Steel is one of the most widely used construction and engineering materials in the world. Steel is made from iron ore and typically contains other elements, such as carbon, manganese and small amounts of sulfur, phosphorus and silicon. Depending on the grade and the intended application, the amount and type of other elements added to the steel can have a dramatic effect on its properties and qualities.
Carbon-Steel
Carbon steel is a steel alloy, meaning a combination of iron and carbon. The proportions of the carbon and iron can be varied, so the properties of the steel can be tailored to suit a particular purpose.The most common form of carbon-steel has a small percentage of carbon, typically between 0.1-0.3%. These low carbon steels are often used in applications such as flat rolled sheet & plate and vehicle body panels, as the characteristics of low carbon steel can be easily manipulated and formed.
Medium Carbon Steel
Medium carbon steel is steel that contains 0.3-0.6% carbon. Characteristics of this grade of steel depends on the amount of carbon and other elements within its composition, but they are typically more durable and harder than low carbon steel. It is commonly used in industrial and manufacturing applications, such as aircraft bodies and engineering tools.
High Carbon Steel
High carbon steel contains between 0.6-1.4% carbon and is typically the hardest type of steel. This grade of steel is often chosen for its strength and durability in applications where it’s exposed to a high amount of wear, such as knives and swords. It is also a very common metal for use in tools and dies as its hard wearing nature helps to extend the life of these items when used regularly.
Alloy Steel
Alloy steel is steel that has had additional elements added to it to improve its properties over plain carbon steel. The additional elements are usually specific to the intended application. Common elements used to produce alloy steel are chromium, nickel, molybdenum and other elements. These elements can be used to alter the mechanical properties of the steel, such as increased hardness, resistance to corrosion and increased strength. The alloy steel is then suited for use in specific applications, such as the oil and gas industry or in engineering tools.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a type of steel that contains a minimum of 11% chromium, which makes it highly rust and stain resistant. The chromium binds with oxygen in the atmosphere to form a protective layer on the steel surface, which prevents further corrosion of the surface. Different levels of chromium can be used to make different types of stainless steel and other elements, such as nickel and molybdenum, can be added to the alloy to improve its properties further. Stainless steel is commonly used in the food industry, the medical industry and in construction applications, such as the roofs of buildings.
Tool Steel
Tool steel is a type of steel that is specifically used in tool and die manufacturing. Tool steel is typically very hard and resistant to abrasion and heat, which makes it well suited for machining, forming and cutting tasks. Various types of tool steel are used, depending on the job that it is needed for. For instance, water-hardening tool steels are better suited for cutting and machining applications, whereas oil-hardening types are typically better for forming and stamping operations.
Spring Steel
Spring steel is a type of steel that is specifically designed to retain its shape and form, even under extended periods of use and pressure. Spring steel contains a higher percentage of carbon and other elements, so that the steel can be quenched, which increases the steel’s springiness and durability. Spring steel is often used in parts of cars and machines where it needs to “give” and then snap back into its original position.
So there you have it, a brief overview of some of the common types of steel used in the construction and engineering industries. The type of steel and its characteristics can have a major impact on the performance of a product, so it is important to choose carefully when selecting the right grade of steel for your application.
