What is Cold Rolled Coil (CRC)?
Cold Rolled Coil (CRC) refers to flat steel that undergoes cold reduction after hot rolling and pickling. This process occurs at room temperature, which strengthens the steel through strain hardening and improves both surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
Key Features of CRC:
- Smooth and shiny surface
- Accurate dimensions
- Increased strength
- Excellent formability and weldability
Thanks to these properties, CRC is ideal for products where appearance and precision matter.
Production Process
- First, manufacturers descale hot rolled coils using acid pickling.
- Next, the steel passes through cold reduction mills without reheating.
- Afterward, they anneal the material to remove internal stress.
- Lastly, optional temper rolling or skin-passing improves the final surface and shape consistency.
This step-by-step method ensures a high-quality finish and reliable mechanical performance.
Industrial Applications of CRC
Many industries rely on CRC due to its durability, smooth finish, and consistency:
- Automotive: Used for body panels, fuel tanks, and internal parts.
- Appliances: Common in refrigerator shells, washing machine frames, and ovens.
- Electrical: Found in motor casings and transformer cores.
- Furniture: Makes office desks, lockers, and shelves.
- Construction: Used for roofing, doors, and partition panels.
Major Product Types and Technical Properties
| Product Type | Surface Finish | Tensile Strength | Main Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Quality CRC | Matte or glossy | ~270–340 MPa | Furniture, panels, general fabrication |
| Drawing Quality CRC | Smooth and clean | ~300–370 MPa | Car parts, deep-drawn metal items |
| Deep Drawing CRC | Superior surface | ~270–350 MPa | Appliances, complex body shapes |
| Full Hard CRC | No annealing | ≥420 MPa | Rigid structures, construction parts |
| Skin Passed CRC | Lightly processed | Varies | Household appliances, flatness control |
Turkey’s Competitive Edge in CRC Production and Export
Turkey has become a hub for cold rolled steel, thanks to modern facilities and logistical advantages. In fact, the country exports to Europe, MENA, and Central Asia.
Competitive Advantages:
- Convenient location for fast shipping
- Advanced mills in places like Gebze and Iskenderun
- Wide compliance with EN 10130, ISO 9001, and CE standards
- Customization based on specific buyer needs
Additionally, Turkish producers offer flexible delivery schedules and multilingual support, which boosts buyer confidence.
Export Markets and CRC Demand Mapping
| Country/Region | Popular CRC Grades | Key End Uses |
| Germany | Deep Drawing, Skin Passed | Cars, white goods |
| United Kingdom | Commercial Quality, Drawing | Furniture, office fixtures |
| UAE | Full Hard, Commercial | Warehousing, modular buildings |
| Morocco | Drawing Quality, Skin Passed | Cabinets, electronics |
| Ukraine | Full Hard, Deep Drawing | Appliances, car frames |
Logistics & Handling
Turkish suppliers usually deliver CRC coils that weigh between 10 to 25 metric tons. Each coil is wrapped in VCI paper, covered with stretch film, and protected with edge guards. Depending on the destination, companies ship CRC via container vessels or rail freight.
Main export ports include Mersin, Ambarlı, and Derince.
Conclusion
Cold Rolled Coil plays a vital role in industries that demand accuracy and visual appeal. Turkey’s ability to deliver high-quality CRC with short lead times and full compliance has made it a trusted source. Moving forward, Turkey is set to expand its footprint with smarter manufacturing and more diversified markets.