Hot Rolled Steel
Hot rolled steel is steel that is rolled at high temperatures. It is one of the most commonly employed steel processing techniques throughout the metalworking industry. This type of steel is used in a variety of metal products, including: Bars, Cones, Rings, Rods, Sheet metal, Tiles, and Wire. Hot rolled steel is produced with a range of different processes, depending on its intended application.
The process of hot rolling begins with the heating of raw materials (typically iron or steel) to temperatures that are above the Z temperature, which is the recrystallization temperature for iron. This temperature can range anywhere from 500 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit (260 to 430 degrees Celsius). The hot rolled piece is then cooled and these temperatures induce transformation of the microstructure of the steel into an austenitic form.
The austenitic form of steel is characterized by its malleability and ductility. This allows for it to be formed into a number of different shapes without fracturing or crackling. As it does not require the same amount of energy that would be expended for cold rolling, hot rolled steel is a preferred option for many manufacturing processes. Hot rolled steel also has superior strength, making it capable of carrying heavier loads under harsher operating conditions.
The manufacturing process of hot rolled steel also results in improved surface finish than that of cold rolled steel. Hot rolled steel produces a type of glossy, smooth finish that is often desired by product manufacturers. It also produces fewer internal stresses than cold rolled steel during the heating and cooling process, making the material less susceptible to warping.
In addition to its other advantageous properties, hot rolled steel is also more cost effective than cold rolled steel due to its simplified production method. This is why it tends to be used in a variety of different applications, as it aids in making products cost-competitive.
Hot rolled steel has a long list of advantages that make it highly desirable in the metalworking industry. It is easy to shape, cost effective, has improved surface finish, and is strong and ductile enough to carry heavier loads under tougher operating conditions. As such, it is one of the most common materials used in the industry, and is likely to continue to be a popular option for years to come.