Cold-rolled steel can be found in many consumer products that we use on a daily basis, as it has the physical characteristics that make it useful for many products. Despite cold-rolled steel being widely used, the average person is unfamiliar with its composition and capabilities. So, the seasoned team of steel experts at Capital Steel has compiled answers to some commonly asked questions.
What is Cold-Rolled Steel?
Cold-rolled steel, also known as cold-drawn or cold-finished steel, is steel that is passed through a series of dies to achieve the desired shape. These dies apply a specified amount of pressure with the help of a machine press, and the steel starting stock typically has to be passed through the die or a series of dies more than once. Cold refers to the drawn steel being manufactured at room temperature (unlike hot-rolled steel, which is heated), which requires additional pressure to shape the steel, but gives the steel extra qualities and a more visually appealing appearance.
How is Cold-Rolled Steel Made?
Initially, a steel manufacturer starts with a starting stock of steel product, either hot-rolled straight bars or hot-rolled steel coils, that is brought down to room temperature. Regardless if the end product is a bar, tube, or wire, the undrawn steel product is drawn through a die, which stretches the starting stock into the desired shape and size. This is done with the help of a grip that attaches to the steel stock and pulls the steel through the die. To the naked eye, the steel does not change much in shape through a single pass through the die, and usually takes multiple passes before it takes on the desired end shape.
What Sizes Does Cold-Rolled Steel Come In?
Cold-rolled steel can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but it is commonly manufactured as bar or wire. The diameter of steel bars varies, and the shapes of the bars are often determined by how you look at them straight on, which may include flat, square, round, and hex bar shapes. Cold-rolled steel wire is often manufactured to the customer’s specifications and may come in different types of finishes.
Cold-Rolled Steel vs Hot-Rolled Steel: Benefits
Ultimately, the type of steel you should use varies depending on your project specifications and needs. However, there are a few noticeable benefits that make cold-rolled steel more desirable over hot-rolled steel products.
- Cold-rolled steel can be manufactured to more precise measurements than other forms of steel, along with sharper corners.
- This is due to the fact that hot-formed steel products will change in shape during the cooling process.
- Cold-rolled steel has an improved yield strength and tensile strength over hot-rolled steel products.
- Cold-rolled steel has an improved surface finish than hot-rolled steel, which makes it more appealing to the eye.
What is Cold-Rolled Steel Commonly Used For?
Generally speaking, cold-rolled steel has a multitude of uses across a wide spectrum of industries. The automotive industry demands a large amount of cold-drawn steel products, including vehicle axles, spokes, and wheel spindles. Cold-rolled steel is also used to make fasteners, hand tools, cables, bolts, and paper clips.
Explore Capital Steel’s Cold-Rolled Steel Capabilities
As a small woman-owned business based in Michigan, Capital Steel & Wire proudly serves clients both domestically and internationally with their steel needs. Explore the grades of cold-rolled steel bar and wire we offer or connect with our team for a custom quote for your project.
