Cold Rolled Sheets
About Cold Rolled Sheets
Cold rolled steel sheet offers a smooth, finished surface, superior dimensional tolerance, and high formability. Ideal for automotive panels, appliances, and enclosures. Custom cutting available.
Quick Facts
- Material: Cold Rolled Steel (1018 typical)
- Temper/Condition: Cold Rolled
- Available Sizes: 10 to 14 Gauge
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
Cold rolled steel sheet is a product created by further processing hot rolled steel through a cold reduction mill at room temperature. This process increases the material's hardness and strength, providing a tighter dimensional tolerance and a superior surface finish compared to hot rolled products. The smooth, clean surface is free of scale and is often lightly oiled to prevent corrosion during storage and transport, making it an excellent substrate for painting and other finishes.
Characterized by its excellent formability and dent resistance, cold rolled sheet is a preferred material for applications requiring aesthetic appeal and precision. While the cold working process reduces its overall ductility slightly, it gains significant strength. Its consistent thickness and flatness make it highly suitable for automated manufacturing processes, stamping, and drawing. This combination of properties ensures reliable performance in consumer and industrial goods where fit and finish are critical design requirements.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 63,800 | PSI |
| Yield Strength | 53,700 | PSI |
| Elongation | 15 | % |
| Hardness | 126 | HB |
Common Applications
- Automotive: Body panels, fenders, and decorative trim - requires a smooth surface for high-quality paint finishes.
- Appliances: Refrigerator doors, washing machine casings, and microwave enclosures - valued for its formability and clean appearance.
- Furniture: Metal desks, filing cabinets, and shelving units - provides strength and a smooth finish.
- Electronics: Computer cases, server racks, and equipment enclosures - offers precise dimensions for component mounting.
- Construction: Non-structural framing, door panels, and metal roofing - where a finished look is necessary.
- Manufacturing: Stamped parts, brackets, and machinery covers - benefits from tight tolerances for consistent production.
- Signage: Commercial signs and display boards - provides a flat, paint-receptive surface.
Working with Cold Rolled Sheets
Machining
Cold rolled steel offers good machinability due to its uniform grain structure and hardness. Standard tooling and coolants are effective for drilling, cutting, and shaping operations. Its consistent thickness ensures predictable results in automated CNC processes.
Welding
This material exhibits excellent weldability using all common techniques, including MIG, TIG, and spot welding. For thinner gauges, no pre-heating is typically required. The surface must be cleaned of its protective oil coating prior to welding to ensure a strong, clean seam.
Finishing
The key advantage of cold rolled sheet is its superior surface finish, which acts as an ideal base for paint, powder coating, and plating. Proper surface preparation, including degreasing to remove the protective oil, is crucial for achieving optimal adhesion and a durable finish.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between cold rolled and hot rolled steel sheet?
A: Cold rolled steel is further processed at room temperature after being hot rolled. This gives it a smoother surface finish, tighter dimensional tolerances (it's flatter and more uniform in thickness), and higher strength and hardness.
Q: Does cold rolled steel rust?
A: Yes. Like most carbon steels, it will rust if exposed to moisture. Cold rolled sheets are typically shipped with a protective oil coating to prevent rust, which must be removed before painting or final application.
Q: Is cold rolled sheet easy to bend and form?
A: Yes, its formability is a key characteristic. It is well-suited for bending, stamping, and drawing to create complex shapes, which is why it's commonly used for automotive body panels and appliance casings.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available thicknesses: 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 gauge. Standard sheets: 4×10 ft. Custom size available.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
View Sizes & PricingNeed Cold Rolled Sheets? Contact Bobco Metals for availability and Los Angeles pickup.
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