Why Hot-Rolled Steel Is Better Than Cold-Formed Steel

Steel is not only distinguished in different sizes, shapes, grades, and finishes; it is also distinguished by the way it is manufactured. Steel is one of the most versatile metal alloys that can be easily manufactured using different processes. Two of those processes are hot-rolled steel and cold-formed steel.

Talking about the differences between the two processes listed above, there are many which give unique characteristics to the steel manufactured using the respective procedures. One of the main reasons steel can be widely used across different industries is the versatility with which steel and its alloys can be manufactured. Even when the composition of steel is the same and if we change the manufacturing process of making steel, we can get a completely new set of properties and virtues in steel.

From domestic applications to aerospace and automobiles, steel is widely used everywhere. In this article, Khambati Metal Industries, one of the largest steel manufacturing companies in Dubai, explains why hot-rolled steel is better than cold-formed steel. Although each type of steel is unique and has its distinct application, Still, for the sake of comparison, when we compare hot-rolled versus cold-formed steel, hot-rolled steel is always better than the latter one. Read until the end to find out all the details.

Before We Begin

Let Us First See What Hot Rolled Steel Is and What Cold-Formed Steel Is.

Hot Rolled Steel

Hot rolled steel is steel that has been rolled at a temperature higher than its recrystallization temperature (typically 1700 °F or more). When compared to untreated steel, processed steel is more formable and workable, making it simpler to deal with in following processing activities.

The hot rolling process begins with a billet, which is a huge, rectangular piece of metal. The billet is first heated and squeezed into a huge roll. It is passed through a succession of rotating rollers while still hot to reach the correct size. The rolled steel is subsequently twisted into coiled rollers and allowed to cool in sheet metal manufacturing processes. In other modes of manufacturing, the processed material is chopped into the necessary units and packed. Khambati Metal Industries is one of the oldest pioneers of hot-rolled steel in Dubai, and we are also regarded as one of the leading steel trading companies in Dubai by industry experts.

Cold Rolled Steel

Cold rolled steel is hot rolled steel that has been processed further to improve its dimensional and mechanical qualities. A bar of cooled hot rolled steel is passed through another round of rollers at room temperature during the cold rolling process. Because the material is no longer hot and flexible, compressing it into the appropriate form requires substantially more pressure. While this method is more labor-intensive and costly than hot rolling, it produces better and tighter dimensional tolerances and higher surface characteristics, along with great finishing. Most structural steel suppliers in the UAE suggest using cold-rolled steel when superior finishing is expected by the design team.

Now Let Us See What Makes Hot Rolled Steel Better

Cost of Hot Rolled Steel is Cheaper

As we have studied above and read, cold-rolled steel is the extension of the hot-rolled steel-making process. Whenever the process of hot rolling ends as per specification and requirements, steel is further sent under various processes which involve passing through a few more rollers and other similar manufacturing methods.

As a result, hot-rolled steel requires much less processing and less time is consumed for the hot rolling procedure. As opposed to the cold rolling process, a lot of time and labor are required, which adds the burden and also the cost of the steel. Also, as the temperatures in the cold rolling process are low, it gets difficult to work with it at room temperature, which requires heavier machines and presses as compared to the hot rolling process.

Most veterans in the metal industry in the UAE suggest that whenever affordable steel is required, one must always go for hot-rolled steel.

Hot Rolled Steel Is Easy To Work With

At the end of the hot rolling process, the temperature of the steel is very high, almost near the recrystallization temperature. At such a high temperature, working with steel becomes very easy. Since the temperature is near the recrystallization phase, whatever shape and size you want to form, it gets easier and consumes less time and labor. Since the metal is shaped at higher temperatures, it has a more robust overall structure. Hot rolled steel is the most common and widely used steel that is widely available with most metal companies in UAE.

Hot Rolled Steel Is Strong and Has No Internal Stresses

Another distinct characteristic of hot-rolled steel is that it has fewer internal stresses. Unlike other manufacturing processes, simple hot rolling involves cooling steel gradually and slowly to its room temperature over some time.

There are no internal stresses on the surface of the steel because it is slowly cooled to room temperature without hastening the process. Hot rolled steel is why it is considered one of the strongest types of steel. Hot rolled steel is available with Khambati Metal Industries in huge quantities all year round. Being one of the leading steel companies in Dubai we maintain huge stocks.

Applications of Hot Rolled Steel

Since hot rolled steel is very strong as compared to other types of steel and its end finishing is not accurate, it is used in places where strength is required but superior finishing is not needed. Some of the most common applications of hot-rolled steel are listed below:

• Agriculture equipment
• Automobile parts such as frames and tire rims
• Construction materials like I-beams and C-channels
• Railroad equipment like rail tracks and similar applications