Why is cold rolled stainless steel coils Better?

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Cold rolling is a work hardening process used to change the structure of metals and is often used to process stainless steel. Cold rolled stainless steel as a raw material has a wide variety of applications in medical, aerospace and automotive engineering. Read on to learn more about what cold rolled steel is, how it's produced, and what it can be used for.

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What is Cold Rolled Stainless Steel?

Cold rolled steel, sometimes abbreviated to CRS, is well-known for being an extremely ductile material, and is ideal for applications where precision is necessary. It is used in many applications, like household appliances, furniture, lockers, and filing cabinets. In construction applications, CRS is commonly used for building garages, steel sheds, and other industrial buildings.

In simple terms, cold rolling is the process of strengthening steel by changing its shape without using heat. Cold rolling, unlike hot rolling such as with hot rolled steel, can only occur when a metal is below its re-crystallization temperature. Where hot rolling is performed using high temperatures, cold rolling is performed at room temperature. Instead of heat, mechanical stress is used to change the structure of metal. Strain hardening can then increase the metal's strength by up to 20%, and can also improve a metal's surface finish.

During the cold rolling process, when the metal is put under mechanical stress, it causes a permanent change to the crystalline structure of the metal. This causes an increase in its strength and often improves corrosion resistance. Along with improving its surface finish, another advantage of cold rolling is better dimensional accuracy.

A cold rolled stainless steel coil can be precision manufactured, allowing the metal to be produced to extremely tight tolerances. The act of work hardening the stainless steel material through cold rolling allows us to achieve various levels of temper, such as quarter-, half- and full hard. The hardness level depends on how much cold work has been done on the steel. Quarter-, half-, and full hard stocks have greater amounts of reduction (sometimes up to 50%). This increases the yield point but decreases the ductility of the steel. Quarter-hard steel can be bent back over itself without breaking, while half-hard can be bent at a 90-degree angle, and full hard can be bent at a 45-degree angle without breaking it. Cold rolled metal is often used in applications where the metal needs to be bent without the risk of breaking.

The different families of stainless steel grade that are often cold rolled are:

• Austenitic Stainless Steel
• Ferritic Stainless Steel
• Martensitic Stainless Steel
• Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel

How Does a Cold Rolling Mill Work?

The process of cold rolling a metal alloy starts with either sheet metal or strip coil. These materials are placed into large rollers, which compress it down and squeeze it under high pressure just below its ultimate tensile strength. Depending on the amount of compression, different mechanical properties and hardness properties are achieved in the finished product. Through cold reduction, the thickness of the metal can be reduced by processing steel strip through a sequence of tandem rolling mill stands. The rolls on these stands are stacked vertically and powered by huge motors. The motors work hard to apply extreme compression to the metal.

These mills take coils of hot-rolled, pickled products and pass them through, making them thinner. Once the metal has passed through the rolls and has reached its desired thickness, it's done being rolled but it is not quite ready for use. At this point in the process, the metal is still highly cold-worked, and while it is high strength, it can be brittle. It needs to be annealed at a higher temperature to soften the steel so it is less difficult to work with. Once the metal has been annealed, it's easier to use it in many applications, because it's able to be bent and formed.

Another method of cold rolling uses a reversing mill, which passes the strip back and forth between mandrels. This reduces the thickness of the strip during each pass until the desired thickness is reached. Metal can be reduced by between 60 and 80 percent through cold rolling, and then can be used in the creation of consumer goods or for use in other industries.

Can Metals other than Steel Benefit from a Cold Rolling Mill?

Though cold rolling is most often used on steel, many alloys and metals can be cold rolled to change their crystalline makeup. When they are rolled at temperatures below their re-crystallization point, permanent defects are caused. These defects reduce the crystals' abilities to move within the structure of the metal, improving both the metal's tensile strength and hardness.

Metals like titanium, aluminum, and nickel alloys, along with stainless steel can all be cold rolled. Though cold rolling metals such as stainless steel coil increases the strength of the metal and its surface finish, it does decrease the ductility. The same applies to metal wire which has been cold drawn or rolled. However, once the metal is annealed, it's ready to be used in multiple ways.

