The Pros and Cons of Hot Rolled Steel

Wasatch Steel is a top provider of steel services across Utah, serving various types and classifications of steel. Notably, we supply steel produced through the common temperature-related processes: hot rolled and cold rolled steel.

Both types of steel have their benefits and drawbacks, and the choice often depends on the specific requirements of your project. Let's look at the pros and cons of hot rolled steel to determine how it might fit your next undertaking.

What is Hot Rolled Steel?

Hot rolled steel is made by rolling steel at various high temperatures, technically anything above room temperature, but usually above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This high-temperature process makes the steel more malleable compared to cold rolled steel and introduces several other differences.

Pros of Hot Rolled Steel

Hot rolled steel offers several specific benefits:

• Price: Hot rolled steel tends to be less expensive than cold rolled steel, primarily due to its slightly weaker properties.
• Flexibility: Because of the high temperatures involved, hot rolled steel is more malleable. It can be cut or shaped into almost any form needed, unlike cold rolled steel.
• Wide Use: This malleability makes it ideal for projects where a bit of flexibility is required. Hot rolled steel is commonly turned into sheet metal.
• Time: The ease of manipulation means that many projects using hot rolled steel can be completed faster than those utilizing cold rolled steel.

Cons of Hot Rolled Steel

Despite its benefits, hot rolled steel also has a few drawbacks:

• Durability: Hot rolled steel is generally weaker than cold rolled steel because the high temperatures weaken the metal before it cools.
• Surface Finish: Hot rolled steel is rougher to the touch due to the cooling process, which can result in a less smooth finish.

If you're interested in learning more about our high quality hot rolled carbon steel coil, feel free to contact us.

Hot rolling involves rolling steel at high temperatures, typically over 1700°F, which are above the steel's recrystallization temperature. This allows the steel to be easily shaped, formed, and made in larger sizes. However, as it cools, the steel tends to shrink non-uniformly, offering less control over the final size and shape compared to cold rolled steel.

Characteristics of Hot Rolled Steel

Hot rolled steel often has a scaly finish, which can be removed by pickling, grinding, or sand-blasting. This type of steel is essentially normalized because it cools at room temperature, freeing it from internal stresses that arise from quenching or work-hardening processes. Other properties include:

• Slightly rounded edges and corners for plate products
• Minor distortions
• Increased malleability
• Enhanced ductility and toughness

Applications of Hot Rolled Steel

Hot rolled steel is preferred in applications where precise shapes and tolerances are not required. This includes giant structural components like railroad tracks and I-beams, as well as agricultural equipment, metal buildings, stampings, and automotive frames. It is cheaper than cold rolled steel because it does not require reheating after it's initially shaped.

For more detailed information, visit our page on customized cold rolled carbon steel coil.