Cold-finished steels are made by reducing the thickness of hot-rolled steels in a drawing mill without the application of additional heat. Cold-finished steel (or cold-drawn or cold-heading quality steel) is produced with the specific intention of reducing the section while also enhancing surface, mechanical and microstructural properties. This may involve additional heat treatment, such as annealing. 

Yes, our in-house technical team of metallurgists and engineers offers ongoing support from purchasing to project completion, helping customers save time and money. For example, if you have a project in mind but you are not sure of the ideal engineered bar product to use, our team will help you select the products that will best fit your needs and help you with solutions throughout the process. 

Cold-finished rounds: grades A108, 1018, 1045, 1117, NuCut 1215, 8620, 1141, 1144, 4140 annealed, 11L17, 11L41, 12L14, 86L20, 41L40, 1137 and 1144SR NU-STANDARD™ stress relieved to ASTM A-311 B and A36 in a wide range of sizes from 1/8” to 6”, depending on the product grade. Rounds are available to customer-specified lengths and typically sold in one- or two-ton bundles. 

Cold-finished steel squares: grades 1018, 1117, 1045, 4140, 1215 and 12L14 in sizes ranging from 7/16” to 5”, depending on the product grade.  
  
Cold-finished hexes: grades 1018, 12L14, 1215, 4140, 1117, 1141, 1144, 1144SR ASTM A311-B, ASTM A36, 41L40 and 1045 in sizes ranging from 5/16” to 4” depending upon the product grade.  

Cold-finished flats: grades 1018, 11L17, NuCut 1215 and 4140 in sizes 1-1/4” to 4” thickness and 1” to 8” width. 
  
Turned and polished: grades 1018, 1045, 1144, 8620 and 4140 in sizes ¾” to 4”. 
  
Turned, ground and polished: grades 1018, 1045, 1144, 8620 and 4140 in sizes ¾” to 4”. Grinding is available in a size range of 1/2″ to 4″. 
 
Additional grades and sizes may be available; please use the inquiry form or reach out to your Nucor representative to ask about your specific needs.  

Ends are available in sheared, sawcut, chamfered and any combination with chamfered ends. Please inquire about your specific needs. 

Cold-drawn specialty shape steel bars are processed through a die at room temperature, resulting in precise shapes and improved mechanical properties compared to hot-rolled steel. Nucor produces bars in a variety of rounds, squares, hexagons and flats. 

Special bar quality (SBQ) steel is a type of high-grade steel rod that Nucor engineers for demanding applications. When cold finished, it is designed for specific applications requiring excellent surface quality, precise mechanical properties and tight dimensional tolerances. It is frequently used in the production of components that must withstand high stress and fatigue in automotive, energy, industrial and similar industries.  

Hot-rolled steel is produced at high temperatures, making it easier to form large sections but leading to a rougher surface and looser dimensional tolerances. Cold-finished steel bar undergoes additional processing at lower temperatures, resulting in a smoother surface, more precise tolerances and increased strength. 

Cold-finished steel bars are specified because they provide better dimensional accuracy, a smoother surface and enhanced strength. Cold-finished bars offer advantages such as improved machinability, tighter tolerances and greater straightness, making them suitable for precision applications that demand a smooth finish.

Common uses for cold-finished or cold-drawn steel bars include machined parts, CNC machined parts, hydraulic fittings and valves, power tools, automotive components, engine and transmission parts, heavy machinery, household appliances, gun barrel quality (GBQ) for firearm components, industrial equipment, construction applications, fasteners and more.

Free machining steel (or free cutting steel) is a type of steel formulated for efficient and effortless machining. Its chemical composition promotes the formation of small, easily broken chips during the machining process, which helps to prevent clogs in machinery and reduces tool damage. This feature enables faster machining speeds, enhances productivity and extends the lifespan of tools. 

Selecting the right cold-finished steel comes down to understanding your application, required mechanical properties and desired surface finish. Steel purchasers should consider factors like strength, formability, dimensional tolerances, coating needs and compatibility with forming, welding or machining processes. Nucor’s technical team is available to help you evaluate your options and ensure the best fit for your project. 

Free-machining grades like 12L14 and 1215 are favored for their superior machinability, which leads to quicker production times, extended tool life and improved surface finishes. Nucor offers NuCut™ 1215 as a high-performance lead-free alternative to 12L14.

Although 1018 and other grades are reliable general-purpose steel, free-machining grades significantly enhance chip breaking and reduce friction, enabling higher cutting speeds and feeds. This results in reduced overall costs, even though the initial expense for the free-machining material may be slightly higher. 

No, cold-finished rounds do not always come with a chamfered end for automatic bar feeders. Although chamfering helps with smoother feeding and reduces problems such as machine faults and jams, it is not a standard option unless specifically requested. Please inquire about any end treatments you require, including sheared, sawcut or chamfered. 

Generally, cold-finished bars exhibit tighter tolerances than hot-rolled bars due to the additional cold-working processes involved in their production. Tolerances for cold-finished steel bars meet ASTM A108 standards and differ according to factors like carbon content, bar shape (round, square, etc.) and the particular cold finishing method used (cold-drawn, turned and polished, etc.). 

Yes, 1018 round stock is considered weldable. It is a low-carbon steel known for its good weldability, machinability, and formability. In most cases, it can be welded using standard processes without the need for preheating or post-heating.  

Cold-finished or cold-drawn wire (also known as brite basic wire) is a process that strengthens the steel by reducing its diameter without using heat. 

Yes, the main difference depends on the steel product and its manufacturing process. Cold-rolled steel refers to sheet or coil that has been rolled at a lower temperature to achieve a smooth surface, tight tolerances and improved strength and hardness. Alternatively, cold-finished (or cold-drawn) steel applies to bar products that are drawn or turned at a lower temperature to refine the product’s shape, straightness and surface finish for specific applications. 

Yes, we offer stretch wrapping and paper wrapping of coils or other steel products to provide a better-sealed package, reducing exposure to moisture, air or contaminants that could cause corrosion. 

Nucor manufactures a variety of bearing-quality steel grades tailored to satisfy the rigorous requirements of bearing applications, focusing on traits like hardness, wear resistance and fatigue strength.