Question 1

What is the main difference between HR coil and CR coil?

Accepted Answer

HR (hot rolled) coil is produced by rolling steel slabs at temperatures above 900°C. The metal is easier to shape at that heat, but the surface develops mill scale and dimensional tolerances are wider (typically ±0.3 mm or more on thickness). CR (cold rolled) coil starts as HR coil that is pickled to remove scale and then rolled again at room temperature. This extra step produces a smoother, brighter surface, tighter thickness tolerances (often ±0.05 to ±0.10 mm), and improved flatness. Because of the additional processing, CR coil usually costs more per tonne than equivalent-grade HR coil.

Question 2

What are the typical thickness ranges and uses for HR and CR coils?

Accepted Answer

HR coils are commonly available from about 1.6 mm up to 25 mm thick and are used for structural sections, pipes and tubes, railway wagons, ship plates, pressure vessels, and general fabrication where surface finish is not critical. CR coils typically range from 0.15 mm to about 3.0 mm and are used for automobile body panels, white goods (refrigerators, washing machines), furniture, electrical laminations, roofing sheets, and any application requiring a clean, paintable surface. If your application needs galvanising or colour coating, the base material is almost always CR.

Question 3

What specifications should I mention when buying HR or CR coil in India?

Accepted Answer

Always specify the steel grade (for example, IS 2062 E250 for structural HR, or IS 513 D or DD for deep-drawing CR), the exact thickness and width you need, the acceptable tolerance band, the coil inner diameter (508 mm or 610 mm are standard), and the preferred coil weight range (typically 5 to 25 tonnes per coil). Mention whether you need mill test certificates (MTC) and whether the material should be from a primary mill (like SAIL, Tata, JSW, or AMNS) or if secondary or re-rolling mill material is acceptable. For CR, also clarify the surface finish (bright, matte, or skin-passed) and whether you need oiling for rust protection during transit.

Question 4

Should I buy HR or CR coil from a mill directly or from a stockist?

Accepted Answer

Mill-direct purchases typically offer lower per-tonne prices, but mills require larger minimum order quantities (often one full truckload of 20 to 25 tonnes or more, sometimes a full heat or lot). Lead times can be 2 to 6 weeks depending on the mill and grade. Stockists and distributors hold ready inventory and can supply smaller quantities quickly, but charge a margin above mill prices. For regular, high-volume needs, mill-direct is more economical. For smaller or urgent orders, a reputable stockist is the practical choice. Sauda sources quotes from both mills and verified stockists so you can compare and pick what suits your order size and timeline.

Question 5

Is Sauda really free for buyers? How does it make money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sauda is completely free for buyers. There are no fees, commissions, or hidden charges on the buyer side. Sauda earns from the supplier side of the transaction. You simply send your requirement on WhatsApp (https://wa.me/919987549010), and Sauda's team finds matching suppliers, verifies them, negotiates pricing, and returns the cheapest live quotes to you within 24 hours.

Question 6

How does Sauda verify HR and CR coil suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Sauda checks each supplier's GST filings and GST return history before presenting a quote. This helps confirm that the supplier is a genuinely active, tax-compliant business rather than a dormant listing or a fraudulent entity. The verification step is especially important in steel trading, where large order values make it critical to deal with legitimate, financially active firms. Once verified, Sauda contacts the supplier, confirms live pricing and stock availability, and negotiates on your behalf before sharing the quote with you.

HR Coil vs CR Coil: Key Differences and How to Buy in India

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