Why Cold Rolled Steel Metal Stampings

Published by Worthy Hardware at November 21, 2024

Common Cold Rolled Steel Grades for Stamping

Over the years, I’ve worked with several grades, each suited for specific applications and environments. Here are some of the most commonly used cold rolled steel grades in the stamping industry:

CRS 1008: This grade is known for its excellent formability and weldability, making it an ideal choice for parts that require intricate shapes and deep drawing. CRS 1008 is often used in the automotive industry for components that need a high degree of precision.

CRS 1010: Slightly stronger than CRS 1008, CRS 1010 still maintains good formability. It’s a go-to material for manufacturing parts that require a balance between strength and ductility, such as brackets or casings.

CRS 1018: Known for its relatively high tensile strength, CRS 1018 is perfect for applications that demand a higher strength-to-weight ratio. It is often used for parts that undergo significant stress, such as gears and fasteners.

CRS 1020: A medium carbon steel that offers better hardness and wear resistance. CRS 1020 is suitable for parts that require more durability and impact resistance, making it a popular choice for agricultural and construction equipment.

1050 High Carbon Steel: This grade is characterized by its high carbon content, which provides superior strength and hardness. It’s ideal for parts that must withstand wear and tear or high stress, such as springs and high-strength wires. The increased carbon content also means that 1050 is less ductile, making it more challenging to form than lower carbon steels.

1095 High Carbon Steel: With even higher carbon content than 1050, 1095 steel is known for its extreme hardness and sharpness retention, making it perfect for blades and cutting tools. This grade is often used in the fabrication of components that require a razor-sharp edge and high durability.

HSLA (High Strength Low Alloy) Steel, All Tempers: HSLA steels are designed to provide better mechanical properties and greater resistance to corrosion than conventional carbon steels. They are available in various tempers to meet specific formability and strength requirements. HSLA steels are commonly used in automotive components, bridges, and structures where weight reduction is crucial without compromising strength.

Electro Galvanized Steel: This type of steel is cold rolled steel that has been coated with zinc via an electroplating process, which improves corrosion resistance. Electro galvanized steel is particularly useful in applications exposed to moisture and corrosive environments. It is frequently used in automotive parts, appliances, and electronic casings.

Advantages of Cold Rolled Steel in Metal Stampings

Enhanced Surface Finish: Cold rolled steel is well-known for its smooth, polished surface, which is achieved due to the lack of scale and other surface imperfections that are common in hot rolled steel. This superior finish not only improves the aesthetic qualities of parts but also minimizes the need for additional surface treatments, reducing costs and processing times.

Improved Dimensional Accuracy: During the cold rolling process, steel is compressed at room temperature, leading to tighter tolerances and better alignment. This precision is crucial for complex components in industries where exact dimensions are critical, such as aerospace and electronics.

Increased Strength and Hardness: The cold rolling process involves work hardening the steel, which enhances its yield strength and hardness. This makes cold rolled steel ideal for applications requiring high durability and resistance to deformation under stress, such as automotive parts and industrial machinery.

Better Formability: Despite its increased strength, cold rolled steel maintains good formability, especially in lower carbon grades. This allows for the creation of intricate shapes and deep drawing without compromising the material’s integrity, which is essential for manufacturing components with complex geometries.

Efficient Material Use: The consistency and predictability of cold rolled steel make it possible to optimize material usage, reducing waste and overall material costs. The ability to produce thinner, yet stronger sections can lead to lighter and more cost-effective designs.

Versatility: Cold rolled steel is versatile and can be used in conjunction with various finishing techniques, such as painting, plating, and welding. This adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of applications across multiple industries, enhancing its appeal as a go-to material for metal stamping.

Comparing Cold Rolled vs. Hot Rolled Steel Stampings

1. Manufacturing Process

Cold Rolled Steel: It is processed further than hot rolled steel. After the steel has cooled from its hot rolling phase, it is re-rolled at room temperature to achieve more precise dimensions and a better surface finish. This additional processing results in a more refined grain structure.
Hot Rolled Steel: This steel is rolled at high temperatures, which prevents strain hardening. The high temperature allows the steel to be formed and shaped more easily, resulting in products with scaled surfaces and less precise dimensions.

2. Surface Finish

Cold Rolled Steel: Offers a smooth, polished finish free of scale. This clean finish is ideal for applications where surface aesthetics are important, and it also means the steel requires less finishing work.
Hot Rolled Steel: Typically has a rough, scaly finish, which can be a drawback if the aesthetic is a priority. However, this is not a concern for structural or construction projects where the steel is hidden.

3. Dimensional Accuracy

Cold Rolled Steel: Provides superior dimensional accuracy due to the cold rolling process. The steel shrinks slightly as it cools, which allows for the production of more precise shapes and sizes.
Hot Rolled Steel: Less precise than cold rolled steel, with a tendency to shrink or change shape after cooling, which can affect the overall accuracy of the finished product.

4. Strength and Durability

Cold Rolled Steel: Is generally stronger and harder than hot rolled steel because of strain hardening. This makes it suitable for high-strength applications that require durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Hot Rolled Steel: While still strong, hot rolled steel is more ductile and easier to work with, which makes it suitable for bending and forming processes in which the steel must be shaped into large and complex forms.

5. Cost and Availability

Cold Rolled Steel: Tends to be more expensive due to the additional processing it undergoes. However, its advantages often justify the higher cost in applications that demand precision and aesthetics.
Hot Rolled Steel: Generally cheaper and more readily available than cold rolled steel. It is cost-effective for large-scale projects where cosmetic appearance is less important.

6. Applications

Cold Rolled Steel: Ideal for consumer appliances, furniture, and automotive body parts where aesthetic appeal and precise dimensions are required.
Hot Rolled Steel: Frequently used in construction, structural components, and situations where the material is concealed or where surface finish and precise shapes are not critical.

Conclusion

For precision, durability, and superior aesthetics in your projects, cold rolled steel stampings are the definitive choice. We are here to provide expert guidance and high-quality solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to see how our capabilities can enhance your next project.

FAQ

What is the main advantage of using cold rolled steel for stampings?

The main advantage is its superior surface finish, tighter tolerances, and increased strength, which make it ideal for precision applications.

How does cold rolled steel compare to hot rolled steel in terms of cost?

Cold rolled steel is generally more expensive than hot rolled steel due to its additional processing for improved properties.

Table of Contents