Hot rolled steel is formed through a metal rolling process where the steel is pressed at temperatures above the its recrystallization threshold. This makes the steel easier to form, and results in products that are easier to work with.
As noted above, hot rolled steel is formed when the temperature exceeds its recrystallization threshold. Cold rolling steel involves the opposite process. Cold rolled steel bar is formed when temperatures drop below the steel’s recrystallization threshold. Hot rolled steel is also typically cheaper to produce than cold rolling and the products are formed much easier than in cold rolling. However, during the cooling process, hot rolled steel will shrink and the size and shape of the steel will be less predictable than cold rolled steel.
Hot Rolled Steel Characteristics
Hot rolled steel bar provides a wide variety of beneficial features, including:
Slightly rounded edges and corners (due to shrinkage).
Slight distortions, where cooling may leave slightly trapezoidal forms rather than perfectly squared angles.
Scaled surfaces due to the extreme temperature cooling process.
Mechanical Properties of Hot & Cold Rolled Steel
The mechanical properties of steel often depend on their grade, or chemical makeup. For that reason, it is never safe to make assumptions about the mechanical properties of hot rolled vs cold rolled unless they are the same grade. However, as an example the below chart features the chemical properties of 1018 steel and the key differences between the hot and cold rolled versions.
Hot Rolled
Cold Rolled
Tensile Strength
67,000 psi
85,000 psi
Yield Strength
45,000 psi
70,000 psi
Reduction of Area
58
55
Elongation in 2"
36
28
Brinell Hardness
137
167
Hot Rolled Steel Bar Options
M & K Metals has numerous options for your hot rolled steel bar needs, some of which include:
Visit M & K Metal for Your Hot-Rolled Steel Bar Today!
At M & K Metal, you can purchase partial pieces of hot rolled steel bar. Please contact us or request a quote today!
Sample pricing for hot rolled steel is listed below for informational purposes only. PLEASE CALL US AT 310-327-9011 OR CONTACT US TO CONFIRM CURRENT / CORRECT PRICING.
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