What are the 2 types of sheet metal raw material manufacturing process?
Hot Rolled Sheet Metal
Hot rolled sheet metal is a type of sheet metal that is produced by rolling a slab of steel through a series of rollers while it is still hot. This process is also known as hot rolling, and it is commonly used to create large sheets of metal that are used in various applications, such as in the construction of buildings, bridges, and pipelines. The hot rolling process is highly efficient and cost-effective, as it allows for the creation of large quantities of sheet metal quickly and with minimal waste.
During the hot rolling process, the steel slab is heated to a temperature of around 1,000 degrees Celsius to make it more malleable. It is then passed through a series of rollers, which gradually reduce its thickness and increase its length. As the sheet metal is rolled, it is also stretched and elongated, which helps to align its grain structure and increase its strength. The final product is a sheet of steel that is thinner, longer, and stronger than the original slab.
Cold rolled sheet metal, on the other hand, is produced by rolling a slab of steel through a series of rollers while it is at room temperature or slightly below. This process is also known as cold rolling, and it is commonly used to create thinner sheets of metal that are used in applications such as automotive panels, appliances, and electronic enclosures. Cold rolling is a more precise and controlled process than hot rolling, as it allows for tighter tolerances and a smoother surface finish.
During the cold rolling process, the steel slab is first cleaned and pickled to remove any impurities. It is then passed through a series of rollers, which gradually reduce its thickness and increase its length. Unlike hot rolling, cold rolling does not involve stretching or elongating the sheet metal, which means that its grain structure remains unchanged. The final product is a sheet of steel that is thinner and smoother than the original slab, with a more uniform thickness and a higher degree of dimensional accuracy.
Hot rolled and cold rolled sheet metal are two of the most common sheet metal manufacturing processes used to produce sheet metal. While both processes involve rolling a slab of steel through a series of rollers, the temperature at which the rolling takes place and the resulting properties of the finished product are different. Hot rolled sheet metal is thicker, longer, and stronger than cold rolled sheet metal, while cold rolled sheet metal is thinner, smoother, and more uniform in thickness. The choice between the two processes depends on the intended use of the sheet metal and the specific properties required for the finished product.