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Hot rolled steel coils, or HR coils, are a versatile and essential material used across various industries in India. They are produced by rolling steel slabs at high temperatures, shaping them into long, flat strips that can be coiled for easy transportation and storage. HR coils offer a combination of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making them a popular choice for manufacturers and construction professionals alike.
In this article we talk about what is hot rolled steel coils, differences between hot and cold rolled steel coil, and the benefits of hot rolled steel coils.
Understanding Hot Rolled Steel Coils
Hot rolled steel coils are a type of steel product that undergoes a manufacturing process involving heating and rolling. The steel slabs are heated to a high temperature, usually above 1700° F which is above the re-crystallisation temperature for most steel products. It makes them malleable, and then passed through a series of rollers to shape them into the desired thickness and width. Once the steel is cooled, it is coiled for storage and transportation.
Types of HR coils
There are several types of HR coils available, each with its own specific properties and applications:
- Carbon steel HR coils: These are the most common type of HR coils, made from carbon steel and offering a good balance of strength, ductility, and weldability.
- Alloy steel HR coils: These coils contain alloying elements such as manganese, silicon, or chromium, which enhance their properties for specific applications, such as corrosion resistance or higher strength.
- Galvanized HR coils: These coils are coated with a zinc layer to protect them from corrosion, making them suitable for outdoor use and applications where corrosion is a concern.
Hot Rolled Manufacturing Process
The hot rolling process involves heating and compressing a large, rectangular slab of metal called billet. It is then made to pass through a series of rotating rulers to achieve the desired dimensions. Finally, the rolled steel is wound into coiled rolls and left to cool.
It may be noted that steel shrinks slightly as it cools. As the rolled steel is cooled after processing, there is less control over its final shape. This makes hot rolled steel coil less suitable for precision applications and is often used where specific dimensions aren’t crucial. The hot rolled steel coil finds application mostly in railroad tracks and construction projects.
Hot rolled steel is identified by the following characteristics:
- A scaled surface due to cooling from extreme temperatures
- Rounded edges and corners due to shrinkage
- Minor distortions as opposed to perfectly squared angles
What are the common hot-rolled steel grades?
Hot-rolled steel is available in many grades or standards set. Some of the most used hot rolled steel grades are:
- A36: One of the most popular hot-rolled steel grades, this grade is weldable and machine washable along with excellent mechanical properties.
- C1010 and C1018: These hot-rolled steel coils are more formable, machinable, and weldable than alloy and high-carbon steels. The main difference between the two lies in its carbon content.
- A1011: Widely used in automobile bodies, this grade of steel is mostly used in metal fabrication and making of structural applications.
- C1026: This AISI-designated steel has highly similar mechanical and chemical properties to A36 and a lower carbon content. It is widely used in furniture, automotive components, and structures.
It may be mentioned that one of the most versatile stainless steel is 304 hot rolled steel coil that is widely used in the production of equipment. Noted for properties like corrosion resistance and mouldability it is most used for food production equipment, general chemical equipment, nuclear energy, etc.
Applications of HR coils
Hot rolled steel coils are used extensively across a range of industries due to their flexibility and strength. These key applications highlight how integral they are in different sectors:
- Construction: Construction projects demand materials that can withstand immense weight and stress. Hot rolled coils are often used in the construction of structural beams, columns, and building frameworks. They are ideal for large infrastructure projects such as bridges, highways, and skyscrapers, where durability is critical.
- Automotive Industry: The automotive industry is a major consumer of hot rolled steel. HR steel sheets are used to manufacture various car parts, including the body panels, chassis, and suspension components. These parts require a material that is not only strong but also capable of withstanding high levels of stress, which hot rolled steel can easily endure.
- Shipbuilding: Ships require materials that can resist the pressures of the marine environment. Hot rolled steel coils are preferred for the ship’s hull and structural components. Their strength ensures that the ships remain sturdy, even in extreme sea conditions.
- Heavy Machinery: Heavy machinery, such as industrial equipment, cranes, and earth-moving vehicles, are built with hot rolled steel. The high durability and resistance of hot rolled steel coils make them a preferred choice for industries that demand heavy-duty performance. [Image: Use of HR Steel in Heavy Machinery]
- Pipelines and Energy Infrastructure: Hot rolled steel is used for pipelines in the oil and gas industry due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures. The resilience and malleability of hot rolled coils allow them to be shaped into large pipes needed for transporting oil and natural gas over long distances.
