Clifton Steel

Steps For A Custom Fabrication Project

FreshySites — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:19:56 +0000

More often than not, projects in the steel industry are not one size fits all. In fact, it’s pretty rare when that happens. While Clifton Steel can provide simple products or steel plate, we specialize in customizing fabrication solutions, big and small. Here’s a look at what steps to expect when working with us �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your custom fabrication needs.

Step one: discovery

First things first, we want to figure out what the customer needs. During an initial meeting, we’ll discuss the application where the customer may be experiencing material handling wear. There’s a chance they’re just in need of raw material �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� their own fabrication needs. Step one is all about discovering what problem the customer is having, and how we can help them solve it.

Step two: inspection and field measurement

Next up, field visit. During the field visit we thoroughly inspect the application and investigate the issue at hand. In most cases, we review an application showing wear that needs to be replaced. However, in some cases there is also a need �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� a design change. Typically, an initial and/or final field measurement is made from the existing equipment.

Step three: discussion and analysis

Now that we’ve seen what needs to be done, we chat with the customer about the best course of action to solve to the problem. We’ll make recommendations such as the best material to use �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� improved wear or any potential design changes to improve wear. If we’re looking at just replacement parts, we’ll cover the ease of replacement

Step four: engineering

If a new design is needed, our engineering team will develop it. When it’s complete, the sales representative will present the design to the customer �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� approval. For simpler applications, we develop a shop drawing �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� our use. When there are details that need to be confirmed, we’ll send to the customer �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� approval.

Step five: production

The liner or fabrication is produced in the shop utilizing ISO protocols and QC methods.

Step six: delivery

Time to send out the custom fabrication! We’ll work with the customer to coordinate a delivery plan.

Give us a call at 216.662.6111 or fill out our �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��m to start a conversation about your custom fabrication needs.

The post Steps For A Custom Fabrication Project first appeared on Clifton Steel.

Manganese Steel FAQ

FreshySites — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:16:59 +0000

What is manganese steel?

Manganese steel is a steel alloy containing 11-14% manganese. It’s often referred to as Hadfield steel, or Hadfield grade, as Sir Robert Hadfield discovered it in 1882. Manganese steel is non-magnetic and is less likely to rust than carbon steel.

What makes manganese steel special?

It has an extremely high impact strength and abrasion resistance in its hardened state. Manganese steel is a steel that works harder the more it’s used- you can’t say that �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� a lot of material. In fact, you’ll often hear it described as the “ultimate work hardening steel��. Manganese steel is also considered to be an extremely hard material to machine �� it’s special in that way.

What does “Work Harden” mean?

The steel has self-hardening properties, so the more impact it takes, the harder the material becomes. Think of it as a self-renewing surface. It can achieve up to 3 times its surface hardness during impact without an increase in brittleness. Clifton Steel can pre-peen your manganese steel so it’s ready �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� service as soon as you get it if that’s something you need.

What is manganese used �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� in steel?

All steel has manganese in it! It removes oxygen and sulfur when iron ore is converted into iron, and it’s essential to convert iron into steel. Manganese decreases the brittleness of the steel and adds some toughness.

MINING INDUSTRY�� Excellent material �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� cement mixers, shovel buckets, rock crushers & sizers, or crawler treads.
AGGREGATE INDUSTRY�� Use �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� superior chute liners. As the chute work hardens, the surface of the steel becomes almost glossy, supporting material flow.
STEEL CASTING & FORGING INDUSTRY��–��Ideal �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� shot blasting cabinet liners (top left) since it hardens the more the cabinet is used. Blasting cabinet conveyor rollers are another example.
RAILROAD INDUSTRY��–��Commonly used �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� switches and crossings.
RECYCLING & SCRAP INDUSTRY���� Since manganese is nonmagnetic, it’s great �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� wear/impact plate �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� the bottom of electromagnets or��separator drums��(bottom left).

How do you cut or machine manganese steel?

Super common question about manganese is how to work with it. It’s not an easy material to machine or weld, it’s even describe it as having zero machinability. That’s not exactly the case. The reason it’s hard to work with is because the material hardens as it’s cut, so special tools and techniques are required. We’ve been doing this a long time and have the process perfected. Check out our page on��ձ�Բ��Բ��to read more about our machining capabilities.

Which is better, manganese steel or carbon steel?

