Steel coils and their destination - Trains.com Forums

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QUOTE: Originally posted by M.W. Hemphill

With competitive price and timely delivery, Hunter Special Steel Co., Ltd sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Band steel (which is usually coiled for shipment) emerges from the primary steel mill as hot-rolled band, and is either rolled again in a cold-rolling mill to improve its surface properties, strength, and hardness, or consumed. Products that hot-rolled band makes include tanks, silos, corrugated galvanized roofing sheets, highway guardrails, truck bumpers, farm machinery, car stereo speaker brackets, bed frames, shelf brackets – basically anything that is stamped, rolled into shapes, bent, or curved – in which a glass-smooth, blemish-free surface finish is not required.

If surface finish is important, hot-rolled band is rerolled in a cold-rolling mill, which also gives the steel toughness, hardness, and strength. Products made from cold-rolled steel include auto body panels, home appliance shells, cans (after tinplating), file cabinets and desks – anything that will be required to have a smooth finish, and anything that has to be both thin AND strong. Cold-band is much more expensive than hot-band because there’s so much more processing involved, plus a lot of the input material is spoiled.

A washing machine uses both hot-band and cold-band steel: the shell uses cold band to give it strength and a slick finish; all the brackets inside that hold the motor and pump and controls are hot-band, or are made from the trimmings from the cold-band.

To some degree you can determine what a coil will be used for, and where it came from and where it’s going, by the type of car it’s loaded into and where you see it. Hot-band is shipped in open coil cars if it’s still hot or if it’s finish properties aren’t important – either the user is making something like steel tanks, or will pickle it (dip it in sulfuric acid) before doing something with it. Cold band is wrapped in paper or shipped in covered cars, or both. Most of the cold-rolling mills are concentrated in a crescent around the Great Lakes from Chicago to Ham

Barges Bring the coil down river.

I hauled Aluminum coils to Anhauser Busch in Williamsburg Va for cans. I know it is not steel coil, but these were more prone to roll over.

I also used a reefer tractor trailer to haul Brass in coil form to Remington Arms in Arkansas for conversion to Cartidge cases. They had to be 60 degrees and 40% humidity no matter the weather outside.

Appliances consume coils by the mile.

A favorite industry that used steel coil were pipe makers. They would take a big coil of steel and wind it while welding in a spiral. Once finished there was a 3 foot 40 foot pipe ready to go on the truck.

I also think that steel coil was used to create cables and wires of metal… I will have to look that one up.

Lee

Yes, I know that at least some of the coils come from USS Gary on the EJ&E, then come onto the Iowa at Joliet.

A very large portion of coil traffic is actually not going to the end user, but to another plant for further processing. The BNSF Steel Trains are often an example of this, like the JOLPIT that goes to POSCO in California for further processing. There’s also simple single spur trackside rail to truck places that some coil loads can go to. There’s one here in the L.A. Harbor that is served by the PHL. It’s nothing more then a short spur next to a gravel lot where heavy-duty forklifts take the coils off the gons or open coil cars, and transfer it to trucks. I’ve seen similar places that can handle hooded cars with a crane. Also near that location is a similar business that has a small warehouse. That place gets the hooded cars from many roads, including NS, EJ&E, Indiana Harbor, and others.

For more information, please visit Galvanized Steel Coil Manufacturers.

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Galvanized Steel Coil: A Fundamental Building Block with Endless Applications

In the realm of construction, manufacturing, and various industries, galvanized steel coil stands as a crucial and versatile material that has been playing a significant role for decades. This blog post aims to explore the world of galvanized steel coil, understanding what it is, its characteristics, applications, and the value it brings to different sectors.

What is a Galvanized Steel Coil?

A galvanized steel coil is a sheet of steel that has been coated with a layer of zinc. The process of galvanization involves immersing the steel in a bath of molten zinc or applying zinc through a galvanizing process such as hot-dip galvanization or electrogalvanization. This zinc coating serves as a protective barrier against corrosion, significantly enhancing the durability and lifespan of the steel. The steel coil is then wound into a roll for convenient storage, transportation, and further processing.

Characteristics of Galvanized Steel Coil

1. Corrosion Resistance

The primary characteristic of a galvanized steel coil is its remarkable resistance to corrosion. The zinc coating acts as a sacrificial layer, protecting the underlying steel from the effects of moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive agents. In the event of exposure to the environment, the zinc will corrode before the steel, thereby prolonging the life of the material. This makes galvanized steel coils suitable for use in a wide variety of outdoor and indoor applications where exposure to the elements is a concern.

