When you work on projects that require the use of plastic or metal, you need to get the right materials that perfectly meet your needs and specifications. After all, a product that works for one project may not be suitable for another. The metal processing experts at American Metal Supply Co. in Louisville, KY, will help you choose the best metal for your project. One of their popular metals is steel, which they can process as cold finished steel and hot finished steel.

Hot Finished Steel

Hot finished steel is rolled at extreme heat—often greater than 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the steel to be shaped more easily and formed into larger shapes. However, since the steel shrinks as it cools, manufacturers generally have less control over its final shape and size. Hot finished steel can be produced relatively quickly, and is frequently used in construction and welding to manufacture products such as I-beams or railroad tracks.

Cold Finished Steel

Cold finished steel takes the steel finishing process a step further. Metal processors take hot finished steel and cool it in cold reduction mills, after which it is subjected to additional grinding, turning and other finishing processes. This creates a superior finished result, with improved straightness, tolerance, and strength when compared to hot finished steel. Additional polishing also gives cold finished steel a higher-quality surface finish. These steel products tend to be better options for projects where tolerances and concentricity are important to the success of the project, and as such, have a wide range of applications.

No matter what materials your business needs, American Metal Supply Co. will help you get the job done. Learn more about the products and services offered by Louisville’s best steel supplier by visiting them online or calling (502) 634-4321.