Hot rolling and cold rolling steel are two different methods to produce steel. Each process provides steel with different characteristics useful for a variety of industries. Before deciding which process benefits your application most, it’s important to understand the key differences, benefits and applications involved in hot rolling and cold rolling steel. Wedgewood Steel Buildings offers cold rolling and hot rolling services so whether you require steel with enhanced toughness or require a more aesthetically pleasing surface, we have you covered. Contact us for a quote based on your project requirements.
Notable Differences
The metalworking process of cold and hot rolling is the first notable difference. Steel that undergoes the hot rolling process occurs at temperatures of about 1,000 degrees centigrade and often has a rough surface finish. Whereas cold rolling is conducted at room temperature, undergoes a galvanised finish to protect it from the elements and has a smoother finish. Hot rolling steel makes it more malleable and easier to produce custom made styles. Cold rolling steel involves greater force since it’s not as flexible without the heated conditions involved in the fabrication process.
Benefits of Hot Rolling and Cold Rolling Steel
There are lower costs associated with steel that has been through the hot rolling process and therefore easier to purchase in bulk. It’s also quicker to produce as the process is shorter than cold rolling. Hot rolling steel makes it a more versatile material as it can be shaped in different sizes and shapes. This customisation means it can be used for various structural and industrial applications.
Cold rolling steel gives it a smoother appearance, perfect for decorative metals and vehicle panels. It has a galvanised finish to protect it from rust, greater tensile strength and offers better precision. The cold rolling process makes steel excellent for the creation of precise components since the process is done in a temperature-controlled environment that prevents the metal from shrinking. Therefore, it has a more consistent shape than steel that’s gone through hot rolling.
Applications
Hot Rolling Steel
Steel that’s undergone the process of hot rolling is often used in construction for, beams and metal sheets, and the automotive industry for frames and frame buildings thanks to its durability. Large scale buildings and structures benefit from steel that’s gone through the hot rolling process. The durability and capability to support heavy loads make hot rolling steel a popular choice in industrial sectors.
Cold Rolling Steel
Since it produces steel with a smoother finish, the process of cold rolling steel makes it widely used in the manufacturing of car panels. It’s also used for the production of furniture due to its robust properties and smooth surface finish. Many home appliances also use steel that’s been through the cold rolling process, as it has a sleeker design and aesthetically pleasing surface finish. Steel that’s gone through cold rolling is also now being used in frame design as its lightweight properties make it an alternative to steel that’s been through hot rolling which tends to be thicker.
Which Process is Right for Me?
Both processes provide steel with different properties. If you require strength, ductility and steel quicker to produce, then hot rolling steel may be the ideal process for your metal. If precision and a smooth finish are priorities, you should consider cold rolling steel. At Wedgewood Steel Buildings we offer both hot and cold rolling services, send us an email at sales@wedgewoodsteelbuildings.co.uk with any enquiries and a member of our friendly team will get back to you.