Hot-Rolled Steel
When we manufacture using hot-rolled steel, we heat it above its recrystallization temperature. The steel becomes more malleable, so it can conform to countless shapes. As hot-rolled steel returns to room temperature, it shrinks unevenly. The production process also creates a scale on the steel’s surface. Though the scale can be removed, these qualities make hot-rolled steel a material best suited for large, industrial objects that don’t involve precise dimensions.
Cold-Rolled Steel
We use a roller to press room-temperature steel to manufacture with cold-rolled steel. This form of steel is harder than hot-rolled, and the lack of temperature change means that cold-rolled steel doesn’t shrink. The absence of scale and shrinking makes cold-rolled carbon steel an excellent option for automobile parts and elements that must fit tight tolerances.
Hot-Rolled, Pickled and Oiled (HRPO) Steel
HRPO steel has the same malleability as other hot-rolled steel, but an acid bath is used to remove the scale. After the acid application, the steel receives a coat of oil to prevent corrosion. Still, HRPO shrinks unpredictably as it cools. We recommend HRPO steel for various applications such as structural elements and shelving.
High-Strength, Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel
HSLA steel has impressive corrosion resistance and offers better mechanical properties than other carbon steel. HSLA steel has a low carbon content and contains only small amounts of other elements. Those trace elements improve the steel’s corrosion resistance. We recommend HSLA steel for applications that put immense stress on the metal, such as building rollercoasters and bridges.
Note that each of these forms comes in various grades. The hardness and strength of your steel, plus its chemical composition, depend on the grade you choose.
Our Services
At Summit Steel, we provide professional contract manufacturing options. Our team can perform these services on all metal fabrication projects sent to us. Our list of services includes:
- Laser cutting
- Centerless grinding and polishing
- CNC bending and forming
- Powder coating
- Saw cutting
- Value engineering
- Value-added processing
- Welding
These services are valuable to applications across various industries from transportation to architecture. Check out our industry page for more information about how we serve our existing clients.
