Correcting Issues With Industrial Equipment

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding Between Cold Rolled Steel and Hot Rolled Steel

7 March 2017 by Joann Freeman

If you are a manufacturer that needs steel for your product, there's a good chance that you might be struggling between cold rolled steel and hot rolled steel. You want to make sure that you are spending your money wisely and are getting materials that are going to be the best for your product. Here are some questions that you should ask yourself before you make a final decision between hot and cold rolled steel.  

1. How much precision do you need for your product?

If you are going to be cutting the steel into different pieces or if you don't need exact measurements on your rolled steel for whatever other reason, then you can choose either hot or cold rolled steel. However, if you need precise measurements, then you should absolutely go with cold rolled steel. The cold rolling process allows the steel that is produced to be manufactured to far more exact specifications due to the fact that the process tends to be slower.

2. Do you need to be able to shape the steel once you have it?

The next thing that you need to consider is what you are going to be doing with the steel once you have it in its final form. If you are going to be shaping it or molding it, then you will want to go with hot rolled steel because it is more flexible. If you will not be shaping the steel, then you can go with either hot rolled steel or cold rolled steel.

3. Are you looking for a shiny finish or a dull finish?

If you are not going to be covering up the steel, then the way the steel looks is going to be important to you. If you want a shinier steel finish, go with cold rolled steel. If you want a duller finish in order to not draw attention away from other parts, then you will want hot rolled steel. If you don't care, then you can use either.

4. What's your budget like?

Finally, be sure that you are looking at your budget. Hot rolled steel takes less time to create and, therefore, has a lower manufacturing cost than cold rolled steel. If you have a tight budget, then consider going with hot rolled steel. If you need a product for its shiny finish or precise specifications, then go with cold rolled steel.

For more information, talk to a company like A & C Metals - Sawing that specializes in manufacturing rolled steel.

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