Cold Rolled Steel

What is 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

Superior Durability
Cold rolled steel sheets become more durable due to the nature of work hardening. This process involves an increase of metal strength under mechanical pressure.Metal becomes harder due to structural changes as metal crystals dislocate, flatten, slip against each other, and tighten during cold rolling. As rollers exert high pressure, they pack metal grains as tightly as possible. As a result, this type of steel appears to be 20% more durable than its hot-rolled counterpart. Due to this, it doesn’t require further budget-straining heat treatment. That is why many businesses prefer cold-rolled steel.

Tight Dimensions
Cold rolled steel vary in thickness, but they’re generally much thinner than hot-rolled sheets. Steel mills produce cold-rolled coils within the 0.060” – 0.105” thickness range. Due to work hardening, one can produce cold-rolled coils of tighter dimensions without compromising their strength. Such metal is lightweight and durable. Thus, a cold-rolled steel sheet exhibits strength comparable to a 50% thicker hot-rolled one.Cold-rolled metal products come in handy for metal projects that require strength encapsulated in small dimensions, like metal furniture, roofs, car parts, home appliances, etc. On top of that, low weight combined with the superior durability of such steel allows you to save on transportation costs.

Smooth Texture
When a rolled sheet cools down, it acquires a rough finish due to naturally reformed metal crystals. They rearrange and form coarse metal grains. Besides, metal oxides and non-metallic inclusions get pressed into the metal surface during hot rolling. These features explain why hot-rolled metal is so rough, has a stained surface, and looks “dirty” in general.But cold rolling is a whole different story. As the rollers compress and flatten metal billets even further, their metal grains get elongated at a microscopic level. This process affects the texture of the final steel coils, smoothing and tightly packing their metal crystals. It reduces most surface imperfections, giving the steel a polished texture, free of any projections or indentations.

Increased Dimensional Accuracy
As the volume of metal expands at high temperatures, it shrinks back to normal in the process of cooling. It causes the edges of hot-rolled coils to distort a little as the metal cools down unevenly.Since metal doesn’t expand at room temperature, coils retain their shape after cold-rolling. It allows producing steel sheets with straight edges and maintaining overall dimensional accuracy as high as possible.

Ease Of Application
The nature of cold-rolled metal allows customers to save dozens of hours and thousands of dollars on metal processing. The steel comes already hardened and shiny, and businesses can save on heat treatment and polishing.Additionally, you can save on metalworking since cold-rolled coils have much straighter edges and don’t require as much forming and grinding as hot-rolled metal. These features make such steel ready-to-use and, therefore, cost-efficient.

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Key Differences Between Hot Rolled Steel and Cold Rolled Steel

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 rolled steel 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 rolled steel 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.

Cold Rolled Steel Grades & Properties

Structural Grades	C	Mn	P	S	Al	Si	Cu	Ni	Cr	Mo	V	Cb	Ti	N
30,33,36,40	0.25	0.9	0.035	0.04			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.008	0.008	0.025
36T2,45-80	0.25	1.35	0.035	0.04			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.008	0.008	0.025
45T2	.02- 0.08	.30- 1.0	.03- .07	0.025	.02- .08	0.6	0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.008	0.008	0.025	.01- .03

HSLA Grades	C	Mn	P	S	Al	Si	Cu	Ni	Cr	Mo	V	Cb	Ti	N
45C1	0.22	1.35	0.04	0.04			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.005	0.005	0.005
45C2	0.15	1.35	0.04	0.04			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.005	0.005	0.005
50C1	0.23	1.35	0.04	0.04			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.005	0.005	0.005
50C2 & 55C2	0.15	1.35	0.04	0.04			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.005	0.005	0.005
55C1	0.25	1.35	0.04	0.04			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.005	0.005	0.005
60C1 & 65C1	0.26	1.5	0.04	0.04			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.005	0.005	0.005
60C2 & 65C2	0.15	1.5	0.04	0.04			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.005	0.005	0.005
70C1	0.26	1.65	0.04	0.04			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.16	0.005	0.005	0.005
70C2	0.15	1.65	0.04	0.04			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.16	0.005	0.005	0.005

Common Grades	C	Mn	P	S	Al	Si	Cu	Ni	Cr	Mo	V	Cb	Ti	N
CSA	0.1	0.6	0.03	0.035			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.008	0.008	0.025
CSB	0.02-.15	0.6	0.03	0.035			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.008	0.008	0.025
CSC	0.08	0.6	0.1	0.035			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.008	0.008	0.025
BH	0.012	1.5	0.12	0.03			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.008	0.008	0.025
FSA	0.1	0.5	0.02	0.035			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.008	0.008	0.025
FSB	0.02-.15	0.5	0.02	0.03			0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.008	0.008	0.025
DDS	0.06	0.5	0.02	0.025	.01		0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.008	0.008	0.025
EDDS	0.02	0.4	0.02	0.02	.01*		0.2	0.2	0.15	0.06	0.1	0.1	0.15

Applications for Cold Rolled Steel

Automotive Manufacturing
Cold rolled steel is widely used in the automotive industry to produce body panels, chassis components, and structural parts. Its high strength, excellent formability, and superior surface finish make it ideal for creating lightweight yet durable automotive parts.

