Should You Be Using Hot Rolled Metals?
If you’re a metal fabricator in Arizona, you know that choosing the correct type of metals for your project ranks among the most important decisions. For better or worse, the materials you decide to work with have significant impacts on project expense, product durability, fabrication efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Because of this, and because we carry so many metals to choose from, we field a lot of questions about various types of metal. This month, we want to highlight hot rolled metals and why they might be the best choice for your next project.
What is hot rolled metal?
Hot rolled metal is typically steel that is processed at very high temperatures that exceed 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. This level of extreme heat exceeds its recrystallization temperature, meaning the metal reorganizes its crystal structure to allow smoother grains to replace deformed grains. The result is a softer, more malleable metal that is tougher and easier to weld, stretch, or bend without fracturing.
Why should you think about using hot rolled metal?
There are a number of benefits to using hot rolled steel for your project. Aside from its pliability, hot rolled steel is very durable and strong, making it an ideal choice for structural applications such as bridges or railroad tracks. Also, because hot rolled steel in Phoenix requires less processing than cold rolled steel, it’s a more cost-effective and logical option for large-scale projects. Hot rolled steel can be produced more quickly, often making it more readily available and able to support quicker turnaround times.
When should you consider other options?
There are some things to consider about hot rolled metal that may not make it ideal for every job, however. For example, buyers will notice that hot rolled steel has a slightly rougher finish and/or rounded edges compared to other types of metal. It can also appear scaly, with a bluish coating called mill scale due to the oxidation that occurs during the recrystallization process. These iron oxides can be mitigated, however, with treatment and cleaning. Lastly, hot rolled steel is not the best option when very tight and precise dimensions are required, as the metal can shrink slightly when cooled.
Where do contractors in Phoenix use hot rolled metal?
Some of the most common applications for using hot rolled steel in Arizona include agricultural machinery, transportation components, pipelines, structural frames, and other metal fabrication.
If you have questions about whether hot rolled steel is the right option for your fabrication projects, our team is here to help. With vast experience in the Arizona metal industry, we can advise, troubleshoot, and answer questions. And when this unique metal is the best choice for you, Arizona Iron Supply has a range of hot rolled metal options including sheets, rounds, bars, and more. Come by our warehouse, peruse our selection, and see how Arizona Iron Supply can benefit you and your business.