How Does HRS Steel Sheet Work?

July 30,

Rolling is a metal forming process that employs the use of a series of rollers to alter the shape, improve the uniformity, and/or enhance the mechanical properties of materials. Rolled steel can be categorized into two types—hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel—which demonstrate distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different applications. When choosing a rolled steel material for a project, it is important to be aware of the differences between the two types and how they affect their performance.

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An Overview of Hot Rolled Steel

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Hot rolled steel is steel that has undergone the rolling process at a temperature above its recrystallization temperature (usually ° F or greater). Compared to unprocessed steel, the processed material exhibits greater formability and workability, making it easier to work with in subsequent processing operations.

The hot rolling process starts with a large, rectangular slab of metal referred to as a billet. First, the billet is heated and compressed into a large roll. While still hot, it passes through a series of rotating rollers to achieve the desired dimensions. In sheet metal production operations, the rolled steel is then wound into coiled rolls and left to cool. In production operations involving other forms, the processed material is cut into the specified units and packaged.

Benefits of Hot Rolled Steel

Hot rolled steel offers several manufacturing advantages, such as:

• Lower cost: Hot rolled steel tends to be less expensive than cold rolled steel since it involves less processing.
• Better workability: As the hot rolling process occurs at elevated temperatures, the processed material is easy to form and shape.
• Little to no internal stress: The hot rolling process involves cooling the steel gradually, which allows the material to essentially normalize its structure and become free of internal stresses.

Applications of Hot Rolled Steel

Since hot rolled steel shrinks slightly during the cooling stage, there is a lesser degree of control over its final shape. For this reason, it is typically used in applications that do not require extremely tight tolerances, such as:

• Agricultural equipment
• Automobile parts (e.g., frames and wheel rims)
• Construction materials (e.g., I-beams)
• Railroad equipment (e.g., tracks and railcar components)

An Overview of Cold Rolled Steel

Cold rolled steel is hot rolled steel that has undergone additional processing to improve its dimensional and mechanical properties. During the cold rolling process, cooled hot rolled steel passes through another series of rollers at room temperature. Since the material is no longer hot and malleable, a significantly higher amount of pressure is required to compress it into the desired shape. While this process can be more labor-intensive and expensive than the hot rolling process, it can achieve tighter dimensional tolerances and better surface qualities.

Benefits of Cold Rolled Steel

Compared to hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel offers a variety of advantages, such as:

• Greater strength: Cold rolled steel can exhibit strength up to 20% greater than that of hot rolled steel, which makes it more suitable for use in high-stress applications.
• Better surface finishes: Parts and products made from cold rolled steel generally have a smooth and shiny surface that is free of rust and scale.
• Higher precision: Unlike hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel does not shrink after the forming process. This quality allows for the creation of highly precise components that require little to no secondary processing.

Applications of Cold Rolled Steel

Cold rolled steel is often used for applications that require tighter tolerances and better surface finishes. Typical parts and products include:

• Aerospace structures
• Home appliances
• Metal furniture
• Strips, rods, bars, and sheets
• Mechanical Components

Key Differences Between Hot Rolled Steel and Cold Rolled Steel

As indicated above, the main difference between hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel is the temperature at which they are processed. Hot rolled steel is rolled above the material’s recrystallization temperature, whereas cold rolled steel is rolled below the material’s recrystallization temperature. Beyond this quality, there are a few other distinctions between the two materials, including in regard to the following:

• Surface quality. Hot rolled steel tends to have rough edges and surfaces that require decarburization or other treatments to prepare it for use in subsequent production operations. In contrast, cold rolled steel generally has a shiny and smooth surface that allows it to be used as-is in production operations.
• Material hardness. The cold rolling process produces steel with much higher strength and hardness than the steel produced by the hot rolling process.
• Internal stress. The greater material strength and hardness introduced by the cold rolling process comes with greater internal stresses. These stresses must be relieved before the material can be processed; otherwise, the final part or product may experience warping.

These two steel types should not be confused with the technical specifications or grades used to classify steel by composition or physical characteristics. Steel can be hot rolled or cold rolled regardless of its metallurgical specifications or grade.

When evaluating steel options for a project, it is important to keep in mind that some materials will work better than others for certain purposes. Understanding which type of steel offers the right properties for a given application can prevent overspending on raw materials and save time in the long run.

Cold Forming Services at Grob Inc.

Cold forming is an umbrella term that encompasses several forming processes that occur at or near room temperature, such as bending, drawing, and rolling. At Grob Inc, we specialize in cold rolling specialized profiles onto bar stock.

Our team manufactures cold rolled parts and products from a variety of metals, such as aluminum, naval brass, stainless steel, and other steel alloys. The finished components demonstrate higher tensile strength, greater material hardness, tighter dimensional tolerances, and a better surface finish than ones produced through high-heat forming methods. Additionally, since the cold rolling process involves the displacement of material—rather than the removal of material—our production operations occur with a better material usage to waste ratio.

Some of the parts and products we regularly produce in these operations include:

• Gears
• Spline Shafts
• Timing pulleys

For additional information about our cold forming capabilities, check out our cold forming process page.

