FOUNDED IN 1913
Cold Finished Bar, Cold Drawn Bar Supplier
Cold finished steel, or cold drawn bar, is essentially hot rolled steel that has been further processed and produced as either turned bars (removing the surface of hot rolled bars, improving dimensional control) or cold-drawn bars (pulling a bar through a die that is smaller than the incoming hot rolled size). Cold finished steel bars are frequently found in construction projects, automotive manufacturing, and any application demanding a surface free of defects or blemishes.
Cold finished steel, or cold drawn bar, is essentially hot rolled steel that has been further processed and produced as either turned bars (removing the surface of hot rolled bars, improving dimensional control) or cold-drawn bars (pulling a bar through a die that is smaller than the incoming hot rolled size). Cold finished steel bars are frequently found in construction projects, automotive manufacturing, and any application demanding a surface free of defects or blemishes.
Cold finished steel bars are popular among steel buyers and manufacturers due to five key benefits:
1. Tighter Tolerances for Size & Roundness: A hot rolled bar will have significant variations in size with larger deviations occurring as the diameter increases. Through the added processes of cold finished bar, the final product will have a rounder appearance and improved dimensional accuracy.
2. Straightness: This benefit is crucial to end applications where the cold finished bar will be further machined on a lathe or grinder. The straightness tolerance for cold bar is reduced to 1/16" over a five-foot increment in any 1018 grade section over 15' in length.
3. Surface finish free of scale: Often, an experienced observer can spot cold finished bar immediately thanks to the surface finish. Cold bars are free of the iron scale created through hot finishing, leaving a clean unblemished surface suitable for an array of end usages.
4. Mechanical properties with higher yield and tensile strength: Two direct benefits, specifically of cold drawn bar, are improved yield and tensile strengths. Both properties relate to the amount of stress steel can withstand before permanent deformation (yield) or the point where steel fractures (tensile). Increases in each of these values correlate directly to cost savings by eliminating the need for heat treatments
5. Machinability leading to better tool life: Increased machinability in cold finished bar is likely the most important factor to end customer satisfaction. Operators will find that cold bar results in more efficient tooling with reduced friction or heat when compared to hot finished bar. Ultimately, faster machining equals a higher throughput, less wear on the machine itself, and additional cost savings.
DETAILS
Further Processing: Turned ground and polished (TG&P), annealed, stress-proof, galvanized
Applications: Gears and shafts, oil and water well shafting, industrial buildings, and any product that requires steel with a defect-free surface
GRADES
1018
1045
1141
12L14
1215
Cold Finished Rounds
LENGTH
10'/12' RL & 20' RL
Cold Finished Flats
SIZE
1/8" x 1/4" - 4.5" x 8"
| PRODUCT |
SIZE |
LENGTH |
| Cold Finished Rounds |
1/8" - 12" DIA |
10'/12' RL & 20' RL |
| Cold Finished Flats |
1/8" x 1/4" - 4.5" x 8" |
10'/12' RL |
| Cold Finished Squares |
1/8" - 6" |
10'/12' RL |
| Cold Finished Hex |
1/4" - 4" |
10'/12' RL |
FAQs
Why choose cold finished bars over hot rolled?
Cold finished steel bars are further produced from hot rolled bars to give them several benefits. These perks include tighter tolerances, straightness, scale-free finish, increased yield, improved tensile strength, and improved machinability. Although cold finished bars are more expensive, saving money on tooling and machining is possible.
What are some common applications of cold finished or cold drawn bar?
Cold finished steel is widely used throughout several industries due to its advantages over hot rolled bars. Cold finished steel bars are suitable for specific construction projects, automotive manufacturing, or any end application that requires a blemish or scale-free surface for aesthetic appeal.
Why choose free machining grades, such of 12L14 or 1215, over a less expensive grade, such as 1018?
Free machining grades such as 12L14 and 1215 machine much faster than 1018. While there's an additional cost for materials, it can save more time and money comparatively over the long-term.
Will cold finished rounds always have a chamfered end for automatic bar feeders?
The mill will provide a chamfered end on bars for an additional fee if specified at the time of order. In most cases, cold finished rounds will not be chamfered. If you need a consistent supply of chamfered end rounds, ECONSTEEL would be happy to create a supply plan to meet your demands. ECONSTEEL can also chamfer ends in-house.
Are cold finished rounds a finished product?
They can be, depending on your final product. You must determine this based on your specific cold finished steel product requirements. ECONSTEEL's knowledgeable staff can assist you with everything you need to make important decisions regarding tolerance, out-of-round, straightness, finish, and recommended stock removal.
What would be some reasons to not choose cold finished bars?
If you are bending material, you must be aware that the process of creating cold drawn bars creates a temper on all outside edges. This temper could cause the bars to crack when bending and impacting the final performance or appearance. Cold finished bars are also oiled after production to inhibit rust. If you wish to paint or prime the material, the oil must be thoroughly removed before applying a final surface finish to ensure proper adhesion.
RESOURCES
Cold Finished Bar Tolerances
