- Category
- Hot Rolled Rounds 6
- Hot Rolled Squares 6
- Hot Rolled Flat Bars 76
- Hot Rolled Re-Inforcing Bars 6
- Hot Rolled Angles 45
- Hot Rolled Channels 17
- Hot Rolled Sheets 5
- Hot Rolled Plates 7
- Hot Rolled Diamond Plate 6
- Hot Rolled Square Tubes 41
- Hot Rolled Rectangular Tubes 37
- Hot Rolled Round Tubes 14
- Hot Rolled Black Pipe 13
- Hot Rolled I-Beams 4
- Hot Rolled Expanded Metal 0
- Hot Rolled White Flange 0
- Hot Rolled Cap Rail 0
- Hot Rolled Bar Grating 0
Hot Rolled Steel
Hot rolled steel, including common grades like ASTM A36. Known for its 36,000 PSI minimum yield strength and excellent weldability. Available in plate, sheet, angle, bar, and channel.
About Hot Rolled Steel
Hot rolled steel is an economical carbon steel known for its strength, formability, and excellent weldability. Typically conforming to ASTM A36, it is ideal for structural framing, base plates, and general fabrication. In-stock in Los Angeles with custom cutting available.
Quick Facts
- Material: Hot Rolled Carbon Steel (A36, A572)
- ASTM Standard: A36, A572 Grade 50
- Available Shapes: Plate, Sheet, Angle, Bar, Channel, Tube
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
The hot rolling process involves forming steel at temperatures above 1,700°F, which makes it easier to shape and results in a product with looser tolerances and a characteristic scaly surface finish compared to cold rolled steel. This makes it a cost-effective choice for applications where precise dimensions and a smooth finish are not primary concerns. The material's ductility and toughness make it suitable for welding, bolting, and riveting in various construction and manufacturing projects, providing reliable performance without extensive processing.
The most common grade is ASTM A36, a versatile structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 36,000 PSI. Other high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) grades like A572-50 are also available for applications requiring higher strength-to-weight ratios. Hot rolled steel is the foundational material for I-beams, channels, angles, and plates used in building construction, bridges, heavy equipment manufacturing, and industrial machinery bases where robust performance and weldability are critical project requirements for structural integrity and ease of assembly.
Technical Specifications
⚠️ Reference Data Only: Values shown are for ASTM A36, a common hot rolled grade. Properties vary by grade and thickness. For critical applications, please contact us to verify specifications or request a Mill Test Report (MTR).
Mechanical Properties (ASTM A36)
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 58,000-80,000 | PSI |
| Yield Strength | 36,000 | PSI |
| Elongation | 20 | % |
| Hardness | 119-162 | HB |
Applicable Standards
- ASTM A36/A36M: Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
- ASTM A572/A572M: Standard Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Columbium-Vanadium Structural Steel
- ASTM A500: Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing in Rounds and Shapes
Common Applications
- Construction: Structural I-beams, columns, and base plates - for its high strength and weldability.
- Transportation: Truck frames, trailer components, and railcar parts - due to its durability and cost-effectiveness.
- Heavy Equipment: Excavator buckets, bulldozer blades, and machine frames - for its toughness and resistance to abrasion.
- Industrial Fabrication: Machinery mounts, support brackets, and conveyor system frames - because it's easily formed and welded.
- Infrastructure: Bridge components, gusset plates, and support structures - for reliable load-bearing performance.
- Agriculture: Tractor implements, farm equipment frames, and enclosures - for its ruggedness and ease of repair.
- Shipbuilding: Hull plates and internal structural members - where strength and weldability are essential.
Working with Hot Rolled Steel
Machining
Hot rolled steel has fair machinability. The scaly mill surface can be abrasive to tooling; removing it before machining is recommended for better tool life. Slower speeds and heavier feeds are often used compared to cold rolled steel. Use of coolant is advised.
Welding
Exhibits excellent weldability using all common welding methods, including SMAW, GMAW (MIG), and FCAW. Preheating is typically not required for thinner sections of mild steel grades like A36, but may be necessary for thicker sections or higher carbon grades.
Finishing
The surface has a blue-grey, scaly finish from the mill. It can be painted, powder-coated, or galvanized after proper surface preparation, which includes descaling via grinding, sandblasting, or acid pickling to ensure proper adhesion.
Grades Comparison
| Grade | Tensile (PSI) | Yield (PSI) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| A36 | 58,000-80,000 | 36,000 | General structural, excellent welding |
| A572-50 | 65,000 | 50,000 | High-strength structural applications |
| 1018 | 63,800 | 53,700 | General purpose, improved machinability |
| 1045 | 82,000 | 45,000 | Higher hardness and wear-resistance parts |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between hot rolled and cold rolled steel?
A: Hot rolled steel is processed at high temperatures, resulting in a scaly surface and looser tolerances but excellent formability. Cold rolled steel is processed at room temperature, providing a smooth finish, tighter tolerances, and increased hardness.
Q: Does hot rolled steel rust?
A: Yes, hot rolled carbon steel does not have inherent corrosion resistance and will rust if exposed to moisture. It must be painted, galvanized, or otherwise coated for protection in corrosive environments.
Q: Can I weld ASTM A36 steel easily?
A: Yes, A36 is one of the easiest steels to weld. It has excellent weldability and does not typically require pre-heating or post-weld heat treatment for sections under 1.5 inches thick.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available in a wide range of standard mill sizes across plate, sheet, bar, angle, and channel profiles. Common lengths are 20 ft for structural shapes and 12 ft for bar stock.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
View Sizes & PricingNeed Hot Rolled Steel? Contact Bobco Metals for availability and Los Angeles pickup.
Request a Quote Ask an Expert
