Cold rolled coil (CRC) with its superior qualities of strength, hardness, and aesthetic appeal, has become one of the essential and indispensable materials in many modern industries. Therefore, understanding the characteristics and applications of this steel is crucial to fully harness the potential of this versatile material.
So, what exactly is the structural composition of cold rolled steel coil, what are its outstanding properties, and what are its common applications today? All these questions will be thoroughly answered by MRS Steel in the following article!
Cold rolled coil is a type of steel commonly found in most industrial applications today
The structural composition of cold-rolled coil
Cold rolled coil is a type of steel produced through the cold rolling process, where the steel is thinned at room temperature rather than at high temperatures. This process involves multiple steps including rolling, stretching, and straightening to create a final product with precise thickness and a smooth surface.
Cold rolled steel has a complex structure with its chemical composition optimized to provide desired mechanical properties such as strength, hardness, and ductility. Iron and carbon are the primary components, with carbon content typically ranging from 0.04% to 0.25%. Additionally, this type of steel may include other secondary elements such as Manganese (Mn) with concentrations from 0.25% to 1.5%, which improve ductility and tensile strength, and Silicon (Si) typically ranging from 0.1% to 0.4%.
The main components of cold rolled steel include iron and a carbon content ranging from 0.04% to 0.25%
Key characteristics of cold rolled steel
Cold rolled coil's strength & hardness
The cold rolled steel exhibits higher tensile strength compared to hot-rolled steel due to the cold rolling process at lower temperatures than the molten state, which results in smaller and more tightly packed metal grains. Therefore, the tensile strength typically ranges from approximately 270 MPa to over 700 MPa, depending on the alloy and manufacturing process.
Similarly, the yield strength of this material is also higher than that of hot-rolled steel, ranging from about 210 MPa to 650 MPa, enhancing its ability to withstand forces before deformation. In summary, cold-rolled steel's superior hardness and excellent load-bearing capacity make it suitable for various applications such as automotive manufacturing, household appliances, and structural components in construction.
Cold rolled steel coil possesses superior mechanical properties compared to hot-rolled steel
Surface finish
Compared to hot-rolled steel, the cold rolled coil typically features a glossy surface due to being processed with a protective oil coating during rolling. This oil layer not only enhances the surface glossiness but also prevents oxidation and corrosion during storage and transportation.
Additionally, the cold rolling specifications are crucial in achieving the smooth surface of cold-rolled steel. Specifically, when steel is rolled at lower temperatures, the thermal deformations caused by metal expansion and contraction are significantly reduced compared to the hot rolling process. As a result, cold-rolled steel sheets often have very smooth surfaces, free from the surface imperfections commonly found in hot-rolled steel, such as unevenness or defects.
The cold-rolling process has helped create the smooth surface of this type of steel
Corrosion resistance
The corrosion resistance of cold rolled coils does not primarily come from the rolling process itself but rather depends on the alloying elements present in the steel. In addition to the carbon content that determines its mechanical properties, manufacturers can add chromium and nickel to the steel alloy to create a protective oxide layer on the surface.
Generally, the corrosion resistance of cold rolled steel coils is not considered high, although it is often coated with a protective oil layer to prevent corrosion during storage and transportation. However, in humid environments or where there are high concentrations of corrosive chemicals, manufacturers may need to apply additional surface treatment measures such as galvanization or electrostatic painting to enhance the product's durability.
The corrosion resistance of cold rolled steel is not high despite being coated with a protective oil layer
Applications of cold rolled steel coil
The good load-bearing capacity and moderate ductility of cold rolled steel facilitate favorable conditions for welding and cutting operations, alongside its aesthetic surface, making it widely applicable across various industries. Some of the most common fields where cold-rolled coil is extensively used today include automotive manufacturing, construction, piping systems, and household appliances.
Automobile manufacturing
In the automotive manufacturing industry, the balanced combination of strength, ductility, and smooth surface finish makes cold rolled coil a suitable choice for producing car body panels. The glossy surface of cold-rolled steel not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of vehicles but also provides excellent impact resistance.
Moreover with high tensile strength and yield limit, it is an ideal choice for vehicle frame components where high durability is crucial to ensure safety and withstand heavy loads. Moreover, safety components such as rollover pillars, protective frames, and other load-bearing parts are also made from this type of steel due to its hardness, which enhances its ability to protect vehicle occupants.
With high tensile strength and yield limit, this steel is an ideal choice for automotive manufacturing
Construction
The construction industry consistently ranks among the most common sectors for the use of cold-rolled steel. Specifically, contractors employ this type of steel to construct structural frameworks for residential and light commercial buildings, including columns, beams, and roof frames. Cold-rolled steel provides a lightweight yet sturdy solution for structures that are easy to install.
The advantageous surface properties of this material also make it valuable in applications such as roofing and wall panels. Roofing panels made from this material can be found in warehouses, storage facilities, and various industrial settings, offering durability and weather resistance against environmental elements.
The hardness and glossy surface of this material make it popular in the construction industry
Piping system
Cold rolled coils used to manufacture pipes for conveying gases and liquids such as water and natural gas have become widely prevalent in the pipeline manufacturing industry. Additionally, due to its smooth and aesthetically pleasing surface, this steel is also used to produce decorative pipes for interior design and architecture, such as railings, handrails, and other decorative elements.
Piping systems are a common application of cold-rolled steel
Appliances
In household appliance applications, cold rolled steel coils are used extensively for the outer shells and frames of various appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and more. This material provides high durability, impact resistance, and a smooth surface that is easy to paint or plate, enhancing the aesthetic appearance and longevity of the appliances.
The prevalence of this type of steel in kitchen appliances is considered nearly as widespread as stainless steel. Many kitchen appliances like ovens, gas stoves, and range hoods feature components made from cold-rolled steel. The smooth surfaces that are easy to clean make cold-rolled steel ideal for kitchen appliances, ensuring food safety and cleanliness.
Compared to stainless steel, cold rolled steel is also used to make kitchen appliances
MRS Steel: Best pricing solution on cold rolled coil for your project
Cold rolled coil products are consistently among Vietnam's leading steel products, with numerous manufacturing plants spread throughout the country. Therefore, if you are an international importer and have limited experience in the Vietnamese market, it can be time-consuming to find reliable sources of affordable steel.
With years of experience in the steel industry, MRS Steel has established partnerships with many large factories specializing in cold-rolled steel coil production in Vietnam. As a result, the company not only helps customers access competitively priced cold-rolled steel but also ensures stable quality that meets standards. Additionally, MRS Steel provides after sales services such as quality inspection, customs support, and logistics assistance, making the import process smoother and faster.
Through this article, MRS Steel aims to provide readers with comprehensive knowledge about the characteristics and common applications of cold rolled coil today. If you have any inquiries regarding steel, please feel free to contact us via email at vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn or WhatsApp at +84 76 911 2358.
