Electrical engineers use pure iron with different grades and model numbers according to its mechanical and physical properties. The most common pure iron used by electrical engineers is called low-carbon steel (also known as mild steel). Its model number is AISI 1006, AISI 1008 or AISI 1010.
Low-carbon steel has a carbon content of 0.05%-0.25%. It is relatively soft and very malleable, and can easily be cut, bended and formed. Other than that, it is also a good conductor of electricity, making it suitable for use in electrical engineering. Low-carbon steel is often used for manufacturing various electrical tools, automotive components, wires and cables, and nuts and bolts. As it is relatively inexpensive, it is a favored choice for many electrical engineers.
AISI 1020 is another type of pure iron used by electrical engineers. This steel grade has a slightly higher carbon content of around 0.2%-0.3%, making it slightly harder than low-carbon steel. AISI 1020 also has the added benefit of being more heat-resistant and having improved mechanical properties. It is often used in the manufacture of medium-to-heavy-duty electrical components and parts, as well as in automotive engineering.
For more advanced applications, electrical engineers usually opt for high carbon steel. With a carbon content of 0.3% or higher, this steel grade is a lot harder and tougher than low carbon steel. Additionally, its electrical conductivity is also higher. High carbon steel is often used for manufacturing switchgears, circuit breakers, electric motors and generators, high-current welding cables and other heavy-duty electrical tools and parts.
Last but not least, there is special nodular iron, known as ductile iron. This iron has a higher graphite content and added elements such as magnesium and sulfur, making it more ductile and better able to resist impacts and vibrations. Ductile iron is often used for making parts and components that need to withstand high temperatures and heavy loads, such as electrical cables and joints, engine blocks and crankshafts, bearings and throttles.
Therefore, electrical engineers have a wide variety of pure iron with different grades and model numbers to choose from according to their applications. Although each grade of iron has its own advantages and disadvantages, making the right choice of pure iron can help ensure optimal performance of the electrical products and parts that they create.
