A Comparison of European and North American Hot Rolled Steel
Hot rolled steel, or hot rolled steel, is steel that has been previously heated, thus changing its properties. Specifically, hot rolled steel is steel that has been exposed to temperatures in excess of 800 degrees Celsius. During this process, the temperature causes the steel to become malleable, allowing it to be shaped into various products.
European and North American hot rolled steel have several differences that affect the properties, appearance and production method of the steel. In Europe, a variety of steel alloys is used in the production of hot rolled steel. This makes European hot rolled steel more diverse than it is in North America and leads to a higher variety of alloys available in Europe. Common European steel alloys include manganese, chrome moly, nickel, steel and copper.
In addition, the processing of European hot rolled steel requires several steps. This can make the production more expensive compared to the North American way of production, however it also allows for more sophistication and control in the final product. These steps can include additional heating to reduce hardness, cold and hot rolling to reduce the steel’s thickness and electrical melting or gas atomization to produce alloys or other special characteristics. The result is an often visually pleasing product that has a variety of beneficial characteristics due to the added control.
In North America, the hot rolled steel process is much simpler. The steel is first heated, then cooled, and then reheated. This allows for more control of the properties of the steel, but also limits the range of alloys available. Common North American steel alloys include plain carbon steel, stainless steel and alloys containing a combination of nickel and chromium.
The cooling temperatures of North American and European hot rolled steel also differ significantly. Europe generally works at around 750-900 degrees Celsius, while North American hot rolled steel typically cools to temperatures between 700-800 degrees Celsius. The differences in cooling temperatures result in noticeable differences in the appearance, strength and durability of the finished products.
Finally, the cost of North American hot rolled steel is generally cheaper than that found in Europe and some other parts of the world. This cost difference generally is due to the differences in production methods, with more advanced and higher labor costs being a large factor in Europe.
In conclusion, the differences between European hot rolled steel and North American hot rolled steel are many. Alloys, processing methods, cooling temperature, and cost can all vary significantly between the two. However, despite the differences, both types of steel can be used in a variety of applications and can be beneficial for a variety of needs.
