When is rolled blue steel used?

Rolled blue steel is cheaper than steel from which the mill scale has been removed (such as pickled steel). However, because the mill scale does not affect the mechanical properties of the steel, steel with mill scale is often chosen for budgetary reasons. 

In addition, the mill scale offers temporary light protection against corrosion.

Furthermore, we are also seeing rolled blue steel becoming increasingly popular in interiors. This is due to its industrial look. Please note that mill scale never looks the same and can vary in intensity. 

In the following cases, steel with mill scale is not chosen:

• If a coating or paint needs to adhere
• If tight tolerances are required