Hot Rolled vs Forged – What’s the Difference?

Hot rolled and forged are two common processes for shaping metal. Let’s break down what hot rolled and forged are and how they work so you can choose which one is right for your project.

What is hot rolled?

Hot rolled is a process that shapes metal by passing it through two rollers at high temperatures. The roller exerts pressure on the metal, compressing it and forming it into the desired shape. This makes it ideal for large-scale projects that require quick turnaround times. Additionally, hot rolled typically results in a stronger, more uniform product than other methods of shaping metal.

What is Forged?

Forged uses hammers or presses to deform the metal into its desired shape. This process creates a stronger bond between atoms within the metal as well as adds strength to individual molecules. This makes forged an ideal choice for creating parts with intricate details or where strength is important—like tools or weapons.

Difference Between Hot Rolled and Forged

Forged can produce stronger and more durable metal products. Forged can be used to create complex shapes that would be difficult to create with hot rolled.

Hot rolled is faster and less expensive than forged. Hot-rolled products may have inferior surface quality when compared to forged products.