That completely depends on the application. Manganese can reach a hardness score of almost 600 BHN, giving it about 5 times the hardness of mild steel, and almost 3 times the hardness of annealed stainless steel. That sounds great, but sometimes it’s not what you’re looking �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� or more than you need.��Talk to a Clifton representative��to find out if manganese is a good material �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your project.

Did You Know?

The natural presence of manganese in the iron ore used by the Spartans is believed to be why their steel weapons were superior to those of their enemies –��USGS

The post Manganese Steel FAQ first appeared on Clifton Steel.

How To Extend The Life Of Your Hammers

FreshySites — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 14:12:31 +0000

In our industry, the biggest money waster is downtime. Nobody likes it, nobody wants it, but it exists and we have to deal with it. Just because we have to deal with it, however, doesn’t mean we can’t do everything in our power to minimize it.

Here are some common practices to extend the life of your hammers:

Avoid large volumes of hardened steel at one time. Hardened steel is tougher on the hammers, so the more you do at once, the more it breaks down your hammers. To extend the life, expand your hardened steel throughout the day.
Harden new hammers by running heavier material �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� a period of time. Prepping your hammers with this method will increase their strength and helps the integrity of the hammer last longer.
Install a new set of hammers in the center spots, harden them, then move them to the outside positions. Less material goes through the outside hammers than the center, so they don’t get hardened the way center positions do. Switch them out, then enjoy the benefits of hardened outside hammers.
Inspecting hammers at the end of the day and adding little welds to lower spots. This technique is more hands-on. When you notice a dip in a hammer, go ahead and weld a little extra in to bring that spot back up. This keeps your hammer more even and prolongs how much those spots will break down.
Invest in alloy hammers. They keep shape better by having harder key areas. It may cost more, but it will bring in a longer life �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your hammers. Longer life means less time switching them out.
Work with manufacturers on the chemistry of your hammers. Hammers aren’t made the same, so what may work best �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� one company may not work best �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� another. Consider talking to your manufacturer to see if the chemical composition of your hammer is giving you the most bang �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your buck.
Regular maintenance. Last but not least, take care of your hammers. With regular maintenance, you will see a longer life than if you just set them and �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��get them.

We hope that those common practices help you extend the life of your hammers. Clifton Steel can help with all of your shredder needs! Learn more about what we offer��here, and��reach out to a Clifton Steel representative��to talk about if we can save downtime with our products.

The post How To Extend The Life Of Your Hammers first appeared on Clifton Steel.

Personal Protection Bullet Proof Boards

FreshySites — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:10:45 +0000

��is a sister company to Clifton Steel, focusing on products that are designed �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� personal use to keep you safe if a threat arises. We offer bulletproof steel tiles, called��´ǲԻ��վ��, as well as our bulletproof presentation boards. Watch our video or read below to learn more about how the �´ǲԻ��ǲ�� offers military-level protection in public spaces.

What is the wonderboard^tm?

Introducing, the��´ǲԻ��ǲ��. The �´ǲԻ��ǲ�� from��is a bulletproof mobile presentation board made of quarter-inch light gauge armor that can be easily deployed behind a doorway, creating a bulletproof barricade between you and the threat outside buying you valuable time when minutes matter.

Designed to withstand multiple impacts from firearms ranging from handguns to rifles, the �´ǲԻ��ǲ�� meets the��Level III standard, providing ballistic protection against rifle rounds.

The �´ǲԻ��ǲ�� is a multi-use unobtrusive mobile presentation solution that can be deployed and locked in place in less than 30 seconds should a threat arise. Use the �´ǲԻ��ǲ�� as a message or presentation board in open lobby areas, classrooms, or offices. Then quickly deploy to critical areas or use as a shield �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� first responders.

Wonderboard properties

The �´ǲԻ��ǲ�� comes with a standard 3�� by 5�� dry erase surface that covers the 1/4 inch ballistic armor face. Should the whiteboard become damaged, it’s easily removed and replaced with another standard 3�� x 5�� whiteboard or corkboard.��The �´ǲԻ��ǲ�� is magnetic as well.

The �´ǲԻ��ǲ�� is highly mobile and easily deployed by almost anyone. From schools and classrooms to commercial businesses, financial institutions, or retail spaces, the applications are only limited by your imagination.

does more than stop bullets. We provide powerful peace of mind.

For more in�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��mation or to order, click on the “request a quote�� button, call us at 888-906-2036, or visit our page on the��´ǲԻ��ǲ��to learn more.