- Agricultural and Railroad equipment etc…
How Hot Rolled is different from Cold Rolled Steel Coils
We have defined how rolled steel coil in the previous section. Let us understand what cold-rolled steel is to understand the difference between the two. When deciding between hot rolled and cold rolled steel, it’s important to understand the distinctions:
- Hot Rolled Steel Coils: While cold rolled steel offers superior surface quality and precision, hot rolled coils are preferred for applications where cost efficiency and strength are prioritised. Their strength and malleability make them ideal for large structures, heavy machinery, and construction.
- Cold Rolled Steel Coils: These are made at room temperature, which allows for more precise shaping and a smoother surface finish. Cold rolled steel is often used in applications where aesthetics are important, such as in the production of appliances, precision tools, and smaller components. Cold rolled steel tends to be more expensive due to the additional processing required.
Key differences between hot and cold rolled steel coils:
- Hot rolled stainless steel has imperfect edges with distortions unlike cold rolled steel
- Hot rolled steel coils are less time-consuming and cheaper than cold-rolled stainless steel
- Cold rolled stainless steel is stronger than hot rolled stainless steel
we have covered a detailed article covering “key differences between hot rolled steel coils and cold rolled steel coils” for businesses to understand what is needed for their projects.
What are the benefits of hot rolled steel?
Hot rolled steel coils is heated to high temperature to make the steel malleable. It offers several manufacturing advantages. Some of the benefits of hot rolled steel are described below:
- Cost: Hot rolled steel tends to be less expensive than cold rolled steel as less processing is involved. The hot rolled steel coil price in India is between ₹61 – ₹74 per kg approximately.
- Ease of working: The processed material of hot rolled steel coil is easy to form and shape.
- Minimal internal stress: The hot rolling process is cooled gradually, allowing the material to normalise its structure, and become free of internal stresses.
- Time: Because of its ease of manipulation hot rolled steel can be converted into products faster.
While there are several benefits of hot rolled steel coils, there are a few drawbacks too. This type of steel is weaker than cold rolled steel as the high temperature weakens the metal before it cools back down. Hot rolled steel is also rougher to the touch.
Also Read on: Aluminium Coil, Colour coated steel coil, Stainless steel coil.
Estimated Prices of Hot Rolled Steel Coils in Major Indian Cities
Please note that steel prices fluctuate frequently due to market conditions, government policies, and other factors. The prices listed below are indicative and may not reflect the exact prices at the time you access this information. It’s always recommended to check with multiple suppliers or consult online platforms for the most current and accurate pricing.
| City | Approximate Price per Ton (₹) |
| Delhi | ₹ 45,000 – ₹ 50,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹ 43,000 – ₹ 48,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹ 44,000 – ₹ 49,000 |
| Chennai | ₹ 46,000 – ₹ 51,000 |
| Bengaluru | ₹ 47,000 – ₹ 52,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹ 45,000 – ₹ 50,000 |
| Ahmedabad | ₹ 44,000 – ₹ 49,000 |
| Jaipur | ₹ 45,000 – ₹ 50,000 |
| Lucknow | ₹ 46,000 – ₹ 51,000 |
| Pune | ₹ 44,000 – ₹ 49,000 |
To sum up: How to procure hot rolled steel coil for your business?
Hot rolled steel coils offer a balance of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making them a valuable material for a wide range of applications in India. While they may not have the same level of surface finish or dimensional accuracy as cold rolled steel, HR coils excel in mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, ductility, and toughness. This makes them ideal for structural components, automotive parts, manufacturing processes, and infrastructure projects. By understanding the different types of HR coils, their applications, and the factors influencing the market, MSMEs can effectively source and utilize this essential material to meet their specific needs and contribute to the growth of the Indian steel industry.
If you’re looking at sourcing hot rolled steel coils, you can reach out to our team at Tata nexarc. You can buy steel at competitive prices from verified sellers with easy credit options to simplify steel procurement.
