Germany, a country well known for its high material quality and its highly developed educational, industrial and scientific communities, has long been a leader in the development and production of high-quality steel. Alloy steel has been important to Germany since the 19th century and continues to be to this day. Alloy steel is steel mixed with elements such as tin, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, or tungsten, which give it increased strength and corrosion resistance. Germany has various types of alloy steel based on the steel grade. For example, German quality steel (DIN) grade 1047 is a special alloy steel containing 0.45 weight percent Nickel, 0.30 weight percent chromium, and 0.025 weight percent molybdenum, along with traces of other elements.
Currently, Germany is one of the leading countries in steel production and consumption. In 2014, approximately 27 million tons of crude steel were produced; this accounts for approximately 8% of the worlds total steel production. Germany is also the largest secondary steel processor in the European Union and is home to many high-grade steel processing companies such as ThysssenKrupp and Max Aicher. Steel is used in many applications and industries such as the automotive and construction sectors.
Due to the importance of steel in Germany, stringent standards are adhered to in every steel production process. German quality steel is known for its high strength and corrosion-resistant properties. The German quality steel must adhere to very exacting standards, including mechanical testing, chemical composition analysis, and non-destructive testing. German quality steel is often specified by the German Institute of Standardization (DIN). DIN grades are determined by the chemical composition, mechanical characteristics and corrosion resistance of the steel grade.
These DIN grades are divided into different alloy steel classes, such as stainless steel, tool steel, and alloy structural steel. Different alloy grades, such as 1.2316 and 1.2767 are specified by DIN and have distinct chemical compositions and properties. For instance, 1.2316 alloy steel is a martensitic steel composed of 12.5-14.5% chromium, 0.45-0.7% molybdenum, 1.0-2.0% nickel and 0.10-0.25% carbon. It has excellent wear-resistance, corrosion resistance and overall strength.
In addition, Germany is also the home to a variety of other steel grades and standards. The German Quality Standard (GQS) is another type of steel that adheres to specifications set by Germany’s Federal Agency for Materials and Testing (BAM). It is used for structural applications and requires a given tensile strength and a specified chemical composition. This type of steel is often used for construction-level steel for bridges and buildings, as well as for heavy-duty industrial and agricultural machinery.
Overall, Germany is well known for producing high-quality steel and is a leader in the production and use of alloy steel. From stainless steel, tool steel and alloy structural steel to German quality steel or GQS steel, each has unique properties and applications. Germany’s attention to detail and stringency in production processes ensure that all steel manufactured or specified in the country meets the highest quality standards.
