Hot-rolled carbon steel is necessary for building and maintaining the infrastructure and industries that keep Long Island moving forward. This steel, made by heating carbon steel and rolling it into various shapes, is used in a wide range of applications, from construction to heavy machinery.
At Half & Half Metal Supply, we’ve been supplying high-quality hot-rolled carbon steel products since 2007. We offer same-day estimates and next-day delivery on a variety of in-stock steel products, including hot-rolled rounds, squares, strips, flats, universal mill flats, reinforcing bars, hot-rolled T (bar size), and toprail (handrail). Whether you’re a small business or a local homeowner, we’re here to meet your needs.
Where You’ll Find Carbon Steel in Use
Industrial Buildings and Infrastructure
Hot-rolled carbon steel is essential in creating structural elements like beams and columns for major construction projects. Products like hot-rolled rounds, hot-rolled squares, and hot-rolled T (bar size) are often used to build these elements due to their strength and versatility. For example, the Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center) uses steel beams and columns that provide the necessary support to withstand environmental stresses like high winds and potential earthquakes.
Steel plates made from hot-rolled steel, such as universal mill flats, are critical in shipbuilding and large-scale construction projects. The USS Intrepid, a historic aircraft carrier now serving as a museum, was constructed using these steel plates, ensuring the durability of its hull and deck throughout years of service.
Reinforcing bars (rebar) are crucial in reinforced concrete structures, adding strength and support to buildings like the Empire State Building (seen left,) which relies on these steel rebars to maintain its structural integrity over the years.
The Long Beach Boardwalk, which was reconstructed after Hurricane Sandy, also relies on carbon steel.
Steel products like hot-rolled strips and toprail (handrail) were used as part of the foundation, drainage systems, and safety railings, helping to manage stormwater and support the boardwalk’s structure against future storms.
Residential Construction
In new home construction projects, builders are always looking for materials that offer strength, durability, and flexibility in design. Hot-rolled steel products such as hot-rolled flats are often used for custom staircases and modern interior designs, providing both strength and a sleek aesthetic. Steel beams and columns, made from products like hot-rolled rounds and squares, give the support needed for open floor plans and multi-story homes. Reinforcing concrete foundations with steel rebars also ensures the stability and longevity of residential buildings.
Manufacturing and Machinery
In the manufacturing sector, hot-rolled steel is indispensable for producing components for heavy machinery, including agricultural equipment, cranes, and industrial machines. Factories in areas like Hauppauge Industrial Park on Long Island rely on products such as hot-rolled strips and hot-rolled flats to manufacture and maintain the large-scale machinery necessary for their operations.
The agricultural industry also heavily relies on carbon steel. Modern farming requires robust equipment to increase yields and speed up product delivery. Hot-rolled steel is extensively used in producing tractors—large agricultural vehicles essential for plowing, tilling, planting, and fertilizing fields. The chassis, axles, and wheel discs of these tractors are made from hot-rolled steel. Additionally, hot-rolled rounds and universal mill flats are used to construct massive grain storage facilities and the pipelines needed for field irrigation.
In the railroad industry, ensuring safe and reliable train tracks is crucial. Specialized hot-rolled steel products, like hot-rolled T (bar size) and reinforcing bars, are used to enhance track stability and longevity.
These components are strategically placed to absorb the impact of train wheels, ensuring a smooth and dependable ride. Hot-rolled steel is also used in railway brake systems, which safely slow down freight carriages.
Supporting Industry with Storage Solutions
Warehouses and industrial facilities across Long Island need reliable storage solutions. Hot-rolled steel, including hot-rolled flats and toprail (handrail), is used to build heavy-duty storage racks and shelves, ensuring that large quantities of materials and equipment are stored safely and efficiently.
Advantages of Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel
Hot-rolled steel offers several practical advantages that make it a preferred choice across various industries:
- Easy to Manufacture: The process of making hot-rolled steel is straightforward, without needing extra treatments like welding or galvanizing.
- Cost-Effective: Hot-rolled steel is more affordable than cold-rolled steel. It cools at room temperature, avoiding the internal stresses that can occur during other processes.
- Flexible: The high temperatures used in the hot-rolling process make the steel easy to shape. It can be cut or formed into almost any shape required, unlike cold-rolled steel.
- Versatile: Because of its flexibility, hot-rolled steel has a wide range of applications. It’s often formed into sheet metal and is ideal for projects where the material needs to have some “give.”
Conclusion
Hot-rolled carbon steel is key to Long Island’s growth and development. From supporting iconic buildings to powering the machinery in agriculture and manufacturing, its applications are broad and essential. At Half & Half Metal Supply, we’re committed to delivering high-quality steel products and exceptional service. Whether you’re working on a large construction project or need materials for industrial use, we’re here to help with same-day estimates, next-day delivery, and over a decade of expertise. Ready to get started? Call us at 631-944-8500 today.
