Types of Flat Rolled Steel

Flat Rolled Steel Products for a Range of Applications

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From hot rolled carbon steel to electro galvanized, the type of steel purchased for an application can impact everything from corrosion resistance to appearance, weldability, and cost. Backed by robust sourcing options, flexible processing capabilities, responsive service, and fast lead times, Premium Steel Sales helps manufacturers, fabricators, OEMs, and service centers secure the flat rolled steel products they need to keep production moving.

Explore Many Types of Flat Rolled Steel

Steel coils & for slitting and sheets

Hot Rolled Carbon Steel

Hot rolled carbon steel is a cost-effective option for fabrication, manufacturing, construction, and industrial uses where bare mild and graded carbon steel is desired.

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hot rolled oiled pickled

Hot Rolled Pickled and Oiled (HRPO) Steel

HRPO steel is produced by running hot rolled steel through a pickling process that removes surface scale, followed by the application of an oil coating for a protected, scale-free surface.

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hot dipped galvanized

Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel

Coated with zinc for corrosion resistance in moist and harsh environments, hot dipped galvanized steel has an extended service life even with prolonged exposure to the elements.

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galvannealed

Galvannealed Steel

Hot dipped galvanized steel is baked in an in-line oven, causing the zinc coating to fuse with the steel substrate to produce galvannealed steel. This creates a somewhat rougher exterior for an enhanced, paint-ready surface popular in the automotive industry.

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Aluminized steel coil with a heat- and corrosion-resistant coating

Aluminized Steel

Aluminized steel is carbon steel that has been hot-dip coated with a protective aluminum-based coating that typically contains a small amount of silicon for enhanced adhesion to the steel substrate. This coating creates a heat- and corrosion-resistant barrier.

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cold rolled steel process

Cold Rolled Carbon Steel

Cold rolled steel is produced by running hot rolled carbon steel through a series of rollers that reduce the thickness of the strip and leave the steel with a smooth surface. It is most widely available in lighter gauges.

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Electro galvanized steel with a smooth, uniform zinc finish

Electro Galvanized Steel

Zinc-coated through electroplating, electro galvanized steel features a consistent surface finish used in appliance components, office furniture, automotive applications, building material production, and more.

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Quick Steel Type Comparison

Type Surface Characteristics Corrosion Resistance Applications
Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Rough, scaled Low Structural components, fabrication, industrial equipment, and parts that need to be galvanized after being produced
Hot Rolled Pickled and Oiled (HRPO) Clean, smooth Low Fabricated parts, welded assemblies, formed components
Cold Rolled Carbon Steel Smooth, consistent, slight sheen Low Precision components, enclosures, furniture applications, indoor lockers, finished products that require thinner material
Hot Dipped Galvanized Zinc-coated High Steel framing, decking, outdoor structures
Galvannealed Matte, paint-ready High Painted components, automotive parts, building products
Aluminized Aluminum (silicon) coated High, heat resistant Exhaust systems, heating equipment, appliances, high-temperature applications
Electro Galvanized Smooth, uniform Moderate Appliance components, office furniture, electrical enclosures, automotive applications, ceiling grids, drywall corner bead

Custom Processing Capabilities

Increase your production and fabrication options by sourcing steel in the widths, dimensions, and formats your operation requires. Capabilities include:

  • Slit coil
  • Narrow-width slit coil
  • Custom blanks
  • Off-pattern widths
  • Custom sheet lengths

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What type of steel is right for my needs?

    The right steel type depends on a number of requirements, such as corrosion resistance, appearance, weldability, manufacturing processes, and budget. Our team can help evaluate your requirements and recommend the most suitable option.

  • Are all of these types of steel available in coil, sheet, and plate form?

    Yes! Coils, sheets, and plates are available as hot rolled (HR) or HRPO (pickled and oiled), with or without protective zinc or aluminum coatings. Fill us in on the details of your application and we will help you select the type of steel and finish that is best suited for your needs.

  • What is the difference between hot rolled and cold rolled steel?

    Hot rolled steel is produced at high temperatures and provides a cost-effective solution for many fabrication and structural applications. Cold rolled steel undergoes additional processing to reduce thickness and improve surface finish.

  • What is HRPO steel?

    HRPO (Hot Rolled Pickled and Oiled) steel is hot rolled steel that has been treated to remove surface scale and coated with oil for protection against oxidization. It provides a cleaner surface than standard hot rolled steel, making it a popular choice for enhanced fabrication and material handling.

  • What is the difference between galvanized and galvannealed steel?

    Both products provide corrosion resistance through a zinc coating. Hot dipped galvanized steel is often selected for applications with direct exposure to the elements, while galvannealed steel offers a paint-ready surface that readily accepts coatings and finishes.

  • What type of steel offers the best corrosion resistance?

    Hot dipped galvanized, galvannealed, and aluminized steel all provide improved corrosion resistance compared to uncoated carbon steel. The best option depends on the environment, temperature conditions, and performance requirements of the application.

  • Can Premium Steel Sales help me choose the right type of steel?

    Absolutely! Our team works with many manufacturers and fabricators to identify steel products suited to their application requirements, production processes, performance expectations, and budget. We are highly familiar with the different options that are available and where they are best suited.

  • What steel types does Premium Steel Sales stock?

    Premium Steel Sales supplies hot rolled, hot rolled pickled and oiled (HRPO), cold rolled, hot dipped galvanized, galvannealed, aluminized, and electro galvanized steel. Whatever type of steel you are looking for or need help identifying, we can guide you to the best fit for your application. Contact our team for current availability and sourcing options.

The Proper Steel for Your Application

Regardless of your application and unique production requirements, Premium Steel Sales is here to help you secure most types of flat rolled steel at competitive prices and on your schedule. Let us know what you need to get started.






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