carbon alloy that allows for temperatures of 1700 deg. F. for 304 and 316 stainless designations and up to 2000 deg. F. for high temp stainless grade 309(S). For 310(S), the temperature range is up to 2100 deg. F.
Hot rolled steel grades:
- ASTM A36 used for general structural applications
- HR Bars 1117 – a medium grade of carbon steel used when greater hardness and strength is required.
- HR Bars 11L17 used for machining
- HR Bars 1045 used for its hardness and strength for axels, bolts, machine parts, studs, shafts, and gears when flame and induction type hardening is required.
- HR Bars 1141 has a uniform heat treatment response for machinability
Cold rolled steel grades:
- CR Bars 12L14 – used in high-end fast machining speeds such as screw machining works It has fine surface quality and ductility.
- CR Bars 1018 – Because of its low carbon and medium manganese content, this grade offers only fair use for machinability but can be welded and brazed.
What is the Difference Between Cold Rolled vs. Hot Rolled Steel?
In metal manufacturing, the real difference between cold rolled and hot rolled steel is the process used to create and form both. As their names indicate, ambient temperatures are used for cold-rolled steel and heat for hot rolled steel.
The other differences between the two lies with cost. Hot rolled steel is less expensive to produce since it can be manufactured quickly and without reheating. Hot rolled steel is favored by the construction and welding industries. Hot rolled steel grades are not as significant as the manufacturing process.
Cold rolled steel tends to shrink after it is created and formed, adding to the metal manufacturing time.
Hot Rolled Steel Bars
Hot rolled steel bars are commonly used for I-beams, general fabrication projects, structural supports, walkways, ramps, and trailers.
A steel round bar is seen most often in machined parts like axels, framework, supports, bolts and many other uses. A steel round bar is available in hot or cold-rolled steel.
In metal manufacturing, a steel round bar is measured in diameter. Cold rolled round bars are cylindrical in shape and commonly used for rods, spindles, sprockets, and shafts.
Hot rolled round bars are formable, tough and preferred for welded steel materials. It is easily shaped and easy to drill.
How Metal Fabricators Choose Cold Rolled vs. Hot Rolled Steel
Whenever metal fabricators take on projects that require cold rolled or hot rolled steel, they must first decide on the need for precise and exacting dimensions as well as the quality of the steel surface.
When you choose a metal fabricator for a project, they should work closely with metal manufacturers in a broad range of industries and offer a variety of precision services for the type of hot rolled or cold rolled steel required. These services should include:
- Straightening
- Custom machining
- Polishing
- Precision grinding
- Centerless grinding
- Chamfering
Metal fabricators using hot and cold rolled steel that requires precision grinding of a precision-ground bar are trained to produce according to customer specifications. Working with hot and cold rolled steel to shape, form, bevel and grind for a variety of uses has become an industrial art form.
The ratio of metal fabricators in the U.S., for example, is under 25,000. This is what keeps a metal fabricator like Advance Grinding Services Inc. continuously busy when the number of metal grinding projects customers request has grown by overwhelming numbers.
Advance Grinding is an Industry Leader
One important feature of the skilled staff of Advance Grinding Services Inc. is that they are certified by ISO 9001:2008 standards. This is a symbol of the excellent quality set by the Advanced Grinding Services team. In addition, Advanced Grinding Services takes pride in maintaining SOTA (state-of-the-art) technology.
This ensures customer satisfaction that is an Advanced Grinding Services priority. In addition to exceptional performance, the staff maintains timely service customers rely on to expedite their projects and needs.
Should your project require a hot or cold rolled precision ground bar, centerless grinding or other additional services, Advance Grinding Services Inc. is ready to assist. For more details or to request up to three quotes online, visit Advance today!
