xjr10

Is it OK to use hot rolled steel for control arm brackets?

long_and_greasy

You should probably post this in the Fabrication forums.

xjr10

Last time I knew it wasn't for questions.

DJKnightmare

" Fabrication is reserved for completed and under going projects, not for questions and general chat about fabrication. "

Quoted as per the Moderators of CF

But as to the original question, I don't know, but someone on here should know.

scbrooks87

This link may be helpful:
http://metalsupermarkets.com/blog/di...-rolled-steel/


Cold rolled steel will be a little bit stronger than hot rolled steel, but I'm honestly not sure if that difference of strength will be a problem for your application.

Atmos

for control arm.. brackets? You are using round steel for your brackets?

either way, the strength of the steel is fine. It will be the design of the bracket that matters

if you were going to make hrew control ARMS you stand a great risk of bending them

xjr10

No....hot roll flat plate...

xjr10

I know the difference just curious as to whether or not it's ok to use.

Atmos

that's the same mild steel that everyone uses. it's plenty strong as long as you have a decent design/bracing

xjr10

Did you look at the link above? There is a decent strength difference and visual difference. I've just never seen anyone using hot roll.

Ron& Lisa

Hot roll/formed Is going to rust pretty fast versus cold form steel.
IMO- Cold roll is way better material!

Atmos

Yep. That's mild carbon steel. Which is pretty much what you're gonna get at your local scrap yard. Nothing to be worried about

Ianf406

The difference in "strength" between cold roll and hot roll is fairly negligible when comparing similar alloys. In general, cold roll is harder (but not always.. look at T1 and the like).

I work in a steel yard and for something like that, it's my opinion that you should not spend the extra cash. The main reason cold roll is more desirable at times is its machineability and lack of defects. Also in thinner gauges (22-24) it will hold form much better. You'll be fine with regular mild steel. It is what everyone uses. As for it rusting, get some 588 if you are worried about it. It is supposed to last nearly forever. Or do what everyone else does and paint it.

We sell and process millions of lbs of hot rolled product for almost everything you can imagine.. trailers, farm equipment, construction companies, custom car builders, roll cages, railroad bridges. We generally only sell cold roll to machinists, black smiths or in other aplications where perfection is crucial.

I'm short, save your cash. Use what everyone else does.

Ianf406

That is not true. Cold roll is usually covered in an oil to protect it from rust because the perfectly smooth face/dimensions are what is desired. In order for your paint to adhear, it will have to be removed. Hot roll is usually not as the surface is not as crucial. The composition of the alloy determines how fast it rusts. Not the process in which it was made.

Cold roll is a better material... but not for any reason applicable for use in control arm brackets.

xjr10

Ya...kinda wondered on that one. And I get small pieces for free so I'm not losing any money