When it comes to the difference between Hot Rolled steel coil and Cold Rolled steel coil, what you need to know is the difference between material, application, and size requirements.

The first thing we should know is that the terms Hot Rolled and Cold Rolled. They do not refer to any steel grades or strengths, but only the different processes used to create the steel bar product at the mill.

The hot Rolled Steel coil is softer and more pliable than the Cold Rolled Steel coil. Hot Rolled Steel coil has a light-grey, rough finish and rounded edges (in Flat and Square Bars), and Hot Rolled Steel products are typically oversized.

Hot Rolled steel bars are used in the welding and construction trades where the items being constructed do not require super-precise shapes and tight tolerances.

Cold Rolled Steel coil typically has a smooth, somewhat shiny finish with square edges (in Flat and Square Bars), and the sizes are more precise.

Cold Finished steel bars are preferred in the machining world where the quality of the steel is an important factor in the quality of the final product, and the appearance of the steel is also an important factor.