Construction And Infrastructure
Cold rolled steel's strength, straightness, and dimensional accuracy make it an ideal choice for construction projects, including commercial and residential buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. It is also commonly used for roofing, siding, framing, and structural supports.

Appliances And Household Goods
Cold rolled steel is preferred for appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and ovens. It is used in the manufacturing of panels, cabinets, and various internal components due to its corrosion resistance, strength, and aesthetic appeal.

Furniture and shelving

Cold rolled steel is used in the production of furniture and shelving units. Its versatility allows for the creation of stylish and functional designs. Cold rolled steel furniture is known for its durability, stability, and modern aesthetics.

Industrial equipment and machinery

Cold rolled steel is found in industrial equipment and machinery, including manufacturing machinery, storage racks, and material handling systems. Its high strength, dimensional accuracy, and ease of fabrication make it suitable for these demanding applications.

Packaging and containers

Cold rolled steel is used in the manufacturing of packaging materials, drums, cans, and containers. Its ability to withstand impact and provide protection makes it a reliable choice for packaging various goods.

Energy sector

Cold rolled steel is utilized in the energy industry for the production of power transmission towers, pipelines, and wind turbine components. Its strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance are crucial for withstanding harsh environmental conditions.

Types of Cold Rolled Steel

Commercial Quality Steel
This is the most common type of cold-rolled steel and has a smooth surface finish.

Drawing Quality Steel
This type of steel has a higher degree of ductility and is suitable for deep drawing processes.

Deep Drawing Quality Steel
This type of steel has even higher ductility and is suitable for even deeper drawing processes.

Extra Deep Drawing Quality Steel
This is the highest quality type of cold-rolled steel and is suitable for the most complex deep drawing processes.

Structural steel

This type of cold-rolled steel is used in the construction industry for beams, columns, and other structural components.

High-strength low-alloy steel

This type of steel is used in applications where strength and weight are critical, such as in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Dual-phase steel

This type of steel has a unique microstructure that provides both high strength and good formability, making it suitable for stamping and forming processes.

Bake hardening steel

This type of steel has the ability to increase its strength during the manufacturing process, making it suitable for automotive body panels.

How to choose cold rolled steel

Determine The Required Strength:Cold rolled steel is widely used for its high strength and durability. Check the project specifications and determine the required strength for the application.

Consider The Grade Of Steel:Different grades of cold rolled steel have different properties and applications. Consult with a steel supplier to determine the appropriate grade for your project.

Evaluate The Surface Finish:Cold rolled steel typically has a smoother surface finish than hot rolled steel, making it more aesthetically pleasing for certain applications. Consider the desired surface finish for your project.

Check The Thickness:Cold rolled steel can be produced in different thicknesses. Determine the required thickness for your application and select a steel supplier that can provide the appropriate thickness.

Consider The Cost:Cold rolled steel is generally more expensive than hot rolled steel. Determine the budget for your project and select a steel supplier that can provide the required cold rolled steel at a reasonable price.

How to maintain cold rolled steel

Rust prevention

Take preventative measures when your project is new to avoid a possibly lengthy removal process afterward. Rusting cold rolled steel is a big issue; let’s take a look at some of the ways you can prevent rusting of steel surface.

Keep it dry

The most straightforward technique to prevent rust is to keep the steel clean and limit its contact with water. If you have a project, you'll maintain it indoors, ensuring the environment isn't too humid. Use a dehumidifier to store the steel in a moist environment, such as an unfinished basement.You can't avoid exposure to rain and snow if you have a fence, tank, or other projects that must sit outside, but you can maintain it as clean as possible. Wash off any debris, mud, or dirt regularly.

Keep scratches at bay

Steel scratches and pockmarks expose more of the surface to water and moisture. This exposure leads the steel to retain water for extended periods, increasing the likelihood of rusting. If feasible, keep sharp tools and heavy machinery away from your finished steel project.Consider cold-rolled steel for a project subject to a lot of abuse. Cold-rolled steel has a smoother surface and is less prone to be scratched than hot-rolled steel.

Use a protective coating

Metal tile for roof in metallic forming machine production line in factory. Cold rolled steel coils at the plant It is recommended to use a commercial rust prevention agent to make your steel more moisture-resistant. These products come in various formats, including wipes and aerosol sprays. The chemicals used for protection against rust are ideal for smaller projects like outdoor equipment, tools, and gates.Powder coating more oversized steel products is an option. These organic coatings come in vinyl, urethane, epoxy, nylon, and acrylic varieties and work by building a protective layer around the steel to keep moisture out.

About Us

Established in 2015 and located in the Tianjin China, Promisteel, a subsidiary of Tianhe Group, is an international steel trading company with rich experience in exports. We have a stable supply chain from major domestic steel mills and a professional sales team, serving customers in more than 60 countries.
Our company provides a wide range of services to various industries including steel structures, household appliances, barrel manufacturing, shipbuilding, pipe manufacturing, gas tank storage, transformer manufacturing, kitchenware manufacturing, and food packaging. We are committed to offering high-quality and cost-effective products and services to our customers, and providing solutions to problems encountered by our customers in the long process of the international steel supply chain.

