Types of Steel: What Kind Of Steel You Should Use?
Steel is a very strong element, it has many different grades, and has a unique chemical composition. Now, with the wide range of properties of steel and different steel alloys, it is shocking that all types, even CNC machined steel, are composed of only two substances: iron and carbon.
However, the real difference starts when you use additional carbon and alloying elements. As you can see, the toughness and strength of steel depend on the added elements (such as manganese and phosphorus) introduced during its forging process, which define the grade for its specific application. So if you want to know what kind of steel to buy to meet your needs, you need to understand the chemical composition of the physical properties of steel, divided into four basic types of steel.
Top Four Types Of Steels
1. Carbon steel
Carbon steel looks dull and dull and is known to be corroded. Broadly speaking, this kind of steel is divided into three subtypes: low, medium, and high carbon steel, with a low carbon content of about 30%, medium content of 60%, and high content of 1.5%. The name itself comes from the fact that it contains very small amounts of other alloying elements. They are extremely sturdy, which is why they are often used to make knives, power cords, car parts, and other similar items.
Types of Steel: What Kind Of Steel You Should Use?
2. Alloy steel
Next is alloy steel, which is a mixture of several different metals, such as nickel, copper, and aluminum. These tend to be cheaper and more wear-resistant, and are the first choice for some auto parts, pipes, hulls, and mechanical projects. For her, strength depends on the concentration of the elements it contains.
3. Tool steel
Tool steel is known for its durability, heat resistance, and scratch resistance. The name stems from the fact that they are often used to make metal tools (such as hammers). As for these, they are made of materials such as cobalt, molybdenum, and tungsten, which is the main reason why tool steel has such advanced durability and heat resistance.
4. Stainless steel
Last but not least, stainless steel is probably the most popular type on the market. This type is shiny and generally contains 10-20% chromium, which is the main alloying element. Through this combination, it can make steel corrosion-resistant and easy to cast into various shapes. Due to its ease of operation, flexibility, and quality, stainless steel can be used in surgical equipment, household applications, tableware, and even as the exterior wall of commercial/industrial buildings.
In conclusion
In 1967, the world produced only 500 million tons of steel. However, in 2016, this number rose to more than 1.6 billion. Moreover, according to data from the World Steel Association, 55% of the weight of a typical car is caused by steel. In such a reality, it is difficult to imagine a world without steel. With more than 3,500 different grades of steel, its uses seem endless. From machining and machining to CNC machining of steel, each type has its perfect market segment and characteristics, which can meet almost all needs.
In the final analysis, the different properties of steel are derived from the use of different steel alloys, which boil down to the four types we see today. Therefore, if you are considering buying steel, take the time to determine the desired characteristics of the steel you need and the right quality to get the job done. If you do it now, you will be grateful instead of later discovering that you made the wrong choice.
