Often, heat is a key component in metalworking. But manufacturing steel at room temperature can offer distinct advantages. Cold finished steel, also known as cold-rolled steel, is used in certain applications, such as vehicle engines, bridge-building, aerospace parts, and medical equipment, because of these attributes. Here are three reasons you may wish to use cold finished steel on your next project. 

What Are the Benefits of Cold Finished Steel?

1. Strength 

Cold finished steel is much stronger than hot-rolled because when it is compressed at room temperature, it becomes work-hardened (strain-hardened) as its dislocation density, a measure of concentration, increases. 

Strain hardening is a phenomenon in which metal becomes stronger through plastic deformation, in which the material's molecular structure is rearranged to form tighter bonds. The result is metal that is less malleable compared to hot-rolled material. 

Before hot rolling, the metal is heated above crystallization temperature, producing stress-free cells. As it is heat-rolled, the heat causes cells to elongate further and reduce the material's molecular density and strength in the process. 

2. Tighter Tolerances 

Due to its cooler temperature and the intense pressure under which it is processed, cold finished steel is thinner than hot-rolled. Often, thinness indicates a lack of strength, but such is not the case with cold finished steel. 

This type of metal retains a good deal of power while being thinner than its hot-rolled counterpart. This allows tighter tolerance (the overall thickness of the metal). The material is less likely to deform or break under pressure.  

3. Improved Aesthetics

While aesthetics are not important in all applications, they are in certain instances, including architectural applications. Cold finished steel tends to be more aesthetically pleasing. Typically, heat processing creates an abrasive scale consisting of iron oxides. When processing steel at room temperature, manufacturers typically remove the scale shot blasting or acid pickling, resulting in a smoother finish and fewer surface imperfections. 

If you’re interested in using cold finished steel, turn to American Metal Supply Co. With warehouses in Louisville and Cincinnati, this metal supplier has been the area’s preferred steel distributor for years. From bar galvanized and aluminum sheets to bar steel, they are your source for high-quality metal products. Call (502) 634-4321 to speak with a helpful staff member to learn more about what they can do for you. Or visit the website to see their cold finished products.