Special Steel
Special steel is a type of alloy steel that has been specified and processed to be used in a variety of applications. It is created with a combination of metals including manganese, nickel, chromium, molybdenum and vanadium. These additives are combined in various proportions to create highly durable and corrosion resistant steels that can stand up to extreme temperatures and pressures. Special steels also possess other useful properties such as strength, electrical conductivity, malleability and formability.
Special steels are used in a number of industries including automotive, construction, aerospace and power generation. They are often employed in the production of large structural parts which require very high strength and rigidity, such as for the cabins of airplanes and helicopters. Special steels are also used in line pipes for the transportation of oil and gas, and in highly corrosive environments such as marine, offshore and chemical processing.
The production of special steels typically, involves a series of heat treatment processes. This helps to modify physical and mechanical properties so that the finished product is more tailored to its intended application. For example, steel may be quenched and tempered to increase strength levels for use in aerospace components, or normalized and annealed to make it more malleable for die-casting operations.
There are several types of special steels, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common varieties include stainless steels, alloy steels and tool steels.
Stainless steels are a class of corrosion-resistant iron alloys, which are produced by adding chromium, nitrogen and other elements to ordinary steel. They are highly resistant to oxidization and have superior electrical and thermal conductivity. Stainless steels are used extensively in a variety of applications including chemical processing, oil and gas operation, and food processing.
Alloy steels are heat-treated and processed to contain elements, such as aluminium, or other metals that work together to achieve specific properties. This class of special steels is commonly used in applications requiring high strength and toughness, as well as a wide range of stress-corrosion resistance. Alloy steels can be used in the manufacture of everything from construction beams and tools, to aircrafts and automotive parts.
Tool steels are a category of special steels, to which tungsten, cobalt, molybdenum or vanadium has been added, to create exclusive properties. These metals impart high resistance to wear and abrasion, making tool steels suitable for use in the production of taps and dies, machine parts, cutting tools and dies for injection moulding.
Overall, special steels are a versatile, durable and reliable choice for a range of industrial applications. They offer unparalleled strength and corrosion resistance, as well as a range of other desirable properties. As a result, they continue to be the trusted material for production of many components used in everyday products and services.
