Differences Between Hot-rolled And Cold-rolled Steel
Rolling is a metal forming process that uses a series of rolls to change the shape, improve uniformity and/or enhance the mechanical properties of the material. Rolled steel can be divided into two types: hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel, which exhibit different characteristics that make them suitable for different applications. When selecting rolled steel materials for a project, it is important to understand the differences between the two types and how they affect their performance. Hot Rolled Steel Overview Hot rolled steel is steel that has undergone a rolling process at a temperature above its recrystallization temperature (typically 1700° F or higher). The processed material has a higher degree of formability and workability than unprocessed steel, making it easier to use in subsequent processing operations. The hot rolling process begins with a large rectangular sheet of metal called a billet. First, the billet is heated and compressed into a large roll. Although sti