Overview

Cold Rolled Squares are a fundamental high-strength, low-carbon steel product essential for precision manufacturing and fabrication. The cold rolling process involves passing steel through rollers at room temperature, which significantly enhances its mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish compared to hot-rolled alternatives. This results in a product with tighter tolerances, a smoother, more uniform surface, and increased yield and tensile strength.

The specific chemistry of these squares, characterized by a low carbon content and elevated manganese levels, makes them exceptionally well-suited for carburizing processes. Carburizing is a heat treatment that hardens the surface of the steel while maintaining a tough, ductile core. The combination of the cold rolled squares' composition and the cold working process produces a harder and more uniform case depth, which is critical for components requiring exceptional wear resistance.

Beyond their performance in heat treatment, these squares offer superior machining characteristics. The consistent microstructure and improved surface quality allow for faster machining speeds, better finish quality, and extended tool life, reducing overall production costs. This makes them a preferred choice for manufacturers across various industries who demand reliability, precision, and efficiency in their raw materials. Their higher mechanical properties ensure that finished parts can withstand significant stress and load, contributing to the longevity and safety of the final application.

When you source your cold rolled squares from a trusted supplier, you are investing in a material that delivers consistent performance, simplifies your manufacturing process, and enhances the quality of your end products.

Specifications

Standards

ASTM A108, ASTM A29

Common Grades

1018, 12L14, 1117

Size Range

1/4" to 4" (across flats)

Tolerances

ASTM A108 (standard or precision available)

Cross-Section

True square, sharp or radius corners

Straightness

Commercial standard or upgraded available

Surface Finish

Smooth, scale-free cold-rolled finish

Lengths

Standard 12' to 24' mill lengths, cut-to-length available

Applications

• Carburized Components: Gears, pinions, shafts, camshafts
• Machined Parts: Axles, spindles, pins, bolts, fasteners
• Precision Components: Tooling, fixtures, gauges, bushings
• General Fabrication: Frames, brackets, supports, structural elements
• Automotive: Transmission parts, steering components, engine parts
• Industrial Equipment: Machinery components, material handling parts
• Consumer Goods: Hardware, appliance components, furniture parts

Weldability

• Good weldability using MIG, TIG, or Stick welding processes.
• Select filler material based on carbon content and application requirements (typically ER70S-6 for MIG).
• Thoroughly clean the weld area to remove any oils, coatings, or contaminants.
• Preheat may be recommended for thicker sections or in cold environments.
• Note: Welding can affect the cold-worked properties in the heat-affected zone.
• Post-weld heat treatment may be necessary for critical applications.

How to Measure & Specify

Order Checklist

• Size: Side dimension (e.g., 1.5")
• Grade: 1018, 12L14, 1117, or other specified
• Quantity: Number of pieces or total linear feet
• Length: Desired length per piece (standard or custom)
• Tolerance: Standard commercial or precision tolerance
• Corners: Sharp or radius (specify radius if needed)
• Straightness: Standard or special straightness requirements
• Cutting Instructions: Tolerance, bundled, or individual
• Certifications: Mill Test Reports (MTRs) required (Yes/No)
• Surface: As-rolled, oiled, or special surface treatment