Customers often ask us about the differences between hot-rolled steel and cold-rolled steel. The differences have to do with how these metals are processed at the mill, rather than the product specification or grade. In today’s post we’ll talk about hot-rolled steel, and in our next post we’ll discuss cold-rolled steel and the main differences between the two. If you’re looking for hot-rolled steel bars in Phoenix, or for that matter, for your next welding or construction project in the Southwest region of America, look no further than Arizona Iron Supply.

Hot-Rolled Steel Processing

Hot rolling is a process that involves rolling the steel at a rolling mill at high temperatures (usually over 1700 degrees Fahrenheit). This is above the steel’s recrystallization temperature, which means it can be shaped and formed easily into much larger sizes. Once the steel has been rolled, it undergoes a descaling process that removes oxidized iron from its surface. The steel is then heated one last time, which is known as the roughing process. The steel can reach temperatures of up to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit during the roughing process. For the last step, the steel is descaled again and finished at the final thickness of the product. When the steel cools off it will shrink slightly, which means there is less control on the size and shape of the finished product when compared to cold-rolled steel.

Uses for Hot-Rolled Steel

• I-beams
• Railroad tracks
• Sheet metal
• Compressor shells
• Metal buildings
• Railroad hopper cars and railcar components
• Doors and shelving
• Discs
• Tanks
• Light Poles
• Guardrails for streets and highways
• Truck frames
• Automotive clutch plates, wheels and wheel rims
• Pipes and tubes
• Water heaters
• Agricultural equipment
• Strappings
• Stampings

Benefits of Hot-Rolled Steel

• Due to its simple processing methods, hot-rolled steel can be easily formed and shaped.
• Because hot-rolled steel typically requires much less processing than cold-rolled steel, this makes it a much cheaper.
• It is among the most diverse types of steel in the industry.  
• This steel is useful in the production of structural or sectional modules, due to its high level of malleability.
• The hot-rolled option is perfect for making large structural components where precision isn’t as important, such as in structural beams, railroad tracks, and sheet metal.
• Because hot-rolled steel is allowed to cool at room temperature, it’s free from internal stresses that can occur during quenching or work-hardening processes.

Our team at Arizona Iron Supply has over 40 years of experience in working with hot-rolled steel. Unmatched by competitors, we are the leading supplier of hot-rolled steel bars in Phoenix and throughout the Southwest. Be sure to check out our extensive inventory. Call us or place your order online today- we take special pride in our prompt service and will respond to your order quickly!

Image by Florian Pircher from Pixabay