When minutes matter, find a safe place.

The post Personal Protection Bullet Proof Boards first appeared on Clifton Steel.

Differences Between 4140 Steel And 4150 Steel

FreshySites — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:10:01 +0000

The naming structure

Based on the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), steels that have a naming structure of 41XX are in�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��mally known as chromoly steel, or it is a chromium-molybdenum steel. These steels are usually much harder and tougher than normal carbon steel. Alloying elements allow the steel to be heat treated to obtain stronger physical properties. The last two digits are how much carbon is in the steel. In the case of 4140, there is .40% carbon and 4150 has a .50% carbon content.

These are both extra strong and hard alloys of steel, and are used in applications requiring higher per�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��mance than carbon steels can typically withstand.

Differences

Tensile strength: 4150 has a higher tensile strength, meaning it has a higher threshold �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� stress be�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��e breaking.

Ductility & workability: 4140 is more ductile, meaning it can be bent easier than 4150. It also can be used in cold working conditions while 4150 needs to be thermally treated be�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��e �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��ming.

When to use

These types of steel are typically used in industries such as aerospace, defense, underground mining, oil and gas, or automotive. Some of the products you might use 4150 �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� are shafts, valves, or sprockets while 4140 may be used �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� crankshafts, gears, collars, and machinery parts.

There aren’t a ton of differences between 4140 and 4150, and it can get confusing knowing which one will be ideal �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your project. Talk to a Clifton Steel representative to find out if 4140 or 4150 would be better �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your needs.

The post Differences Between 4140 Steel And 4150 Steel first appeared on Clifton Steel.

Grades Of Steel

FreshySites — Thu, 13 May 2021 11:34:56 +0000

What does “GRADE OF STEEL”mean?

Grades are used to differentiate between types of steel based on their chemical compositions and properties. There are standards set nationally and internationally so you can be sure you’re getting the same thing, no matter where you get it from.

How many grades of steel are there?

According to the World Steel Association, there are over 3,500 grades of steel. Wow, that’s a lot. No problem, we’ll talk about what to look �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� and how to narrow it down from 3,500 to a much more manageable number to choose from.

What goes into determining a grade of steel?

The amount of carbon the steel contains, if any, if the steel has any other alloying elements and how much, and the way the steel has been processed.

Where do I begin?

The amount of carbon the steel contains, if any, if the steel has any other alloying elements and how much, and the way the steel has been processed.

CARBON STEELS : – Roughly 90% of steel falls into this group. They only contain small amounts of elements other than carbon and iron. Subgroups- low/mild carbon steel (up to 0.3% carbon), Medium carbon steel (0.3-0.6% carbon), and High carbon steel (more than 0.6% carbon).

ALLOY STEELS – Added alloying elements into the steel such as nickel, copper, chromium, or molybdenum. Addition of alloys in different quantities influence properties such as strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, or machinability. Our post on 11 elements dives deeper into what each alloy does to steel.

STAINLESS STEELS – Everyone’s heard of stainless steel- it’s common in medical equipment, appliances, cutting tools, and piping. Stainless steel has a concentration of chromium ranging between 10-20%, which gives it a high corrosion resistance rating.

TOOL STEELS – This aids in hardening through heat treatment. It increases corrosion resistance and resistance to oxidation and high temperatures.

Contain tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt, and vanadium �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� increased heat resistance and a higher durability. It’s good �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� cutting and drilling equipment.

HOW DO I KNOW IT’S ALL THE SAME?

Governing Bodies �� Some of the well-known ones include (American Standard �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� Testing Materials), (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) (Society of Automotive Engineers) ANSI (American National Standards Institute), and (American Iron & Steel Institute). So, there are quite a few different options, but they all follow roughly the same outline. Their goals are also typically the same—to standardize steel production to be universally applied across many industries. These governing bodies give consumers of steel products confidence that the steel they are using will meet the requirements of their applications.

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN?

In carbon grades of steel, the numerical designation usually follows some sort of variation of 10XX, where the “XX�� describes the amount of carbon within that steel. For example, 1045 has a nominal carbon content of 0.45.
For grades of steel with particular physical property requirements, such as a tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, or hardness, there is a qualifier in the name. Each governing body uses something a little different, so we’re going to use ASTM as an example. ASTM uses a naming convention that typically begins with the letter “A�� (like A36, A572 Grade 50, or A514). In this case, A36 means the steel has a minimum of 36,000 PSI of yield strength.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM BUYING THE RIGHT GRADE FOR MY APPLICATION?

