Steel is a tough and adaptable metal made from a combination of iron and carbon. Aside from being one of the most widely used materials in engineering and construction, we make use of steel in just about every aspect of our lives. The production of steel is technical, and can be processed in different ways to prepare it for use. In this post, we are going to address the question ‘what is cold rolled steel used for’ and define some key terms and concepts.
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What Is Cold Rolled Steel Exactly?
To understand what cold rolled steel is used for, we first need to establish what it is. As highlighted, manufacturers are able to process steel in a number of different ways. By doing this, makers of steel are able to alter the strength and appearance of their product. Steel can be made either by a method known as hot rolling or cold rolling. The method chosen by the producer will allow for different results to be achieved. Although cold rolled steel is, potentially, a superior product, hot rolled steel is cheaper and may be quicker to produce. Projects vary greatly and the specific requirements will determine which product is more suitable.
There are a lot of terms that outline the steel production process, so it can be slightly daunting. We are going to navigate some of those terms below.
Cold Rolling
Cold rolled steel has a low carbon content and, in contrast to hot-rolled steel, undergoes extra processing. Produced in a cold reduction mill, the term refers to steel that has been pressed at near room temperature. There are numerous advantages to preparing steel in this way. Cold rolled steel is significantly stronger than alternative products that have been hot rolled. Additionally, cold rolled steel is able to better adhere to tight tolerances. This is because, unlike hot rolled steel, the material is processed at room temperature. Resultantly, as the steel cools it does not shrink. With a cleaner surface and far fewer surface imperfections, cold rolled steel, in many ways, is a superior product.
This type of steel is produced in a variety of different ways. From sheets and bars to strips and rods, cold-rolled steel is highly adaptable. The result is a product that is multi-functional and widely used.
What Is Cold Rolled Steel Used For Generally?
Cold rolled steel has unique properties which make it perfectly suited to certain applications. Although widely used in the construction industry, it is also utilised by a number of other sectors. As we have established, steel that has been cold rolled has a superior strength performance and far less surface imperfections. Chiefly, cold rolled steel is used when precision is important in a project. It must be said that cold rolled steel is more expensive. This is because the extra processing uses more resources. If the project you are working on has low demands, it may be best to cut costs and purchase hot rolled steel. If having a seamless and higher quality product is important, cold rolled steel is the way to go.
There are numerous ways in which we make use of cold rolled steel. Some of the notable examples of products that are created with this type of steel include:
– Structural parts
– Home Appliances
– Metal furniture
– Metal Containers
The list is not limited to these examples however. You will find a great variety of products that are created or supported with the use of cold rolled steel. If you are looking for steel structures for industrial or agricultural use, Kit Buildings Direct have a large range of choices. Examples of their products include the widely popular field shelter.
And What Is Full Hard Cold Rolled Steel?
When purchasing cold rolled steel sheets and strips, you are able to choose from a number of conditions. Some example conditions include: full-hard, quarter-hard, half-hard.
So, what is full hard cold rolled steel precisely? This type of steel is essentially un-annealed cold-rolled steel. In comparison to other products, cold-rolled full hard steel has no finishing treatment. This, in turn, ensures the product is hard, strong and is not susceptible to deformity. This type of steel is typically used in applications and projects that require limited bending.