Galvanized
Galvanized steel is produced by submerging cold rolled steel in a molten bath of zinc. This is referred to as a “hot dip” process. Once the material is removed from the zinc bath it reacts to oxygen in the air which solidifies the bond between the zinc and the steel, leaving a “spangled” finish visible on the material. The zinc coating offers a protective layer to prevent rust and corrosion, making it ideal for HVAC, construction and other manufacturing applications.
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Hot Rolled
Hot Rolled Steel is the most rudimentary form of carbon steel and is found in a wide range of industries. The process involves rolling steel at high temperatures which prevents recrystallization so the steel can be easily flattened and formed. It is also typically cheaper to manufacture than other forms of carbon steel because the progression usually doesn’t require a cooldown and reheating process.
Hot rolled products will have a scaly grey finish that is generally a bit rougher than other types of steel that we offer. A natural orange rust will appear on the surface of hot rolled material if it remains exposed over time. This surface finish is desired/accepted by most hot rolled users.
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Hot Rolled Pickled and Oiled
Hot Rolled P & O is HR steel that has undergone a chemical or mechanical treatment (pickling) to remove a naturally occurring oxide film from the surface of the steel and then oiled to help prevent rusting and corrosion.
Cold Rolled
Cold Rolled Steel is created by rolling Hot Rolled P&O at room temperature, below its recrystallization point, to create thinner gauges and a harder surface. It then undergoes an annealing process to regain some of its ductility. In addition to improvement of mechanical properties, cold rolling results in more control over the dimensions and appearance of the finished product. You are left with a smoother, more predictable and aesthetically appealing surface.
Galvannealed (Jet Kote)
Galvannealed Steel is carbon steel coated with zinc via a hot-dip process similar to Galvanizing. Once the steel is removed from the molten zinc it is Immediately subjected to a heat treatment. This causes a reaction which results in a unique zinc-iron alloy coating on the surface of the steel.
The galvannealed surface has a non-spangled matte finish, which is very different than the highly metallic appearance of a standard galvanized coating. At times, the galvannealed coating may appear similar to uncoated cold rolled steel. One of the primary attributes of galvannealed steel is that the surface accepts paint very readily, even without pretreatment.
Electro Galvanized (Paint Loc)
Electro Galvanized Steel is a zinc coated carbon steel similar to Galvanized and Galvannealed. The process consists of immersing the steel in a cold zinc “bath” that has an electrical current running through it. The result is a uniform layer of zinc bonded to the steel electrolytically to prevent corrosion. Key points include a uniform distribution of extremely thin zinc coating leaving a spangle free finish that welds easily and has good paintability.