Cold rolling steel is a method that is used to provide a dense, dimensionally precise piece of steel. The most commonly used grade of stainless steel is 304. All stainless steels are a specific alloy mix.

Cold Rolled Steel

Cold rolled steel, also called CRS, is a process used to finish steel. Hot rolled steel is steel that is still warm enough to be malleable and run through pressure rollers. After cleaning, when the steel has cooled and is no longer elastic, the steel is then put through power rollers and cold rolled. This produces a product that has a fine, smooth finish.

304 Stainless Steel

The most commonly used grade of stainless steel is 304. Another name for 304 is 18/8 because it is 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel. These additions make it resistant to corrosion.

CRS vs. 304 Stainless Steel

The difference between CRS and 304 stainless steel is that CRS is a process and 304 is an alloy. Steel, hot or cold rolled, will rust and corrode. It is used in applications where that is not a consideration. Stainless steel is an alloy with chromium and nickel that prevents rust and corrosion. It is used where rust and corrosion will be a problem. It is possible to buy 304 cold rolled stainless steel.