Contact the Cold Rolled Steel Experts at Grob Inc. Today

When considering the use of steel for a project, it is essential to be aware of the differences between hot and cold rolled steel.  Both materials exhibit characteristics that make them suitable for different use cases, but cold rolled steel offer numerous advantages over hot rolled steel, including, but not limited to, better strength, dimensional tolerance, and surface finish. For customers looking for a cold rolling partner, the Grob team is here to help.

By partnering with us for their cold rolled metal needs, our customers benefit from our:

• Extensive industry experience. Our company has been in the cold forming business since the s.
• Large-scale manufacturing facility. We maintain a 100,000 square foot manufacturing equipped with more than 60 engineers and technicians.
• Broad standard and custom product selection. Our customers can choose from over 2,100 standard profiles in standard and non-standard sizes for components such as bushings, gears, shafts, sleeves, splines, and timing pulleys. Additionally, we offer custom profile solutions to customers with highly specific or unique needs.

To find out more about our standard and custom cold rolling capabilities or discuss your next project with one of our experts, contact us today.

We get it; you’re in the construction business—you’re not a spy. Why should you be expected to decipher a bunch of secret codes to get to the best hot-rolled steel components for your next construction project? And by secret codes, we mean the various grades of steel, of course. Despite how confusing they can be, those series of letters and numbers are packed full of useful information.

Keep reading this short guide to hot-rolled steel grades to crack the code and get on with your job!

What Is Hot-Rolled Steel?

Most modern steel manufacturing is either cold rolling or hot rolling. Hot-rolled steel is the least expensive and least complex type for steel mills to produce, and it sees extensive use in the automotive and construction industries.

Making hot-rolled steel involves heating a slab of steel to over °F. The width and thickness of this heated slab are then reduced to desired values as it is run through a series of rolling mills. The resulting steel sheet is then cooled via several different processes, including pickling and oiling.

Even if you’ve determined by now that you need a component made of hot-rolled steel, you still need to figure out which particular steel grade is best for the application you have in mind.

What Are Steel Grades?

Steels are graded according to standards set by two different organizations. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) each have a unique system for classifying steel by type, application, characteristics, specific use, etc.

The SAE’s system uses a simple four-digit number, alternatively known as the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). For example, plain carbon steel grades start with 10 and end in two more numbers that indicate the steel’s carbon content. That would mean that the code “” refers to a plain carbon steel with a concentration of around 0.95% carbon.

The ASTM uses a letter prefix to indicate the type of metal (“A” is used for ferrous metals like iron and steel). This prefix is followed by a sequence of numbers that indicates the metal’s other properties.

What Are the Most Common Hot-Rolled Steel Grades?

The following are the most commonly used types of steel grades for hot rolling:

• A-36
• A-
• A-500

A-36

This is one of the most popular hot-rolled steels that we sell at Bushwick. With a carbon content of between 0.25% and 0.29%, this is low carbon steel. As mentioned above, the “A” in this ASTM grade denotes steel. And in this case, the “36” means that this steel’s tensile strength has a minimum yield of 36,000 psi. A-36 is easy to machine and weld, and its mechanical characteristics are superb.

A-36 is popular for use in structural applications. It is common steel for making bars, channels, angles, plates, tubes, and shafts.

This steel has a very low (from 0.08%–0.13%) carbon content. It is readily machinable and weldable, and it forms easily compared to higher carbon and alloy steels.

Want more information on HRS Steel Sheet? Feel free to contact us.

AISI is another fairly low-carbon steel (0.14%–0.20% carbon content). Aside from slight differences in ductility and tensile strength, it is nearly indistinguishable from AISI .

Both and are ideal for use in structural, automotive, and furniture applications.

A-

This designation is for high-strength low-alloy steel that contains trace amounts of other elements. It boasts improved formability and is extremely versatile.

A- sees common use in structural steel sheets, automotive bodies, and drums.

The characteristics of AISI-designated are very similar to those of ASTM’s A-36 steel. They have similar chemical properties, and ’s 0.22%–0.26% carbon content places it on the upper end of the low carbon steels. When hot rolled, and A-36 also perform nearly identically. Both and A-36 are suitable when more strength and durability than or are required.

Hot-rolled is a regular constituent of structures, automotive components, and furniture.

A-500

A-500 is another low carbon (up to 0.26% by weight) steel that is commonly hot rolled. It is very similar to A-36, except that A-500 is only used to make tubing. Despite the specificity of the form in which it’s available, A-500 still sees common use in structural applications.

This steel contains 0.42%–0.50% carbon, making it a medium carbon steel. As such, it is generally stronger than other hot-rolled steels that have lower amounts of carbon. And due to its higher carbon content, it can be heat treated with quench hardening or annealing, which greatly alters its mechanical characteristics compared to lower carbon steel. However, because of its increased hardness, it is much less ductile. This should be kept in mind when considering what application to use it in.