Steel has been produced since the mid 1800’s. Luckily, scientists and engineers have been able to improve and innovate the steel making process since those days. The governing bodies above have earned the respect and confidence of steel consumers through their countless hours of studying the chemistries of steel. When choosing the grade of steel �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your application, it’s best practice to go with what was specified by the blueprint’s designer. If you don’t have those, or it hasn’t been established yet, talk to a Clifton Steel representative �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� help. Steel is our life, and we’ll be able to guide you in the right direction.

The post Grades Of Steel first appeared on Clifton Steel.

AR400 Steel Vs AR500 Steel

FreshySites — Sun, 09 May 2021 14:08:41 +0000

Abrasion Resistant steel��is one of our most popular products at Clifton Steel.��With 4-5 different options, how do you know which option is best suited �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your project? The easiest way is to��talk to a Clifton Steel representative, but another option is to learn about what it is and what the differences are.

WHAT IS AR STEEL PLATE?

Be�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��e we get into the differences between the two most popular abrasion resistant grades, let’s cover quickly what AR plate is. Abrasion-resistant (AR) steel plate is a high-carbon alloy steel. Due to the added alloys, it is �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��mable and weather-resistant, and the addition of carbon makes it harder when heat treated. With these properties, AR steel is ideal �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� projects where failure of the material comes from wear and tear or abrasions

What do the numbers mean?

With abrasion resistant steel you’ve probably noticed there is usually a number after the AR, such as AR400, AR450, AR500. You might be wondering, why is it there and what does it mean? The number is referring to the hardness range of the steel. The hardness number is based on the Brinell scale. The Brinell scale measures the size of the indentation left by a steel ball with a specific amount of �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��ce behind it. Typically, a 10 mm hardened steel ball is used with a �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��ce of 3,000 kgf to create the indentation, and a calibrated scope is used to read the size of the indentation. You’ll see “BHN�� (Brinell Hardness Number) when referring to numbers of hardness.

What is ar400 steel?

AR400 steel plate is abrasion resistant steel that has a hardness between 360 BHN and 440 BHN. AR400 steel has a large range of general applications. It per�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��ms particularly well in conditions where impact resistance has a higher importance than abrasion resistance. You can learn more about our AR400 steel plate here.

What is ar500 steel?

AR500 steel plate is chemically similar to AR400 steel plate, except the hardness range is higher and it has more carbon and manganese than AR400. These elemental differences help the steel achieve a higher surface hardness. To be classified as AR500, the hardness needs to clock in between 477 BHN and 550 BHN. To read more about AR500 steel, click here.

What’s the difference?

The major difference is impact resistance. AR500 has higher abrasion resistance, but AR400 has higher impact resistance. That sounds the same to me, but it isn’t. Let’s break it down with a real-world situation.

I work at a rock quarry and I’m looking to line different pieces of equipment with abrasion resistant steel plate. I have a fleet of dump trucks, and the bed of the trucks are usually lined with removable bed liners. The beds take a lot of impact when the rocks fall into the bed after being excavated, so I need something that will hold up and will be less likely to shatter from the falling rocks. I’m going to choose AR400 plate �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� this because AR400 is really good �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� projects with high impact compared to AR500. Since AR400 plate is softer than AR500 plate, it can withstand more impact without cracking or shattering.

Same quarry, same rocks, new piece of equipment. After we have the rocks in the bed of the truck, they need to go somewhere. The next step is dumping the rocks into a conveyor system to be sorted and then sized in a rock crusher. After the rocks leave the rock crusher, they slide into a chute. I have to update this chute liner, and I’m going to choose

AR500 steel because the rocks are just sliding down instead of being thrown or dropped onto it. AR500 steel can withstand the abrasion that the rocks cause by sliding better than the AR400 steel, meaning it would last longer.

I still have questions

That’s okay! Give us a call, or fill out our quote request �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��m, let us know what kind of project you’re working on, and we can help figure out which steel is the best option �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� you.

The post AR400 Steel Vs AR500 Steel first appeared on Clifton Steel.

