Cold Rolled Strip Steel and Cold Reduction
Precision Cold Rolled Strip Steel from a Michigan Mill
H&H Metal Source produces precision cold rolled strip steel through in-house cold reduction at our Grand Rapids, Michigan facility, providing custom thicknesses, tight gauge tolerances, controlled temper, and improved surface characteristics for demanding manufacturing applications.
Cold Reduction Capabilities
| Thickness Range | .040″ – .172″ |
| Width Range | 1″ – 12″ |
| Thickness Tolerance | As tight as ±.001″ |
| Custom Finished Thicknesses | Available to meet application-specific requirements |
ASTM A109 Cold Rolled Strip Steel
H&H specializes in producing cold rolled carbon steel strip to ASTM A109 requirements.
ASTM A109 strip is used when an application requires tighter dimensional control and specific temper characteristics beyond those typically associated with standard cold rolled sheet products.
Through controlled cold reduction, H&H can produce strip to customer-specific thickness and temper requirements for applications where material consistency and performance are critical. Typical requirements may include:
- Tight thickness tolerances
- Specific temper requirements
- Controlled hardness
- Consistent strip thickness
- Custom finished gauges
Tight-Tolerance Strip for Roll Forming
Roll-forming applications can be particularly sensitive to variations in material thickness and mechanical properties. Inconsistent gauge or excessive material stretch can affect the finished profile, tooling performance, dimensional consistency, and overall production efficiency.
H&H produces tight-tolerance, cold-reduced strip steel specifically suited for roll-forming applications.
By cold reducing HRPO steel to a controlled finished thickness, we accomplish more than simply changing the gauge. The cold-working process work-hardens the steel, generally increasing strength and hardness while reducing ductility and elongation. Because the material is not annealed after reduction, these changes in mechanical properties are retained in the finished strip.
Combined with thickness tolerances as tight as ±.001″, the result is consistent, tight-gauge strip with the low-stretch characteristics required by many roll-forming applications. For the right application, cold-reduced HRPO can provide roll formers with:
- Tight and consistent strip thickness
- Reduced elongation and low-stretch characteristics
- Increased strength and hardness through work hardening
- Improved dimensional consistency through the roll-forming process
- Custom finished gauges matched to the application
- Improved surface characteristics
- A cost-effective alternative to conventional cold rolled steel
This allows H&H to develop strip around the requirements of the roll-formed part rather than requiring the customer to design around the tolerances and mechanical properties of standard mill-produced material.
HRPO to a Cold Rolled-Like Surface
Cold reduction does more than control thickness.
H&H can cold reduce common Hot Rolled Pickled and Oiled (HRPO) steel to improve the surface characteristics and produce a finish suitable for many painted applications where a cold rolled steel-like surface is desired.
For the right application, this allows manufacturers to combine the economics of an HRPO substrate with the tight gauge control, low stretch, and improved surface characteristics provided through cold reduction.
Custom Strip Steel Solutions
Not every manufacturing application fits neatly within a standard mill-produced gauge.
Our cold reduction capability allows H&H to develop strip around the requirements of the finished application, including thickness, tolerance, temper, surface condition, and performance through the customer manufacturing process.
For manufacturers requiring ASTM A109 strip steel or tight-tolerance strip for roll forming, H&H can help determine whether a custom cold-reduced product provides a better-performing and more economical material solution.
Cold Rolled Strip Steel Questions
What is ASTM A109 strip steel?
ASTM A109 is the specification for cold rolled carbon steel strip. It is used when an application requires tighter dimensional control and specific temper characteristics beyond what standard cold rolled sheet products provide. H&H produces strip to A109 requirements in house.
What is cold reduction?
Cold reduction is the process of rolling steel to a thinner finished thickness at room temperature. It delivers tight gauge control, work-hardens the material to increase strength and hardness, and improves surface characteristics.
What gauge tolerances can H&H hold on cold rolled strip?
Thickness tolerances are held as tight as ±.001″, on strip from .040″ to .172″ thick and 1″ to 12″ wide.
Why is cold-reduced HRPO good for roll forming?
Cold reducing HRPO produces consistent, tight-gauge strip with reduced elongation. Because the material is not annealed after reduction, it holds the low-stretch characteristics that roll formers need for consistent profiles and predictable tooling performance.
Can H&H produce a custom finished thickness?
Yes. If the gauge your part requires falls between standard mill-produced thicknesses, H&H can cold reduce material to that finished thickness rather than forcing the part to fit a standard gauge.
Can cold-reduced HRPO be painted?
In many cases, yes. Cold reduction improves the surface of HRPO enough to produce a finish suitable for many painted applications where a cold rolled-like surface is required. Send us the application and we will confirm.
Need Strip Steel Built Around Your Part?
Send us your thickness, width, tolerance, and temper requirements and we will review whether a custom cold-reduced product is the better material for your application.