Purchasing Metal Tubes: 3 Reasons to Opt for Cold Rolled Steel Over Hot Rolled Steel
When purchasing metal tubes for plumbing and a variety of other types of work, you're usually given an option by the manufacturer to choose between cold rolled steel and hot rolled steel. While both processes will yield similar looking products, cold rolled steel is generally more suitable for the job. Cold rolled steel has been cooled to a relatively cold temperature, which basically makes it no longer pliable or plastic. Here are 3 reasons why you should opt for metal tubes made from cold rolled steel rather than hot rolled steel.
Higher Accuracy and Precision in Terms of Measurement
Due to the more rigid nature of cold rolled steel, you'll usually get more precise and accurate measurements than if you were to opt for hot rolled steel. The edges of metal tubes made from cold rolled steel tend to be more clean and stiff. They are less likely to warp in shape with time, even when subject to high pressures and high heat. On top of being able to better maintain their shape, it's easier to work with cold rolled steel due to their rigidity.
This makes metal tubes that are made from cold rolled steel more suitable for applications that will be placed under tremendus strain and stress. The manufacturer will be able to provide you with a better idea of what the maximum capacities and thresholds of the metal tubing may be. This will usually depend on the thickness of the metal used to produce the metal tubes.
More Attractive Finish Thanks to Polishing and Turning
In the event that the metal tubes are going to be used in applications that will be exposed to public, you'll also want to opt for tubes that are made from cold rolled steel rather than hot rolled steel. This is due to the fact that metal tubes made from cold rolled steel tend to look more polished and refined. As a result, they are more aesthetically pleasing than hot rolled steel. The better aesthetics of cold rolled steel is attributed to the fact that it needs to be polished and turned before it is considered to be finished.
Turning basically gets rid of any and all surface imperfections that plague the cold rolled steel. On top of that, polishing will add a nice shine to the surface of the steel. You can customize the finish a little. In the end, cold rolled steel simply looks more refined, as hot rolled steel does not go through these processes.
Better Yield Strength and Tensile Strength Attributed to the Cold Drawing
When cooling the cold rolled steel to low temperatures, the chemical and molecular composition of the steel will change. This process is known as cold drawing, and will basically improve the yield strength and tensile strength of the metal tubes. This means that metal tubes made from cold rolled steel do not require any further thermal treatments and processing. Hot rolled steel, on the other hand, is often subject to additional treatments.
This means that metal tubes made from cold rolled steel will be ready to go the moment that you get your hands on them. This effectively expedites your production timeline and also reduces your workload. You also get a stronger product. If you choose hot rolled steel, you might need to further test the tensile strength and yield strength of the tubes after you have treated them.
When purchasing metal tubes that need to be able to tolerate and withstand high pressure and stress environments and situations, choose ones that are made from cold rolled steel. To learn more, contact companies like A & C Metals - Sawing.