Hello Friends,
On this page we are continuously trying to create awareness about the hospital furniture industry. Our blogs are centered on three common themes Buyer’s guide, User’s guide and Industry updates. This week onwards we are launching our fourth theme that is decoding the finer details. The first in the series is the hardly talked about the quality of sheets. This series is intended to create awareness about what exactly is the difference between hospital furniture and premium hospital furniture. How similar looking furniture is priced differently by different manufacturers.
et’s begin with understanding the two most common types of sheets the Hot Rolled Sheets (HR) and Cold Rolled Sheets (CR Sheets also called as Cold Rolled Close Annealed, CRCA Sheets).
Key Takeaways
- HR Sheets are cost-effective and used in industrial applications but have a rough finish and lower dimensional accuracy.
- CRCA Sheets are processed for higher strength, precision, and a smooth finish, making them ideal for hospital furniture.
- While CRCA sheets are better suited for hospital environments, many manufacturers use HR sheets to lower costs and win price-based competition. This compromises quality.
- As a buyer if you want to buy cheaper furniture, we wish that you make an informed choice.
HR sheets, also known as hot-rolled sheets, are steel sheets produced by a process called hot rolling, where steel is heated to a high temperature and then rolled into sheets. These sheets are known for their strength, versatility, and ability to be shaped into various forms. They are commonly used in industrial applications like construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries.
CRCA sheets, standing for Cold Rolled Close Annealed sheets, are steel sheets that have undergone a specific process to improve their strength and surface finish. This process involves cold rolling, where the steel is rolled at temperatures below the recrystallization temperature, followed by annealing in a controlled atmosphere.
Lets us understand the difference
| Processing | Rolled at room temperature for precision | Rolled at high temperature for easier shaping |
| Surface Finish | Smooth, clean, and shiny | Rough, scaly surface (may require finishing) |
| Dimensional Accuracy | High – tight tolerances and uniform shape | Moderate – wider tolerances and less uniform shape |
| Strength & Hardness | Higher – due to strain hardening | Lower – unless further processed |
| Cost | Higher – more processing involved | Lower – cost-effective for bulk and structural use |
| Typical Applications | Car body panels, appliances, furniture | Construction beams, frameworks, general engineering |
Which is better HR Sheets or CRCA Sheets?
CRCA (Cold Rolled Close Annealed) sheets are generally considered better than HR (Hot Rolled) sheets for applications requiring superior strength, formability, and surface finish. CRCA sheets offer enhanced mechanical properties due to the cold rolling process, making them more durable and suitable for precision applications.
CRCA sheets, known for their precision and surface finish, are ideal for applications demanding aesthetic quality, such as automotive body panels, furniture, and appliances. HR sheets, on the other hand, are preferred for cost-effective, high-strength applications like construction, infrastructure, and heavy machinery, where precision is less critical.
Many hospital furniture manufacturers are using HR Sheets which are not meant to be used for manufacturing hospital furniture just because it makes the end product cost cheaper and helps them win the price war. There is space for all kinds of businesses and products in the market all we want is that they make an informed choice about what they are purchasing. We want to create awareness that hospital furniture may look same but there are many hidden facts that affect the cost of the product to the end user.
Key Message: Not all hospital furniture is created equal. Buyers should make informed decisions, based on genuine understanding of the hidden material differences. To create a quality product, there is imperative need of quality raw materials.
We hope that you liked our blog. We are thrilled to know what you think of our insights. We would really appreciate your feedback on our blogs. Please share your views and opinions in the comments.
This is a Buyer Education Initiative by Ankitech Hospital Furniture.
