Starland Metals Blog

Cold-rolling and hot-rolling are the two main methods by which stainless steel fabricators craft stainless steel sheets, counters, BBQs, and other items. There are benefits and downsides to both methods.

When stainless steel is cold-rolled, it is rolled to the final dimensions and specifications when the metal is far below scalding temperatures. The main benefit to this method is that the steel will not shrink once it is cooled, unlike hot rolled steel, which can shrink after the metal cools below 1700 degrees Fahrenheit.

With hot rolled steel, the steel is formed to its final dimensions and specifications, while the temperature is above scalding temperatures. An advantage here is that the metal is stress-free once it has been rolled and forged. Cold rolled steel can often twist or warp if it undergoes further machining, making it a poor option for many industrial tasks. It is for this reason that many stainless steel fabricators offer stainless steel sheet metal that has been fabricated using both methods.

Here are a few more key differences between metals forged by these two different processes:

• Hot rolled steel tends to be slightly looser and have less tolerance than cold rolled steel.
• Cold rolled steel tends to contain less carbon and slag, while hot rolled steel contains between .18 and .30 percent carbon content. This makes hot rolled steel more difficult to forge in more traditional manners.
• Cold rolled steel has a more natural inclination to twist, making it ideal for decorative applications.

In spite of the many positive qualities of stainless steel sheet metal, many homeowners find it difficult to look past the high initial price. While by no means the most expensive material available for kitchen appliances, backsplashes or counters, stainless steel does have a steep price that makes people think twice. The reality is, however, that stainless steel more than makes up for its higher initial price when you look at the cost savings over the long term.

Say, for example, you purchase a stainless steel refrigerator intending to keep it for as long as it stays functional. After it is paid for and placed in your kitchen, you use it day in and day out. Over time and frequent usage, a host of issues could theoretically present themselves, like stains, dirt, grime, corrosion and damage. The stainless steel material this refrigerator is made of is likely to have minimal costs for repair, cleaning or other maintenance.

This is precisely why you need to look beyond the initial cost of a stainless steel kitchen. Instead, look toward future savings. Stainless steel is famous for its resistance to rust and staining. Consider the costs of sealing granite counters or refinishing wood surfaces in your kitchen. You will see how much you save with a low maintenance material like stainless steel. Combine these benefits with the durability and long lifespan of stainless steel, and you have a winning recipe for cost savings and a great kitchen.

You’ve definitely heard about stainless steel, and you likely know that it is one of the best types of steel available, whether you are considering stainless steel kitchen appliances or stainless steel sheets, but what exactly is this coating? What makes it so special?

Stainless steel, also known as inox steel, is a steel alloy that has a minimum of 10.5% chromium content by mass. This content prevents the steel from corroding, rusting, or decaying in any other ways for many years. This steel is similar to carbon steel, but has a much higher chromium content, which prevents the rusting that is common when carbon steel is exposed to air.

Stainless steel has been in use for many years, with artifacts being found in India as early as 400 AD. These primitive stainless objects got their corrosion resistance from phosphorus content instead of chromium.

The first true iron-chromium alloys were found in France in 1821, and were created by the metallurgist Pierre Berthier. After some experimenting, Berthier noted high resistance to attacks by acids and air. A German metallurgist created a quicker process for creating stainless steel in the 1890s, and it was used more widely, starting in the first few decades of the 1900s.

Since then, stainless steel has been prevalent in many different industries and has been integral in strengthening products, including kitchen appliances, utensils, cabinets, backsplashes, BBQs, and much more.

For a coated iron alloy that won’t corrode, rust, or decay, stainless steel is the only option.