Being another medium carbon steel, contains 0.37%–0.45% carbon. However, what sets it apart from similar “10” varieties of steel is its additional 1.35%–1.65% manganese and 0.08%–0.13% sulfur content. These additional elements make more conducive to heat treating than steel.

Despite its medium carbon content, which generally translates to greater hardness, is also much less harsh on machining tools. That makes it something called a “free machining steel.” However, the added sulfur means that is unsuited to welding.

AISI-designated is typically used to make a few different fasteners and other parts that require relatively heavy machining.

What Is Hot-Rolled Steel Used For?

Hot-rolled steel serves multiple purposes. Here are a few examples:

• Materials for buildings: From steel bars to steel beams, there is a good steel alloy for every project.
• Support for big rigs: Modern truck frames are constructed out of steel.
• Supplies for builders: Hot-rolled steel makes doors and shelves stronger.

Here are five industries that benefit from hot-rolled steel supplies.

The Automotive and Transportation Industry

Quality steel is a staple in the automotive industry because it has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. This is why the most aerodynamic cars will have steel components. Besides automobiles, steel also benefits

• Ship manufacturers
• Aircraft manufacturers
• Train manufacturers

The Best Hot Rolled Steel Grades for Automotive Businesses

In the automotive world, A36 is the preferred grade for most manufacturing projects. Unlike most steel materials, A36 hot-rolled steel is very affordable, so it’s the best option for lengthy manufacturing runs. Some companies also use steel sheets and plates to build different automotive products. This grade is durable, and it’s very easy to work with.

Hot-rolled steel tubes help automotive businesses too. An A513 is a good grade because it’s easy to cut and weld.

The Construction Industry

In the construction industry, steel is extremely useful because it’s

• Highly durable
• Energy efficient
• Long-lasting
• Reliable

Thanks to refined construction practices, steel structures are everywhere in the United States. It’s used for railroads, homes, commercial buildings, and more.

The Best Hot Rolled Steel Grades for Construction Businesses

Thousands of construction companies invest in A36 hot-rolled steel bars and A513 hot-rolled sheets. However, A36 steel bars are used more often because they have outstanding mechanical properties.

Energy Providers and Suppliers

The energy industry is always evolving. When there are big changes, all energy providers and suppliers must keep up with the latest advancements. If they cut corners, they will lose money. Every business in this industry needs the right infrastructure to be successful. There are many ways to create a sound infrastructure, but a typical blueprint will always require steel.

The Best Hot Rolled Steel Grades for Energy Suppliers

Typically, hot-rolled steel sheets and hot-rolled A513 steel bars are the best products roofing companies. They use high-quality steel sheets during roof repairs and A513 steel slabs for solar panels.

Packaging Businesses

Steel packaging provides superior protection against the elements. It’s a staple for most food and beverage packages.

The Best Hot Rolled Steel Grades for Packaging Businesses

In this industry, most businesses use A36 hot-rolled steel because it’s malleable and cost-efficient.

Appliance Businesses

Approximately 75% of all modern appliances are made of steel. Without steel, these products will lack structure and stability.

What Grade of Hot-Rolled Steel Do I Need?

Now that you’ve caught up with all the most popular hot-rolled steel grades, you probably know which one to order from us today at Bushwick Metals (especially if you want it delivered tomorrow). So, whether you’d like a quote on exactly what you need or you still have questions, you can easily get in touch with us—click here!

Cold vs Hot-Rolled Steel

Now that you’ve read all about cold and hot-rolled steel, it’s time to figure out which is right for you! When it comes to choosing between cold and hot-rolled steel, there are several different factors you should take into consideration. Cold-rolled steel is processed at low temperatures, then recrystallized through a rolling process. The process aids in giving the steel a smoother finish, thus making it easier to cut and form. Hot-rolled steel, on the other hand, is made by heating the steel beyond its recrystallization point, sometimes to temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and then cooling it quickly in order for it to retain its shape and strength.

The main difference between cold and hot-rolled steel is their mechanical properties. Cold-rolled steel tends to be more durable for molding than hot-rolled steel due to the way it has been processed. However, hot-rolled steel offers the advantage of being easier to work with overall.

When Should I Use Hot-Rolled Steel?

Certain projects tend to be better suited for hot-rolled steel. This includes, but is not limited to projects like railway tracks, food and beverage packages, and agricultural equipment. Hot-rolled steel is also able to handle some give or stress, so it works well for things like bridges, that are supporting large amounts of weight. Hot-rolled steel offers an affordable, strong option for industrialized applications.

Cold-rolled steels are best used when a highly complicated design must be constructed because it cools more uniformly than hot-rolled steel. It works great for items such as automotive components or home appliances. In addition, its sleek and polished appearance offers an attractive, modern aesthetic. However, it is not as hard as hot-rolled steel and in addition, tends to be placed at a higher price point.

When selecting which type of steel is right for you, you should carefully consider what qualities are needed for your project or product requirements, since these can vary widely. If it’s construction equipment or materials, hot-rolled steel is likely a great option. However, if you need something with a highly-specialized design, cold-rolled steel may just be a more attractive alternative.

Are you interested in learning more about Tin Mill Black Plate? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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