Steel
Steel is an alloy made from iron, carbon and a number of other elements. It is by far the most commonly used material for making building and construction materials, vehicles and most other applications. Steel is also relatively easy to work with and can be formed into a range of different shapes and structures.
Size and weight
Steel comes in a variety of sizes and weights. The size of steel is determined by its thickness, which ranges from 0.1 millimeters (mm) to 300 mm thick and the width is determined by the length, which ranges from 0.1 mm to 10 m. The weight of steel is measured in kilograms per square meter (kg/m2), with the range depending on the type of steel. For example, mild steel has a density of 7.85 g/cm3, while higher strength steel has a density of 8.5 g/cm3.
Uses
Steel is used in a variety of applications such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, energy, construction and many more. Depending on the application, different types of steel are used. Automotive applications usually require the use of high strength, low alloy steels and mild steels for other applications. High strength steel is used for structures that require high levels of strength, such as bridges and skyscrapers. Mild steel is often used for applications such as home appliances, furniture, kitchen sinks, and even automotives.
Strength and Ductility
Steel is known for its excellent strength and its ability to be easily formed. Strength is measured by its yield strength, which is the amount of force applied before the material yields its tensile strength, meaning it will not get back to its original shape after being bent. The ductility of steel is determined by its ability to have minimal deformation when it is subjected to a certain amount of force without actually breaking.
Aesthetics
Steel comes in a wide variety of colours, textures and finishes. This makes it perfect for aesthetic applications such as decoration and architecture. Steel can be finished in a variety of ways such as hot dip galvanizing to achieve a glossy finish, anodizing to achieve a dark finish, or painting to create a desired colour.
Conclusion
Steel is an extremely versatile material that is used for a wide range of applications, from automotive to aerospace to energy. It is known for its superior strength and excellent ductility and can be finished in a variety of ways to meet the aesthetic requirements of its application. Steel is available in a range of sizes and weights, depending on the application, and its weight is usually measured in kilograms per square meter.