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ONCE STEEL IS HEATED, IT CAN BE EASILY SHAPED AND FORMED. HOT ROLLED STEEL IS USED ACROSS DIVERSE INDUSTRIES AND COMES IN MULTIPLE GRADES, EACH OF WHICH OFFER THEIR OWN UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS. 

FACILITIES

The hot rolling process has a significant effect on the properties of steel. By heating steel above its recrystallization temperature and then cooling it at room temperature in a process known as normalization, the steel’s microstructure undergoes permanent changes, resulting in enhanced toughness and ductility. This additional ductility makes the metal easy to form and bend.

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The hot rolling process also affects the overall shape of the finished metal piece. Hot rolled forms can be much larger than cold rolled forms. However, since hot rolled steel is heated and cooled, it is susceptible to shrinkage, giving less control over the shape and size of the finished product. One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between hot rolled and cold rolled steel is by touching the surface: hot rolled steel has an uneven surface while cold rolled steel is oily to the touch.

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One of the primary benefits of hot rolled steel is its cost-effectiveness. Hot rolled steel can be formed and shaped immediately after heating without the need of reheating. Since the hot rolling process can take place without any delays, hot rolled steel can be produced in large quantities, which keeps its market price lower when compared to cold rolled steel.

PROPERTIES & BENEFITS OF HOT ROLLED STEEL

Hot rolled steel forms are an excellent choice for projects that require tough but cost-efficient material options.

COMMON GRADES OF HOT ROLLED STEEL AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

Hot rolled steel processing methods can be used to produce a wide variety of steel grades, each of which have their own unique properties and best use cases. At McDonald Steel Corporation, we produce the following types of hot rolled steel:

This low carbon steel is between 0.25% and 0.29% carbon by weight. The composition of the metal makes it easy to machine and weld, and it has excellent strength and mechanical characteristics during its lifespan. In fact, it’s named “A36” steel because its minimum yield tensile strength is 36,000 psi. This is an ASTM-designated steel.

These two grades of hot rolled steel are very low carbon. C1010 steel is composed of 0.08% to 0.13% carbon by weight, and C1018 ranges between 0.14% and 0.20% carbon by weight. These low carbon amounts make the two metals very structurally similar, though the minute differences result in slight differences in tensile strength and ductility. Manufacturers can easily form, machine, and weld these metals. 

This AISI-designated metal is between 0.42% and 0.50% carbon by weight, making it a medium carbon steel. This metal is stronger than most other metals on this list, and the carbon increases its responsiveness to heat treatments like quenching and annealing. 

A572 is a high strength, low alloy steel plate that is produced in Grades 42, 50, 55, 60 & 65, with each grade signifying the material’s yield strength. 

This metal, also known as weathering steel. is a corrosion-resistant, high-strength, low-alloy steel plate. 

This through-hardened  material contains 0.05 to 0.15% alloying elements used to refine the grain microstructure. Its yield strength is between 40 and 110 ksi with good weldability.

TOOLED TO ROLL MORE THAN 500 ASYMMETRICAL AND SYMMETRICAL HOT ROLLED STEEL SHAPES

McDonald Steel is tooled to roll more than 500 asymmetrical and symmetrical hot rolled steel shapes. Our manufactured steel sections are used in multiple markets for a wide variety of applications.

Hot rolled steel is cost-effective, ductile, tough, and easy to produce quickly. However, the cooling process can leave the final product slightly uneven and smaller than it was during the initial forming process. This makes hot rolled steel ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications.

HOT ROLLED STEEL
INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS

  • Agriculture and Mining: Hot rolled steel is frequently used to make equipment components and grouser bars.

  • Bridges and Infrastructure Builds: Grid decking and expansion joints can be made from hot rolled steel.

  • Hot rolled steel can be used for industrial fasteners and sheet piling connectors.

  • Government and Defense: Ship deck rails are frequently made from hot rolled steel because of its toughness.

  • Material handling: Manufacturers use hot rolled steel for fork truck parts, crane rail joints bars, and tram or elevator railing.

  • D-bars, insulated and standard joint bars are made from hot rolled steel.

  • Automotive manufacturers use hot rolled steel to make door hinges and truck rims.

  • Water Transmission. Pipe couplings and spigot sections can be made from hot rolled steel.

ULTIMATELY, HOT ROLLED STEEL SHAPES ARE AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE TOUGH BUT COST-EFFICIENT MATERIAL OPTIONS. 

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