Varmvalsade

Varmvalsade is a term used in Swedish and Nordic contexts to describe metal products produced by hot rolling. The word combines varm, meaning warm or hot, with valsade, the past participle of the verb valsa or valsa som means to roll. In practice, varmvalsade materials are typically produced by heating slabs or billets above their recrystallization temperature and passing them through rolling stands to form shapes such as plates, sheets, bars, or structural sections. The process often leaves an oxide scale on the surface and yields a relatively coarse grain structure.

Properties of varmvalsade products reflect their production method. Because deformation occurs above recrystallization, the process is energy-efficient and well suited to large-scale production, making varmvalsade items generally economical relative to cold-rolled equivalents. They usually have looser tolerances and a rougher surface finish, with mill scale that may require descaling. Mechanical properties can vary by alloy and thickness, but hot-rolled materials typically offer good ductility and weldability, with strength levels suitable for many structural and industrial applications. Residual stresses may be present and can influence shaping and finishing.

Applications of varmvalsade materials are broad. They include structural shapes such as beams, channels, and angles; plates and sheets for construction and engineering projects; rails and pipes in transport and infrastructure; and as feedstock for further processing, including pickling, coating, or cold rolling to achieve tighter tolerances and smoother surfaces.

In English usage, varmvalsade is commonly translated as hot-rolled (or, less commonly, warm-rolled) steel and similar metals. The term is widely used in Swedish technical literature and industry to distinguish hot-rolled products from cold-rolled equivalents.