HR vs CR Coils - Key Differences Explained

Steel is a versatile alloy whose composition generally includes iron, carbon, trace elements and impurities. It has a variety of uses, because of its strength, low cost and fracture resistance - from construction to manufacturing. Two primary methods of processing steel are hot rolling and cold rolling. The end products of these two processes are hot rolled coils (HR coils) and cold rolled coils (CR coils) respectively. HR-CR coils differ in properties and applications, like in buildings, concrete reinforcing rods, bridges, infrastructure, automobiles, electrical appliances, etc.

HR vs CR Coils - Know the Difference

HR coils are produced by heating steel to a high temperature followed by rolling them into desired shapes. The end product is thus free from internal stresses with a coarse, mill-scale surface finish. CR coils are produced by rolling hot rolled steel at room temperature which refines the material further. The end product of this process has a smoother surface finish with improved dimensional accuracy. The properties of HR-CR coils are listed below -

 Applications of HR-CR Coils

HR-CR coils have varied applications. While CR coils are used as structural components in construction (beams and columns), automotive components (frames and chassis) and heavy machinery and equipment, HR coils are used in automotive body panels, appliances, furniture and precision engineering components. HR-CR coils are used in many common industries but due to the difference in their features and properties, their usage varies. Here is a list.

Uses of Hot Rolled or HR Coils in Different Industries

Construction Industry

HR coils are used as structural components and steel framings like beams, columns and girders. They are used as reinforcements for concrete structures and as structural elements like bridges. HR coils are used in non-structural applications like roofing and siding, doors and windows, metal decking, storage tanks fencing and gates.

Automotive Industry

HR coils are used in frames, chassis and other structural components like cross members, suspension components like control arms and leaf springs. They are also used in engine components of some heavy-duty engine blocks and engine mounts. They are used as commercial vehicle components like truck frames and bus bodies.

Heavy Machinery

HR coils are used as components for heavy-duty equipment and machinery like the frames and chassis of excavators, cranes and bulldozers. They are also used in engine blocks and cylinder heads, in transmission housings and gearboxes, as hydraulic components like cylinders, valves and fittings and they are used as wear-resistant components like bucket teeth, ripper teeth, conveyor belts and rollers

Agriculture

As agricultural machinery in tractors, harvesters, ploughs, tillers, in irrigation systems. HR coils are also used in farm implements like sprayers and cultivators. They are used in storage structures like silos and grain bins, in fencing and gates and in miscellaneous agricultural tools.

Uses of Cold Rolled or CR Coils in Different Industries

Cold-rolled steel is a more refined product as compared to HR coils. It has a superior surface finish, better dimensional accuracy, and higher strength. Its uses are listed below -

Automotive Industry

• Body Panels - Outer panels like doors, hoods, trunks and fenders, and inner panels like dashboards, roof liners and floor panels
• Chassis Components - Frame rails and suspension components like control arms, steering knuckles, and spring brackets.
• Engine Components - Engine blocks, cylinder heads, intake and exhaust manifolds.
• Other Components - Seat frames, fuel tanks, brakes

Appliances

• Refrigerators - Outer panels and internal components like shelves, drawers
• Washing Machines - Outer casing and internal components like the drum and agitator
• Dishwashers - Inner tub and outer panels
• Microwaves, Ovens and Stoves - Outer casing of microwaves, ovens, oven racks

Furniture

• Metal Furniture Frames - Sofas, beds, almirahs 
• Furniture Components - Drawer slides, hinges, table legs and bases
• Furniture Accessories - Handles and knobs, shelves for bookshelves, cabinets and other storage solutions
• Coatings and Finishes - CR steel provides a good base for powder coating and electroplating.

Electronics

• Enclosures and chassis - For various electronics
• Internal components - Heat sinks, shielding cages, brackets and mounts
• Electrical Panels and Cabinets
• Miscellaneous applications - Circuit boards, tools and fixtures 

Construction

• Light gauge steel framing members like studs, tracks and joists
• Roofing and walling systems like roof panels, wall panels, cladding material
• Doors and window frames 
• Interior fittings and fixtures like door handles, hinges and cabinet hardware.
• Metal decking for floors and roofs
• Prefabricated building components like wall panels, roof trusses and modular units
• Miscellaneous applications like storage racks and shelving, ductwork, guardrails, fencing, stairways and handrails

Advantages and Disadvantages of HR-CR Coils

Choosing between HR vs CR coils depends on their application. Cold rolling enables better control over the final dimensions and finish. CR coils have a smoother surface that makes it possible for painted or plated finishes. They have more strength compared to HR coils. However, CR coils have some disadvantages. The additional processing steps make them more expensive than HR coils. Cold rolling also makes them less ductile, reducing their formability.

On the other hand, hot-rolled steel is more ductile and has better weldability. HR coils are cost-effective because of their simpler production process. They are fairly strong and durable for structural applications. However, HR coils have lower dimensional accuracy and a rough surface finish that makes them susceptible to corrosion.

Nexizo Recommends

The HR vs CR coils debate is unjustified. HR-CR coils are versatile in themselves. The choice between the two depends on the specific need of the application. When strength, durability and weldability are important to an application between HR-CR coils, HR coils are the ideal choice. For applications that require precision, surface finish and formability, CR coils are a better choice. If you are looking for the best-verified tenders for HR coils or CR coils, Nexizo will help you find the best business opportunities. We help in fetching data for you from 200 + sources, structuring the data to suit your requirements, adding insights and recommending the best tenders for you to bid for.