The 5 Benefits of Using Cold Rolled Stainless Steel Products

What are some benefits of cold rolled steel?

1. Stronger and harder
2. Tight tolerances
3. Better surface finish
4. More accurate dimensions
5. Multiple varieties of tempering

In the steel industry, our metals undergo plenty of different processes to fit the purpose that we need of them. Having to change the shape and size of metals is not an easy task, and the output is always important. Many already know the benefits of cold rolled steel in the industry, but we’re here to tell you all about them anyway.

For some projects, hot rolled steel is used. This steel is processed by superheating it above its recrystallization temperature. It becomes softer and easier to bend or manipulate. While it is heated, it gets fed to different rollers until you get the dimensions you want. Cold rolling is doing the last part without having to heat the steel, which means it’s done at room temperature.

Since that would need more equipment and more effort, why is it still done? What are the benefits of cold rolled steel?

Stronger and harder

As mentioned earlier, hot rolled steel is heated above its recrystallization temperature so it’s easy to bend. Because cold rolled steel doesn’t go through this process, it doesn’t lose any of the hardness it has. It even grows stronger because of work hardening. When you bend metals at room temperature, it resists tension breaking and deformation. The strain makes the final result around 20% harder than hot rolled steel.

The mechanical stress that the metal is put under would change its crystalline structure permanently. Other than increasing its strength, it is also less likely to corrode. Cold rolling is also done specifically to strengthen the steel.

The steel’s tensile strength helps it withstand larger loads or stress without breaking. In addition, the metal’s yield strength is also increased. This means that it can resist more stress without deforming.

If a stainless steel product is cold rolled, you can expect it to be strong and hard.

Tight tolerances

Metals are often changed in shape and size depending on the project. Thicker and thinner metals can both be useful, and they are measured in tolerance.

The tolerance of a metal is its overall thickness. This matters when specific measurements are needed. Usually, when the metal is used for tooling or other specific parts or projects, a tighter tolerance is needed. The same goes for a constant supply of products. A tighter tolerance means that the metal is thinner.

Cold rolled stainless steel can have tighter tolerances without having to sacrifice its strength. The stainless steel can be cold rolled into tight tolerances while keeping, and even increasing its strength. Because of this, this process is the most preferred method when producing metal with tight tolerances.

Better surface finish

Many metal jobs give significance to the metal’s surface appearance. This is because the metal itself is usually visible. You should then take into account how the stainless steel will look as it undergoes different processes to be fabricated.

Cold rolled steel looks better than hot rolled steel. The heat and recrystallization of the metals make hot rolled steel more vulnerable to imperfections. The easier it can change, the easier it can develop blemishes.

This means that cold rolled steel could be used for aesthetic purposes as well. The combination of strength and looks make it perfect for bridges, furniture, cars, and others. It gives these materials a modern look.

Cold rolling is usually done to process hot rolled steel even further, so the metal could have the benefits of both while having a good surface finish.

More accurate dimensions

Cold rolled steel also has improved dimensional accuracy. The precision of the process makes it easier to fabricate the steel into more specific dimensions. The equipment used in cold rolling is often heavy-duty and very capable to carry out tasks concerning specific dimensions.

In addition to tighter tolerances, the structural change that the metal undergoes with cold rolling can help the metal keep its shape and the dimensions better.

Multiple varieties of tempering

Tempering the metal changes its hardness as well. For cold rolling, you can do this in multiple ways. Depending on the cold work done on the steel, you can produce full-hard, half-hard, and quarter-hard steel. Each can have big amounts of reduction.

Cold rolled steel often needs to be able to bend without breaking. Full-hard can only bend at around 45 degrees and half-hard can bend up to 90 degrees. Quarter-hard steel can bend over itself without breaking.

Cold rolling can produce stainless steel products of any of these varieties.

Key Takeaway

The project would always define what qualities of a product you need, but most of them can be achieved with cold rolling. These benefits of cold rolled steel show that the method is ideal for many metal jobs out there.

If you need cold rolled stainless steel products or any other steel-related needs, then you’re in the right place! We have been one of the Philippines’ largest steel suppliers and importers. Check out our products here and you may contact us here!