AbstractThe mechanism of roping in two ferritic stainless steels (type 18·2 and type 430) has been studied. The effects of structure, substructure, and texture are considered in relation to hot and cold process parameters and results obtained from deep drawn cups and tensile specimens. The mechanism of roping is shown to result from differential yielding under tension, caused by heterogeneous bands of material which are developed during the hot rolling schedule. It is shown that small dispersions of austenite can prevent this banding effect.MST/335