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 Steel comes in many grades, specifications, shapes, and finishes

—the World Steel Association lists over 3,500 different grades of 

steel, each with unique properties. The various types mean that steel 

can by widely used in infrastructure, appliances, vehicles, wind 

turbines, and many more applications.

Optimizing steel’s properties for each application goes beyond 

changing the chemical composition, however. The manufacturing 

processing of steel can also have a significant impact on steel 

products—even when the grades and specifications are the same. One 

key distinction among pre-fabricated steel products is the difference 

between hot rolled and [url=http://www.puchengmetal.com/cold-rolled-

steel-sheet/]cold rolled steel[/url].

What’s the difference between hot rolled and cold rolled steel?

It’s important to note that the main difference between hot rolled 

and cold rolled steel is one of process. “Hot rolling” refers to 

processing done with heat. “Cold rolling” refers to processes done 

at or near room temperature. Although these techniques affect overall 

performance and application, they should not be confused with formal 

specifications and grades of steel, which relate to metallurgical 

composition and performance ratings. Steels of different grades and 

specifications can be either hot rolled or cold rolled—including 

both basic carbon steels and other alloy steels.

It may seem obvious, but some types of steel are better suited for 

certain applications. Knowing which to use can help avoid over-

spending on raw materials. It can also save time and money on 

additional processing. Understanding the differences between hot and 

cold steel is integral to choosing one over the other.