2. Strength and Durability

Steel itself is a strong and durable material, and the addition of the galvanized coating further enhances its durability. Galvanized steel coils can withstand mechanical stress, impacts, and abrasions, making them reliable for use in structural applications and in environments where the material may be subject to wear and tear. They maintain their integrity and strength over time, ensuring the safety and stability of the structures or products in which they are used.

3. Formability

Despite the added coating, galvanized steel coils retain good formability. They can be easily bent, shaped, and fabricated into different forms and profiles. This allows for the production of a wide range of products such as roofing panels, gutters, pipes, and automotive parts. Manufacturers can utilize various manufacturing processes like stamping, rolling, and welding to transform the galvanized steel coil into the desired end product without compromising the quality or integrity of the material.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

Galvanized steel coils have a distinct, silvery-gray appearance that can add a touch of industrial elegance to a project. While the aesthetic may not be as bold or colorful as some other materials, it has a timeless and utilitarian charm. In some cases, the galvanized finish can also be further enhanced or modified through painting or other surface treatments to match specific design requirements or to create a more customized look.

5. Cost-Effective

Considering its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements, galvanized steel coil is a cost-effective choice. The initial investment in galvanized steel may be slightly higher than some uncoated steels, but the savings in terms of replacement costs and reduced maintenance over the life of the product more than make up for the difference. Its durability means fewer replacements and repairs, resulting in overall cost savings for businesses and projects.

Applications of Galvanized Steel Coil

1. Construction Industry

• Roofing and Siding: Galvanized steel coils are widely used in the manufacturing of roofing panels and siding for buildings. Their corrosion resistance and durability make them an ideal choice for protecting the structure from the elements. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and UV exposure, while maintaining their appearance and functionality.
• Structural Components: In construction, galvanized steel coils are used for fabricating structural members such as beams, columns, and braces. The strength and durability of the material ensure the stability and safety of the building structure. Additionally, the corrosion resistance of the galvanized coating helps to protect these components from rust and degradation, especially in areas with high humidity or near the coast.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Galvanized steel is commonly used for making gutters and downspouts due to its ability to resist corrosion and its formability, which allows for easy shaping and installation. These components are essential for directing rainwater away from the building, and the durability of galvanized steel ensures they will perform effectively for many years.

2. Automotive Industry

The automotive sector makes extensive use of galvanized steel coils. They are used in the manufacturing of car bodies, chassis components, and various interior and exterior parts. The corrosion resistance of galvanized steel helps to protect the vehicle from rust and deterioration, enhancing its lifespan and resale value. The material's strength and formability also enable manufacturers to create complex shapes and designs that meet the aesthetic and functional requirements of modern automobiles.

3. Appliance Manufacturing

Refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and other household appliances often utilize galvanized steel coils for their exterior casings and some internal components. The corrosion-resistant properties of the galvanized steel protect the appliances from moisture and other environmental factors, ensuring their durability and performance in a household setting. The material's aesthetic appeal and ability to be easily formed also contribute to the design and functionality of the appliances.

4. Industrial and Manufacturing Applications

• Storage Tanks and Containers: Galvanized steel coils are used in the production of storage tanks and containers for a variety of substances, including water, chemicals, and fuels. The corrosion resistance of the material is crucial in preventing leakage and contamination, while its strength and durability ensure the safety and longevity of the storage facilities.
• Fencing and Guardrails: Galvanized steel is a popular choice for manufacturing fencing and guardrails due to its strength, durability, and low maintenance requirements. It can withstand outdoor conditions and provide a reliable barrier for security and safety purposes.
• Cable Trays and Conduits: In electrical installations, galvanized steel coils are used to fabricate cable trays and conduits. The material provides protection to the electrical cables and conduits from corrosion and mechanical damage, ensuring the smooth operation and safety of the electrical systems.

The Future of Galvanized Steel Coil

As technology continues to advance, the production and quality of galvanized steel coils are also evolving. New galvanizing processes are being developed to improve the coating's uniformity, thickness control, and adhesion to the steel substrate. This will further enhance the corrosion resistance and overall performance of the material. Additionally, research is focused on making the galvanizing process more environmentally friendly, reducing waste and energy consumption.

In conclusion, galvanized steel coil is a fundamental and indispensable material in numerous industries. Its combination of corrosion resistance, strength, formability, and cost-effectiveness makes it a preferred choice for a wide range of applications. Whether it's building a sturdy structure, manufacturing a reliable vehicle, or producing durable appliances, galvanized steel coil continues to prove its value. As we look towards the future, this versatile material is likely to remain an important part of our industrial and construction landscapes, evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of different sectors. Understanding the characteristics and applications of galvanized steel coil can help us make more informed decisions and utilize this valuable material to its fullest potential.

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