What is the difference of cold rolled steel and galvanized steel?

Galvanized and Cold Rolled Steel:

All steels are alloys of carbon and iron, but different steel products may vary in their composition or in the process used to make them. Two common types of steel are galvanized and cold-rolled steel. Each type is prepared through a different process and has its own merits and applications.

Hot-dip galvanized (HDG)

Hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel is often just called galvanized steel, although the full name is more correct. HDG steel products are created by dipping a steel product into a vat of molten zinc. A thin layer of zinc adheres to the steel and quickly oxidizes in the surrounding atmosphere. Zinc has a lower oxidation-reduction potential than iron, which means it reacts more readily with the oxygen in the air, providing protection to the steel underneath and significantly extending its lifespan.

Cold-rolling

Cold-rolling steel is a shaping process used to make the steel more suitable for its intended use. Cold-rolling is a process that occurs after the steel has recrystallized, although it may still be warm. The steel is passed between sets of rollers that slightly alter its shape, allowing for the production of shapes such as cylinders, I-beams, and sheets.

The steel is passed between sets of rollers that slightly alter its shape, allowing for the production of shapes such as cylinders, I-beams, and sheets. This process can be compared to other methods of shaping steel. The steel is passed between sets of rollers that slightly alter its shape, allowing for the production of shapes such as cylinders, I-beams, and sheets. The type and arrangement of the rollers used determine the final shape of the steel.

Cold-rolling and galvanization are not mutually exclusive. In fact, cold-rolled steel can be galvanized because cold-rolling is a technique for forming the steel, whereas HDG is a technique for treating it to protect it from corrosion. Galvanized steel generally has much better corrosion resistance, although it is less suitable for high-temperature conditions. Despite being susceptible to damage and scratches, the zinc layer will continue to provide corrosion protection.

Strength

Although cold-rolled steel can be galvanized, products you buy that are made from galvanized steel may also have been formed through hot-rolling. Compared to cold-rolling, hot-rolled steel has higher yield strength and less grain deformation, because the cold-rolling squashes the steel so that the microscopic “grain structure” resembles an oval shape. Cold-rolled steel has superior directional strength, which is valuable for certain high-load applications. Cold-rolled steel also has a superior surface finish compared to hot-rolled steel.

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