Cold Working Methods for Manufacturing

Deep Draw

When deep drawing metal, a rolled coil is punched through a hole or die. The punch is used to achieve the desired shape. The die cavity matches the punch but is slightly wider which allows for passage and clearance. The raw material is forced into the die via the compression force. Each draw operation is a separate step, and with each step there is a reduction in diameter, increasing the height or depth of the part. This is done to ensure that, as the metal changes shape, re-crystallization occurs as well. Products made by deep drawing include battery enclosures, implantable medical devices, aerospace and defense components for aircraft.

Cold Extrusion

Extrusion is an important and versatile manufacturing process, though it is still a relatively new metalworking technique. Cold extrusion forces a slug of material through a die at either room temperature or slightly elevated temperature. This produces a product of constant cross-section. Many metals can be extruded, including tin, aluminum alloys, copper, lead, steel, and others.

Precision Stamping

Metal stamping is another manufacturing process that is ideal for producing metal products where tight tolerances are required. In metal stamping, a flat metal strip coil is converted into a variety of shapes. This complex process includes a few different metal forming techniques, like punching, coining, piercing, blanking, and bending, among others.

Roll Forming

Roll forming involves bending a long strip of metal (usually coiled steel) that is passed through sets of rolls, with each performing an incremental part of the bend. The finished product is bent until the desired cross-section profile is reached.

Picking the right metal for your next project can be tricky. You might find yourself wondering which is right for you — stainless steel or cold rolled steel? Both have pros and cons.

For more information, please visit cold rolled stainless steel coils.

This article will explain the key differences between the two in simple terms. We'll compare things like cost, uses, and properties so that you can confidently pick the perfect material for your next project. 

Key Differences

When it comes to stainless steel versus cold rolled steel, the most notable differences stem from how each material is made. 

Stainless Steel

Think of stainless steel as super-powered steel. It's actually not one type of metal, but an entire family of metals made by mixing regular steel with elements like chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. This special combo gives stainless steel its superpower: built-in rust resistance. 

Cold Rolled Steel

Cold rolled steel starts as regular steel before it's heated and rolled through powerful machines to make it thinner and smoother. While it lacks the durability of stainless steel, it's more affordable and easier to work with.

Properties & Uses

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a tough, corrosion-resistant metal that's like a superhero shield against the elements. This makes it ideal for demanding applications like building airplanes, dairy equipment, and kitchen sinks.

The secret to its strength is the right blend of chromium and nickel. Stainless steel is also surprisingly lightweight for its durability, so it's used extensively in planes and rockets. Its low carbon content makes it easy to weld.

The most common grade, 304 stainless steel, is used everywhere from food processors to water bottles.

Cold Rolled Steel

Cold rolled steel lacks the flashiness of stainless steel, but its smooth finish makes it perfect for home appliances and furniture where looks matter.

Don't be fooled though — cold rolled steel can bend easily and be shaped into car bodies, shelves, and more. It's available in different strengths — hard for stiffness or soft for easy bending. Choose the right temper and your project will take shape beautifully!

COST

While comparing prices directly can be tricky, here's a breakdown of what influences the cost of stainless steel and cold rolled steel.

Stainless Steel

• Material makeup: Its chromium and nickel content contribute to a higher price point compared to cold rolled steel.
• Specific grade: Different grades offer varying properties and performance, impacting cost.
• Market fluctuations: Like any commodity, stainless steel prices are subject to market changes.

COLD ROLLED STEEL

• Production process: Cold rolling is generally less resource-intensive than producing stainless steel, making it less expensive.
• Thickness and finish: Thicker gauges and special finishes like galvanization can raise the cost.
• Quantity: Ordering larger amounts often comes with bulk discounts.

For a precise cost tailored to your project, request a personalized quote from our team. We factor in both your specific needs and current market conditions to ensure an accurate estimate.

Remember: Focusing on the right steel based on its properties and suitability for your project can offer long-term savings in both time and money.

Why Choose Mead Metals for Your Stainless Steel and Cold Rolled Steel Needs?

For decades, we've mastered the secrets of stainless steel and cold rolled steel. Our team of steel experts can pinpoint the perfect type for your project, every time.

Need a common grade like to C? We've got them in stock. Looking for a specific custom alloy? We specialize in those too.

And here's the best part: we understand cost pressures. We'll work with you to find the steel that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

At Mead Metals, it's not just about selling steel. It's about building strong partnerships and delivering reliable solutions. Let our experience guide your next project.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Coils. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.