Benefits of Cold Formed Steel for Precision Metal Stamping in Minneapolis, MN

June 21st, 2017 · No Comments

In the metal stamping industry, the number of types of metals and metal alloys that are utilized across specializations are quite expansive. Within each facet of the industry, however, the range in metal types suitable for that kind of metal stamping start to diminish. Thomas Engineering Company works with virtually any metal fit for precision fabrication, and we’re able to process all high quality metals used for precision metal stamping in Minneapolis, MN.

Within precision metal stamping, the metals used also fall into a wide range, but there are examples of some metals that are not ideal for the precision stamping process when they are processed in certain ways. For instance, the difference between hot and cold rolled steel in metal stamping lies in the process of creating those materials, which in turn determines whether the final material is suitable for precision work. At TEC, we use cold rolled steel because it guarantees higher precision in the part.

Problems with Hot Rolled Steel

Hot rolled steel is roll-pressed at temperatures higher than 1,700ºF. This temperature causes the steel to recrystallize while cooling, making the end product more workable. The steel is kept at a high temperature throughout the rolling process and then cools quickly, leaving behind a scaled surface. While this rough surface can be considered a problem with hot rolled steel, the main drawback of hot rolled steel is the fast cooling from extreme heat. This results in rounded edges, rather than sharp corners, and an unavoidable slight distortion from shrinkage.

For these reasons, cold rolled steel is much more suitable for precision metal stamping than hot rolled steel.

Pluses of Cold Rolled Steel

Because of the shrinkage and general imprecision of hot rolled steel, for purposes requiring closer dimensional tolerances and accuracy in stamping, hot rolled steels must be processed further. After hot rolled steel has cooled, it can be altered with rolling compression and additional methods of cold finishing. This modification of cooled hot rolled steel offers TEC engineers with a material fit for precision stamping, with benefits like smoother surfaces with closer tolerances, edges that are sharply and accurately defined, greater strength and hardness, and an overall increase in technical and cosmetic precision.

At TEC we always work with the best metals and metals alloys available to the industry that are both high quality and suitable for use in precision metal stamping in Minneapolis, MN. For more information about cold rolled steel and our other materials, contact Thomas Engineering Company at (763) 533-1501.

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