Fundamental Process Differences
| Characteristic | Hot Rolled Stainless Steel | Cold Rolled Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Above recrystallization (900-1200°C) | Below recrystallization (Room temp) |
| Thickness | 0.5mm to 150mm+ | 0.3mm to 4mm (Max) |
| Surface Finish | Rough, scaled (Industrial surface) | Smooth, bright (2B/BA finish) |
| Tolerance | ±0.15mm | ±0.05mm |
| Yield Strength | Lower (250-350 MPa) | Higher (350-550 MPa) |
Cold Rolled Stainless Steel
Production Process:
Hot rolled coil pickling
Cold reduction (30-50% thickness reduction)
Annealing & skin pass rolling
Advantages:
✔ Superior surface quality (Ra 0.1-0.5μm)
✔ Tight dimensional tolerances (±0.02mm achievable)
✔ Higher strength via work hardening
Limitations:
✖ Limited to thinner gauges (<4mm typically)
✖ Higher residual stresses require stress-relief annealing
Typical Applications:
Precision electronics components
Medical equipment (surgical tools)
Decorative trim (appliances, automotive)
Hot Rolled Stainless Steel
Production Process:
Slab reheating to 1250°C
Roughing & finishing mills
Controlled cooling
Advantages:
✔ Cost-effective for thick sections
✔ Better toughness for structural applications
✔ Suitable for high-temperature service
Limitations:
✖ Surface scaling requires pickling/passivation
✖ Lower dimensional accuracy
Typical Applications:
Pressure vessels & tanks
Construction beams/channels
Industrial equipment frames
Jiangsu Ruilaibo Special Steel – Your Trusted Rolling Expert
We supply both hot and cold rolled stainless steel with:
✅ Multiple Grades Available:
304/304L, 316/316L (Cold rolled)
321, 310S, 2205 (Hot rolled)
✅ Custom Processing Services:
Precision slitting (0.3-6mm width)
Annealing & leveling (Bright annealing available)
Surface finishing (No.1, 2B, BA, HL)
✅ Quality Assurance:
Mill test certificates (EN 10204 3.1/3.2)
Third-party inspection welcome
Industry Solutions:
Architecture: 2B/No.4 finish panels
Food Processing: Mirror polished 316L coils
Energy: Thick 321H plates for heat exchangers
Technical Support: Our metallurgists help select:
✔ Optimal rolling method for your application
✔ Cost-performance balanced thickness
✔ Post-rolling treatment requirements
Contact Us Today for Special Offers!