Hot rolled coil (HRC) is a fundamental semi-finished steel product and a primary commodity in the global metals market. Manufactured through a hot rolling process at temperatures typically above 1,700°F (925°C), HRC is characterized by its strength, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. It serves as the essential raw material for a vast array of downstream industries and applications, forming the backbone of infrastructure, manufacturing, and transportation.

　　Key Characteristics & Advantages

　　The hot rolling process imparts several distinct advantages to the steel:

　　High Strength and Formability: The extreme heat allows the steel to be easily shaped and formed into larger sizes without cracking, resulting in a product with excellent mechanical properties for structural applications.

　　Cost-Efficiency: As a continuously produced commodity, HRC offers an exceptional price-to-performance ratio, making it the most economical choice for large-scale projects.

　　Scalability: Produced in wide coils and substantial thicknesses, it enables efficient manufacturing of large parts.

　　Natural Surface Scale: The process creates a bluish-grey oxide layer (mill scale) on the surface. While sometimes removed for certain applications, this is a hallmark of the hot-rolled product.

　　Production Process

　　The journey of HRC begins with a continuously cast slab of steel. The slab is first reheated to a high temperature in a furnace until it becomes malleable. It is then progressively rolled and reduced to the desired thickness through a series of rolling stands. The elongated steel is then coiled for efficient handling, transport, and further processing. The final product is typically supplied in coils of various weights and widths, with inner diameters suited for standard uncoiling equipment.

　　Primary Applications

　　HRC is rarely used in its raw form but is the critical input material for countless essential products and sectors:

　　Construction and Infrastructure: As feedstock for structural sections (I-beams, channels), sheet piling, and reinforcing bars used in buildings, bridges, and stadiums.

　　Automotive Industry: Used for manufacturing chassis components, wheel rims, and other structural parts that undergo further forming or processing.

　　Pipe and Tube Manufacturing: The primary material for producing large-diameter Welded pipes for pipelines, water transmission, and mechanical applications.

　　Industrial Machinery: Fabricated into frames, brackets, and guards for heavy machinery and agricultural equipment.

　　Further Processing: Often serves as the substrate for Cold rolled coil (CRC) and subsequent finishing processes like galvanizing or painting.

　　Standard Specifications & Grades

　　HRC is produced to meet various international standards (e.g., ASTM, DIN, JIS, GB) and is available in multiple grades based on chemical composition and mechanical properties, including:

　　Commercial Quality (CQ): For general forming and bending.

　　Structural Grades (e.g., ASTM A36): For construction with defined yield and tensile strength.

　　High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA): Grades offering enhanced strength and weight savings.

　　Typical Dimensions:

　　Thickness: 1.5mm to over 20mm

　　Width: 600mm to 2,100mm

　　Coil Weight: 5 to 35+ Metric Tons