Common Steel Product Terminology

Steel product terms

Hot Rolled Steel: Hot rolled steel is the most common type of steel used in the construction industry. It is produced using hot rolling technology, which involves passing the steel through large, heated rollers to form it into the desired shape and thickness. Hot rolled steel is usually available in a range of shapes, including sheets, plates, bars, and coils.

Cold Rolled Steel: Cold rolled steel is a variation of hot rolled steel that has been further processed to produce a more accurate and precise shape. Cold rolling involves passing the steel through additional rollers to further shape and refine it, reducing the dimensions of the part by thinning the steel. Compared to hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel is typically harder and more durable, allowing for better fabrication and superior metalworking.

Coated Steel: Coated steel is metal that has been treated with a thin layer of protective material. This layer helps to protect the metal from corrosion or other damage, providing a longer lifespan. Common types of coating used on steel include hot and cold galvanizing, zinc, and galvannealing.

Structural Steel: Structural steel is a type of steel that is commonly used in construction for its superior strength and stability. This type of steel is designed to be used in the construction of structural frameworks such as bridges, buildings, and other structural components. Structural steel usually meets a variety of standards, such as ASTM and AISC, to ensure the highest quality.

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is an alloy of steel that consists of iron and at least 10.5% chromium, which helps ensure its corrosion resistance and durability. Stainless steel is commonly used in a variety of industries, such as medical and food processing, due to its ability to stand up to harsh conditions. Additionally, stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for watches and jewelry due to its aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Sheet Metal: Sheet metal is formed from thin, flat pieces of metal such as steel or aluminum. It is commonly used in a variety of applications, such as the production of automotive and aircraft parts, roofs, signs, and building components. Sheet metal is commonly available in a variety of shapes and thicknesses for a range of uses, depending on the specific application.

Alloy Steel: Alloy steel is a type of steel that is composed of a variety of components, often including iron, carbon, chromium, manganese, nickel, and molybdenum. Alloy steel is usually used in high-strength and temperature applications and is often used in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Galvanized Steel: Galvanized steel is a type of steel that has been coated with a thin layer of zinc. This coating helps to protect the steel from corrosion, providing a longer lifespan for the part or component. Galvanized steel is commonly used for outdoor applications such as fences and roofs, as well as in the automotive and construction industries.

Tool Steel: Tool steel is a type of steel that is specifically designed for use in machining and tool making. It is typically composed of iron and carbon and other elements such as chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum, which help improve its strength and durability. Tool steel is capable of withstanding high levels of wear and tear, making it ideal for use in applications where it needs to retain its shape and strength over time.

Spring Steel: Spring steel is a type of steel that is highly elastic and designed to resist deformation. It is usually composed of iron and carbon, often with other elements such as chromium and vanadium added to improve its properties. Spring steel is used in a variety of applications, such as the production of springs and wire products, as well as in automotive and aerospace components.

Forging Steel: Forging steel is a type of steel that has been heated and worked into a desired shape. This type of steel is commonly used for large parts such as tools, axles, and machine components. Due to its high strength and malleability, forging steel is often used in industries that require strong and long-lasting components.

HARDNESS TESTING

In metals and alloys, hardness is a measure of the resistance to permanent indentation or plastic deformation. It is usually measured through indirect methods such as Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers, or Knoop.

Brinell Hardness Test: The Brinell hardness test involves a 10 mm diameter hardened steel ball being pressed onto the test surface. The load is applied for 10 to 15 seconds, and the diameter of the impression is measured and converted to a hardness value.

Rockwell Hardness Test: The Rockwell hardness test is similar to the Brinell test, except a diamond indenter is used instead of a steel ball and the load is applied for a much shorter duration. There are several different scales used, depending on the material being tested and their properties.

Vickers Test: The Vickers hardness test involves a diamond pyramid indenter being pressed into the test surface for a duration of 10 to 15 seconds. The depth of the indentation is then measured, and converted to a hardness value.

Knoop Test: The Knoop Hardness Test is similar to the Vickers test, except a diamond cone or rhombic pyramid indenter is used and the load is applied for a much shorter duration. This method is often used on very thin materials where other methods of hardness testing are not suitable.

ULTIMATE TENSILE STRENGTH TESTING

Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is a measure of a material’s ability to resist breaking under tension and is one of the most commonly tested mechanical properties. It is expressed as the maximum load applied on a piece of material before it breaks. UTS tests are carried out in accordance with standards and can be performed on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys.

IMPACT TESTING

Impact testing is used to measure the ability of a material to resist sudden shock or impact. The test involves a specimen of the material being impacted with a falling pendulum, or a swinging hammer. The raised energy at impact and the occurrence of cracks are then evaluated, and the results are compared to the standard values. This test is usually performed on steels, cast irons, aluminium alloys and other metals or alloys that are subjected to sudden shock or impact in use.

TORSION TESTING

Torsion testing is a method used to determine the resistance of a material to twisting or shear forces. It is usually employed to measure the mechanical properties of a sample, or to ascertain the weldability of a particular alloy. Torsion tests are usually performed on cylindrical specimens, and involve the twisting force being applied to the specimen at a constant rate. The load at failure, or the point at which the sample fractures, is recorded and used to determine the material’s torsional strength.

CREEP TESTING

Creep testing is used to measure the ability of a material to withstand a constant loads over a long period of time.In this test, a constant force is applied to the specimen and the amount of creep, or the amount of permanent deformation, is recorded. Creep testing is mainly used for high-temperature components such as turbine blades or nuclear reactor fuel rods, as these components are subjected to constant and changing loads over a long period of time.