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Asked Questions

Q: What happens when steel is cold rolled?

A: During the cold rolling process, when the metal is put under mechanical stress, it causes a permanent change to the crystalline structure of the metal. This causes an increase in its strength and often improves corrosion resistance.

Q: Is cold rolled steel bendable?

A: It is preferred in mechanical applications as it is highly resistant to denting. Furthermore, it also has high formability which makes it ideal even if you need to bend the steel sheet to a certain shape such as a bracket, u-channel, or z-channel.

Q: Does cold rolled steel work harden?

A: Cold rolled steel has a higher tensile strength and higher yield strength, allowing it to undergo more stress and wear without warping. It is work hardened during the rolling process and is easily machined.

Q: Is cold rolled steel rust proof?

A: Cold-rolled steel exhibits corrosion resistant properties. Smoother surface finishes are more corrosion resistant.

Q: Why is cold rolled steel more expensive?

A: However, once the treated steel is ready, cold-rolled steel goes through a few extra steps. The mill lets the metal cool off until it's room temperature, then draws it through rollers or puts it through annealing treatment. This additional labor makes it more expensive than hot-rolled steel.

Q: Is cold rolled steel brittle?

A: Cold rolled steel is more brittle than hot rolled and also causes more concern with forming operations.

Q: Can you weld cold rolled steel?

A: If you're planning on welding, both hot and cold rolled metals will weld just fine – but keep in mind that cold rolled metal will take on the appearance and some of the other characteristics of hot rolled metal after being welded.

Q: Why use cold rolled steel?

A: In terms of physical characteristics, cold rolled steels are typically harder and stronger than standard hot rolled steels. As the metal is shaped at the lower temperatures, the steel's hardness, resistance against tension breaking, and resistance against deformation are all increased due to work hardening.

Q: Is cold rolled steel stronger than regular steel?

A: 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.

Q: How do you soften cold rolled steel?

A: Annealing involves heating steel to a specified temperature and then cooling at a very slow and controlled rate. Annealing is commonly used to: Soften a metal for cold working. Improve machinability.

Q: Is cold rolling expensive?

A: Price: Because of its advantages over hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel is more expensive. Also, because cold rolled steel is tougher to manipulate, it's takes more time and can cost more to take it through similar processes.

Q: Can cold-rolled steel be galvanized?

A: Cold-rolling and galvanization are not mutually exclusive, and in fact cold-rolled steel can be galvanized. That's because cold-rolling is a technique for forming the steel, whereas HDG is a technique for treating it to protect it from corrosion.

Q: Can you harden 1018 cold rolled steel?

A: 1018 vs. 4140 Steel: Choosing Between Two Great Metals

Perhaps the biggest difference between it and 4140 is its hardenability—where the latter can be heat-treated to 58 HRC or higher, 1018 is limited to case hardening—a.k.a. carburizing—a process that leaves low carbon steel parts with a hard exterior and relatively soft core.

Q: Is cold-rolled steel cheaper than stainless steel?

A: It is more expensive than cold rolled steel. Stainless steel is cooled down at room temperature and it's free from any internal stresses that arise from work-hardening processes. The most popular shapes of stainless steel are- UC, UB, SHS, RHS, PFC, flats, etc.

Q: Does cold rolled steel need to be heat treated?

A: If the cold rolled product was annealed, it will be easier to work than hot rolled material. It should also be heat treated to harden it further once you've worked it into the shape you want. If it has just gone through rollers, then it will be stiffer and harder to machine.

Q: Is 1018 cold rolled steel strong?

A: 1018 cold rolled steel has a smooth dark grey oiled surface with sharp defined edges. 1018 cold roll bars have a higher tensile and yield strength compared to hot rolled bars, it is also a low carbon steel with good case hardening qualities. ASTM A108-07 is the standard specification for steel bar, carbon, and alloy.

Q: What is the most common cold rolled steel?

A: ASTM A1008 is a standard specification for cold-rolled steel. This standard includes mild to high strength grades. While creating A1008 cold-rolled steel, the material develops a high integrity surface that is typically oiled to prevent corrosion and aging.

Q: How can you tell the difference between hot rolled and cold rolled steel?

A: Hot rolled steel comes with a scaly surface, slightly rounded edges and corners and the surface is non-oily. Cold rolled steel has an oily or greasy finish, very smooth surface, and very sharp edges.

Q: Can you bend cold rolled steel rod?

A: Techniques such as using a press brake or a similar tool are commonly employed to bend cold-rolled steel into various shapes and angles. yes, expect 'spring-back' of the steel when bending. You may have to bend beyond the desired angle to achieve the correct results.

Q: What welding rod is used for cold rolled steel?

A: 7018 arc welding rods are low hydrogen. They are made of cold rolled steel, high carbon steel, and suphur steel. They join hard to weld steels easily. Good for vertical, flat, and fillet welding.

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