Personal Protection Bullet Proof Tiles

FreshySites — Mon, 03 May 2021 13:01:47 +0000

It’s more important than ever to have a safe space to hide in the event of an emergency. We’re talking about schools, offices, retails areas, even homes. Threats can come out of nowhere when you’re least expecting them. Safe Place Solutions (a sister company of Clifton Steel) has created a mountable�� bullet proof tile to provide peace of mind if an active shooter situation arises. Watch our video to learn more about the��´ǲԻ��վ��.

Video transcription

What are wondertiles?

There is an af�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��dable user-friendly solution to protect you in an active shooter event, buying precious time and increasing the likelihood of survival. Introducing, WonderTiles��.

WonderTiles�� from Safe Place Solutions are our ballistic surface tiles that provide front-line protection, buying you valuable time when minutes matter. Designed to withstand multiple impacts from firearms, ranging from handguns to even the most aggressive of weapons such as AK47s and AR15s.

These tiles can be supplied to meet the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Level 4 standard providing the highest level of ballistic protection available. The DIY-friendly tiles panels install quickly with minimal ef�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��t and the standard 16 inch by 16 inch size allow �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� easy mounting to wall studs.

They can be modified to fit your application or expected threat level, and are available in custom sizes, configurations, and designs. Mounting options are equally as flexible. WonderTiles�� can bemounted on any verticle or horizontal surface or can be installed out of sight from the backside of a desk or behind a wall to offer an invisible layer of frontline ballistic protection. A wide array of tile color options will complement most any decor.

How well do wondertiles per�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��m?

Let’s look at how they protect against a full array of weapons from handguns to rifles being fired at close range.

“So there’s 5 shots here on the 5/16 plate and not a single penetration with armor-piercing rounds. Which is even more impressive than the 1/2 inch plate here, because this plate should not be able to stop AP rounds, but it is. and there’s a slight depression from one bullet here, but other than that nothing, absolutely nothing.��

“This is very impressive stuff here from Safe Place Solutions.��

WonderTiles�� do more than stop bullets, they provide powerful peace of mind.

For more in�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��mation, or to order, call us at 888.906.2036 or visit our webpage on WonderTiles.

When minutes matter, find a safe place.

The post Personal Protection Bullet Proof Tiles first appeared on Clifton Steel.

Hot Rolled Steel Vs. Cold Rolled Steel

FreshySites — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 10:54:11 +0000

What’s the Difference between Hot Rolled Steel and Cold Rolled Steel?

Hot rolled, cold rolled, cold drawn, cold finished? A lot of similar words you may hear, but what are they and what’s the difference? Many people call into Clifton Steel asking our veteran sales staff these very same questions. In short, the difference between hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel is the processing temperature. Hot rolled steel is, you guessed it, processed at a hot (semi-molten state) temperature. Cold Rolled steel starts with hot rolled steel and is further refined by processing at room temperature.

Hot Rolled Steel

The nice thing about steel is that it’s a fairly logical commodity. The names commonly used in the industry tend to tell users how it was made. Hot rolled steel is a prime example. As we said above, hot rolled steel is manufactured in a semi-molten state, which allows it to be �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��med into many different shapes. The term hot rolled can be used to refer anything from bar stock to sheet and plate. It means that the process used by the manufacturing steel mill takes place while the steel is semi-molten. The semi-molten state allows the mill to easily manipulate it into the shape and dimension desired �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� production.
hot rolled steel plate, hot molten steel, hot steel
Hot rolled bar process: hot steel is processed (or rolled) in open air in a semi-molten state, where the surface of the steel, through processing, becomes semi-hardened and the core of the strand is still red hot and malleable. Might sound confusing, but think of it as a 3 Musketeers bar: the outside chocolate is harder than the inside chocolate, but not by much. This process typically leaves the surface of the steel with a layer of carburization (or what some call “mill scale��). The surface is rough to the touch, and almost always requires further processing to make it a finished good.
Hot rolled products require less processing from the producing mill and, in general, are more af�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��dable compared to cold rolled steel.

The same explanation can be used to describe hot rolled sheet and hot rolled plate. The semi-molten slab of steel is rolled back and �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��th between large rollers in open air in order to reduce the thickness into the desired size. Hot rolled sheets and plates also have an external scale that usually needs to be removed by further processing. Ask us about our in house shot blasting service to aid in the removal of hot rolled mill scale! Exceptions to this would include applications in structural components or in the use of Abrasion Resistant plate (like our Tensalloy AR series plate).

