Is a hot-rolled or cold-rolled Carbon steel plate better for your needs?

Are you in the market for a carbon steel plate, and heard about hot rolled and cold rolled? What do this words mean, and how will they impact which steel plate you choose? Here, we will explain what hot-rolled and cold-rolled carbon steel plates are for, and when to use each. 

Difference of Hot-Rammed and Cold-Rammed 

Carbon steel plate: The carbon steel plates are made by heating the slab at high temperature and then rolling it into the desired shape, length, thickness and quality. This process improves the malleability of the steel, and it results in plates with a lesser smooth surface finish. Cold-rolled carbon steel plates are, on the other hand, made by cooling the iron at room temperature and then rolling it into a desired thickness. This process results in plates that have a better surface finish and closer tolerances. 

Hot-rolled Vs. cold-rolled

Generally, the hot-rolled carbon steel plates are more available and cheaper while the cold-rolled of these is also less consistent in its manufacturing processes. They are also easier to work on and can be welded, cut, and shaped into various forms. Like hot-rolled plates, the tread plate available in 3mm is not as consistently precise as cold-rolled, and could have variations relating to thickness or surface blemishing. The cold-rolled carbon steel plates, on the other hand, are costlier but help in providing better precision and surface finish. Typically, they are used in applications demanding close tolerances and a fine surface finish. 

Things To Bear In Mind When Picking From Hot And Cold Rolled Carbon Steel Sheets

Several considerations run through your mind when you are asked to choose between the hot-rolled and cold-rolled carbon steel plates. An essential component of the process is the icepack onto which a steel plate is applied. For structural purposes and full fabrication needs, a hot-rolled plate might be adequate. If you need a plate that has tight tolerances air flow and needs to be smooth in finish then cold-rolled plates might be your answer. 

One other factor should be taken into account, which is the steel plate price per ton. Hot-rolled carbon steel plates are in general cheaper than cold-rolled ones, so if you cost is important to your project a hot-rolled plate may indicate the best option. But if an application needs a high precision and good surface finish you may need to consider a cold-rolled plate. 

Hot Rolled and Cold Rolled Carbon Steel Plates Pros & Cons

Compared to cold-rolled steel, the most basic hot-rolled carbon plates has no brittle microstructure inherent in their process. Additionally, they have better plasticity and higher tensile strength than cold-rolled carbon steel sheet. Hot-rolled sheet is easier to cut, while plates may have a somewhat rugged surface finish, as well as less precise dimensions. 

Cold-rolled carbon steels, however, have the benefit of improved accuracy and surface finish. They are also better suited for applications where you need to hold tight tolerances. But they are more expensive, cold-rolled plate is less ductile than hot-rolled plate. 

What type of Carbon steel plate is appropriate for your usage? 

Ultimately, the application involves in what case you should go for which type of carbon steel plate against your demand. For a general purpose plate or for commercial with moderate tensile strength, a hot-rolled may be the best choice. Regardless of how much they cost, if you need both tight tolerances and a smooth surface finish, then it makes more sense to actually use a cold-rolled plate. 

Jiate Steel provides a wide range of hot rolled and cold rolled carbon steel plate to meet the demand from our customers. Our professionals can recommend the appropriate grade of carbon sheet metal for your project. To find out what we can offer you, contact us.