Types of Steel Materials
As the backbone of heavy equipment as well as tools and household items, steel plays a significant role in manufacturing and construction. Steel is not created equal. The type of steel that you choose can affect the strength and durability of your project.
The amount of impurities or other additives determines the classification. This is what makes each kind unique for a specific use.
Low-carbon steels that are offered in a variety of forms are the most frequently used steels by metal fabricators. You can find them in beams, pipes and other structural components. They are also perfect for welded fabrications, as they can be easily shaped and formed without losing their strength or quality.
Medium-carbon steels have less than 1.75 percent carbon content, and are known for their hardness. They are the best choice for cookware and durable tools. They’re also used to create car parts and other mechanical equipment.
High-carbon steels are employed in parts that require strong strength and resistance to corrosion. This includes anchor bolts, rods, and tools.
Alloy steels have a wide range of useful properties that can be altered to suit the needs of each application. For instance, tungsten improves the strength of temperature and wear resistance of high-strength steels. Chromium increases the resistance to heat of stainless steels, and increases their ductility. Molybdenum on the other hand increases the hardness and toughness of alloy steels.