Most hot rolled products require additional processing (e.g. machining) to remove the mill scale and produce a finished product. Hot rolled products are typically produced with a +/- dimension tolerance to account �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� that.

Cold Rolled Steel

Cold rolled steel also gets its name from how the steel is processed. That means that the steel is processed at, or near, room temperature as opposed to the semi-molten temperature �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� hot rolled steel. Most cold rolled products begin their lives as hot rolled products, then are further processed to create the benefits of cold rolled steel. So, what are the benefits of cold rolled steel?

I’m glad you asked. The benefits of cold rolled steel can be broken down into three main categories:

Mechanical properties

Dimensional tolerance

Surface finish

While there are many types of cold rolling processes, we’ll focus on cold drawing and cold finishing of bar products and cold rolling of sheet products.

Cold Drawing

Cold drawing is utilized to improve the mechanical properties of steel bar products. The hot rolled steel is drawn through a sequence of reducing dies or rollers that cold-work the steel into a strand hardened �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��m, improving mechanical properties. It also allows the processor to greatly improve the dimensional tolerance of the product being made. In this instance, the dimensional tolerances are usually produced to a minus only tolerance with the expectation that there will be much less need �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� additional surface processing to create that finished product. Although cold drawn bar is initially more expensive than hot rolled bar, overall cost savings is provided by the reduced machining generally required.

Cold Finishing

Cold finishing bars, on the other hand, do not improve the mechanical properties of the steel. For cold finishing, hot rolled bar is turned, turned & polished, or turned, ground, & polished producing a shiny, semi-finished surface. This finishing can achieve much tighter dimensional tolerances, allowing customers to utilize the product as-is or with minimal additional processing. An advantage of cold finishing is that it minimizes machining time, giving customers a more cost-effective finished product. Cold finished products are also produced typically to minus only dimensional tolerances. In order of tightness of tolerance from largest to tightest: turned bar, turned & polished, turned, ground & polished. A good example of a cold finished bar product would be our hammer pins �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� the recycling industry. These utilize a proprietary dimensional tolerance allowing �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� ease of replacement.

Cold Rolling

Cold rolling of steel sheet products is the only true sense of “rolling�� in the cold rolled steel universe. More often cold rolled steel products are referred to as cold rolled, but in actuality they are turned or drawn. In the case of cold rolled sheet products, the finishing process is the only processing that is actually rolled. A hot rolled sheet product is processed through a series of rollers that gradually reduce the thickness of the steel while simultaneously removing some of the hot rolled mill scale. This process strain hardens the steel which produces mechanically stronger physical properties in the steel. It also improves the surface finish of the steel making it closer to a finished product.

The post Hot Rolled Steel Vs. Cold Rolled Steel first appeared on Clifton Steel.

What Is Steel Plate?

FreshySites — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:34:15 +0000

What is steel plate?

Steel plate is a plate of metal, specifically steel, that can be cut and manufactured into a more elaborate product. Steel plates come in a range of thicknesses, and can be manufactured to a length or width that you need. There are common sizes that you’ll find, such as 48”x96�� or 96”x120��. To put it simply, steel plate is a general term.

Types of steel plate

As there are different sizes, there are different types of steel plate: stainless steel (commonly known), high-carbon, low-carbon, or alloy steel plates. Each of these types of steel plate are used �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� different applications, some may be household items while others are much larger, like buildings or tanks. For example, at Clifton, we sell AR400, AR450, and AR500 steel plates (amongst others). These are abrasion resistant carbon steel plates, which is the most prominent type of steel we have at Clifton.

How is steel plate made?

High temperature steel is rolled into sheets, where the steel gains strength. Multiple layers of steel are compressed together to create a single piece of steel plate, which can then be cut or burned to the specific size needed. The type of steel created is determined based on the composition of elements used in the molten metal. Check out our post on 11 elements of steel and what they do to learn more about what how different elements affect certain properties of steel.

Other �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��ms of steel

Bars

Steel in the shape of a bar. Steel bars are commonly used in construction.

Looking �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� steel bars? We’ve got you, check out our page on steel bars to see what we have. Don’t see what you need? Contact us, there’s a good chance we can help out!

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Sheets

Sheets �� Thin, flat pieces of steel. Can be cut and bent into many shapes, super versatile. A lot of what we sell here.

Interested in steel sheets? We’ve got options. I’ll link to AR400, a popular product of ours. Explore our other products �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� more steel sheet options.