Sheet & PLATE
SUPPLIER OF SPECIAL METALS
Sheet & Plate
Nickel Alloys Sheet and Plate. We supply an extensive range of Nickel Alloys sheet and plate for fabrication and engineering applications. Sheets can be precision cut to meet your specification along with a number of surface finishes.
Material
- Nickel Alloys
- Expansion Alloys
Dimensions
Strip
- Cold-rolled strip 0.15-4 × 200 mm
- Hot-rolled strip 4-22 × 200 mm
Sheet
- Cold-rolled sheet 0.5-4 × 1000 × 2000 mm
- Hot-rolled sheet 4-22 × 1000 × 2000 mm
Cold rolling and hot rolling are two different methods of shaping and forming metal. They involve the application of heat and pressure to modify the shape and properties of metal sheets or bars. Here are the key differences between cold rolling and hot rolling:
Temperature
- Hot Rolling: The metal is rolled at a temperature above its recrystallization temperature. This temperature is typically higher than 1700°F (926°C) for steel. The metal remains in a pliable state during hot rolling.
- Cold Rolling: The metal is rolled at a temperature below its recrystallization temperature. This is usually done at room temperature or slightly above. Cold rolling hardens the metal and improves its mechanical properties.
Material Hardening
- Hot Rolling: The metal undergoes less work hardening because it is above its recrystallization temperature. It results in a product with less strength and hardness compared to cold-rolled material.
- Cold Rolling: The metal undergoes significant work hardening, resulting in increased strength, hardness, and improved surface finish.
Surface Finish
- Hot Rolling: The surface finish may not be as smooth as in cold-rolled products. Hot-rolled products often have a scaly finish due to the oxidation that occurs at high temperatures.
- Cold Rolling: Produces a smoother and more polished surface finish because the process is carried out at lower temperatures, reducing oxidation.
Dimensional Tolerance and Accuracy:
- Hot Rolling: Generally has looser tolerances and less precise dimensions compared to cold rolling.
- Cold Rolling: Offers tighter tolerances and more accurate dimensions, making it suitable for applications that require precision.
Energy Consumption:
- Hot Rolling: Requires more energy because of the elevated temperatures involved in the process.
- Cold Rolling: Typically consumes less energy since it is performed at or near room temperature.
Applications:
- Hot Rolling: Commonly used for producing large, thick sections, such as steel plates, structural shapes, and railroad tracks.
- Cold Rolling: Suitable for producing thinner sheets, foils, and precision parts where dimensional accuracy and surface finish are critical.
Both hot rolling and cold rolling have their advantages and are chosen based on the specific requirements of the end product and the desired material properties.
Sheets and strips are both forms of flat-rolled metal products, but they differ primarily in their dimensions and applications. Here are the key differences between metal sheets and strips:
Width and Thickness:
- Sheet: Generally, sheets are defined by their width and thickness. They are typically wider than strips and have a more substantial thickness. Sheets can vary in thickness but are generally thicker than 0.188 inches (4.763 mm).
- Strip: Strips are narrow, elongated pieces of metal. They have a smaller width compared to sheets and are characterized by their thickness and width dimensions. Strips are often much thinner than sheets.
Length:
- Sheet: Sheets can have varying lengths, depending on the manufacturing process and the specific requirements of the application. They are often cut into specific lengths for particular uses.
- Strip: Strips can be produced in longer lengths, and they are often coiled for easier handling and transportation. The length of a strip can vary based on the manufacturing process and the customer’s needs.
Applications:
- Sheet: Sheets are commonly used in applications where a larger surface area is needed, such as roofing, cladding, automotive body panels, and general fabrication. They are often cut into specific shapes for use in various products.
- Strip: Strips are used in applications where a narrow and elongated piece of metal is required. This includes applications such as electrical components, precision components in manufacturing, and as raw material for further processing.
Precision and Tolerance:
- Sheet: Sheets are often produced with tighter tolerances and more precise dimensions, especially in terms of width and length. This is important for applications where precise dimensions are critical.
- Strip: Strips can also be produced with tight tolerances, but the focus may be more on the thickness and width dimensions rather than the overall surface area.
Manufacturing Process:
- Sheet: Sheets can be produced through various processes, including hot rolling, cold rolling, and other forming methods.
- Strip: Strips are typically produced through processes such as cold rolling or slitting, where a wider coil is cut into narrower strips.
In summary, the main differences between metal sheets and strips lie in their dimensions, with sheets being wider and thicker, while strips are narrower and often thinner. The choice between sheet and strip depends on the specific requirements of the intended application.