Thanks to characteristics like its strength, visual appeal, and sustainability, steel is a sought-after material in a wide range of industries. Like any construction component, it's available in many forms; much of the variety is achieved through either hot- or cold-rolling it. Although these terms are often mistaken for different grades, they refer to the type of metal processing that affects the appearance, malleability, and measurement accuracy of the piece. 

What You Need to Know About Hot- & Cold-Rolled Steel  

Hot-Rolled

When steel is hot-rolled, it's pressed at more than 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of metal processing makes the steel much easier to bend and shape into unique pieces. However, after heating it at such high temperatures, it's prone to shrinking as it cools. Although you can still get the structural strength of steel, it's not ideal when aiming for precision. This shrinkage is part of the reason why hot-rolled steel is better for sheet metal and railroad tracks; these items don't need to exact to several decimal points. The process also leaves a scaly surface, but professionals can smooth it down later. Furthermore, when compared to cold-rolled, hot-rolled steel is much more affordable. 

Cold-Rolled

After the steel is hot-rolled, it can be further refined through the cold-rolling process. By doing it this way, it won't shrink, nor will it develop a scaly surface. When accuracy counts, it needs to be cold-rolled. However, since there's no heat, it's not as pliable. Ultimately, this minimizes its versatility, so it's best for creating objects that are evenly geometric and uniform, like bars, rods, and strips of steel.

How to Choose

When it comes to choosing which metal processing option is best suited for your project, ultimately, it boils down to precision, appearance, and price. If you must work within a small margin of error and need the product uniform, level, and straight, cold-pressed steel is best if it can fit in the budget. However, if you need more malleability and can accommodate minute variations in measurements, choose hot-rolled steel.

Whether it's hot-rolled or cold-rolled, you need any sheeting, tubes, or bars, American Metal Supply has what you need. They serve areas around Cincinnati and Louisville, and they've provided metal processing and supplies for more than 30 years. Already known for their dedicated customer service, they've recently revamped their website to make it even easier for you to find the right item. If you have any questions about their products or processing services, don't hesitate to call them at (502) 634-4321.