Cold Rolled Steel Roll Forming Material Guide: Coil Sizes, Thickness, Strength & Applications

Cold Rolled Steel Roll Forming Material

1. Overview of Cold Rolled Steel in Roll Forming

Cold rolled steel (CRS) is a precision-processed steel material widely used in roll forming where tight tolerances, smooth surface finish, and consistent mechanical properties are required. Unlike hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel is processed at room temperature after initial hot rolling, which improves its dimensional accuracy and surface quality.

In roll forming applications, cold rolled steel is preferred for products that require a high-quality finish, precise profiles, and consistent thickness. It is commonly used in industries such as construction, automotive, appliance manufacturing, and industrial fabrication.

Cold rolled steel typically serves as a base material for further processing, including galvanizing, painting, or coating. Many coated materials such as PPGI and GI originate from cold rolled steel substrate.

2. Material Composition & Structure

Cold rolled steel has a similar composition to mild steel but undergoes additional processing:

• Iron (Fe): ~98–99%
• Carbon (C): 0.05–0.25%
• Manganese (Mn): 0.3–1.5%
• Trace elements: Silicon, phosphorus, sulfur

Structure:

• Uniform and refined grain structure
• Smooth surface finish
• Minimal scale compared to hot rolled steel
• Supplied in annealed or full hard condition

Cold rolling improves strength through strain hardening while maintaining good formability.

3. Available Coil Specifications

Thickness Range

• 0.3mm – 3.0mm

Coil Width

• 600mm – 1500mm

Coil Weight

• 3 tons – 20 tons

Coil ID / OD

• ID: 508mm / 610mm
• OD: up to 1600mm

Tolerance

• Tight thickness tolerance (±0.01–0.03mm)
• Excellent flatness and edge control

4. Mechanical Properties

Typical values for cold rolled steel:

• Yield Strength: 220 – 550 MPa
• Tensile Strength: 350 – 700 MPa
• Elongation: 15% – 30%
• Hardness: 140 – 220 HB

Available conditions:

• Full hard (high strength, lower formability)
• Annealed (balanced strength and ductility)

5. Coating Types (If Applicable)

Cold rolled steel is often used as a substrate for:

• Galvanized steel (GI)
• Galvalume / Aluzinc
• Pre-painted steel (PPGI / PPGL)

It is usually supplied uncoated unless specified.

6. Surface Finishes

• Bright finish (smooth, clean surface)
• Matte finish
• Oiled surface
• Skin-passed finish for improved flatness

7. Common Roll Forming Applications

Cold rolled steel is widely used for precision components:

• Steel studs and tracks
• Light gauge framing systems
• Cable trays
• Automotive parts
• Appliance panels
• Storage racks and shelving
• Door and window frames
• Electrical enclosures

8. Advantages of Cold Rolled Steel

• Superior surface finish
• High dimensional accuracy
• Consistent thickness
• Better strength than hot rolled steel
• Ideal for precision roll forming
• Excellent for coating processes

9. Disadvantages / Limitations

• Higher cost than hot rolled steel
• Lower corrosion resistance (requires coating)
• Reduced ductility in full hard condition
• Can crack if over-formed in high-strength grades

10. Roll Forming Machine Considerations

Roll Tooling

• Precision rollers required
• Chrome plating recommended for surface protection

Speed

• 15–50 m/min depending on profile

Lubrication

• Often minimal due to smooth surface
• Light oil may be used

Cutting

• Hydraulic shear or flying cut-off
• Clean cuts due to uniform material

Common Issues

• Springback in higher strength material
• Edge cracking in tight radii
• Surface marking if rollers are worn

11. Common Problems in Production

• Surface scratching due to poor roller condition
• Coil tension issues affecting profile accuracy
• Springback affecting dimensional precision
• Micro-cracking in high-strength grades
• Oil contamination affecting downstream coating

12. Pricing Guide

Typical global pricing:

• Low: $650–$850 per ton
• Medium: $850–$1100 per ton
• High: $1100–$1400+ per ton

Factors affecting price:

• Thickness and grade
• Surface quality
• Processing level (annealed vs full hard)
• Country of origin

13. Comparison with Other Materials

Cold Rolled vs Hot Rolled Steel

• Cold rolled = smoother, more precise
• Hot rolled = cheaper, rougher finish

Cold Rolled vs Galvanized Steel

• Cold rolled = base material
• Galvanized = corrosion protected

Cold Rolled vs Aluminum

• Steel stronger
• Aluminum lighter and corrosion resistant

14. Best Industries Using Cold Rolled Steel

• Construction and framing
• Automotive manufacturing
• Electrical and HVAC systems
• Industrial storage systems
• Appliance manufacturing

15. How to Choose Cold Rolled Steel

Choose Cold Rolled Steel When:

• Precision is required
• Surface finish is important
• Material will be coated later
• Tight tolerances are needed

Avoid When:

• Corrosion resistance is critical without coating
• Cost is the main concern

16. FAQ Section

What is cold rolled steel used for in roll forming?

It is used for precision profiles such as framing, panels, and components requiring tight tolerances.

What thickness is typical for cold rolled steel?

Usually between 0.3mm and 3.0mm.

Is cold rolled steel better than hot rolled?

It offers better finish and accuracy but is more expensive.

Does cold rolled steel rust?

Yes, it requires coating for corrosion protection.

Can it be used for roofing?

Only if coated (e.g., galvanized or painted).

17. Machine Matcher Section

We supply roll forming machines for all material types including cold rolled steel.

• Custom-built machines to your profile
• New machines built to specification
• Global delivery available
• UK and USA technical support

Contact:
Machine Matcher
Sales & Technical Team

Quick Specs

Thickness
0.3–3.0mm

Yield Strength
220–550 MPa

Coil Width
600–1500mm

Coil ID
508 / 610mm