Types of Steel Materials
As the foundation of heavy equipment tools, household items, and other items, steel plays a significant role in the construction and manufacturing. However there are a variety of steels that are created equal; the type of steel you select for a project will dramatically affect its strength and durability.
While all steels are made of carbon and iron, the amount of impurities and other additions determine how each is classified. This is what makes each type unique to its specific application.
Low-carbon steels are among the most popular types of steel used by metal fabricators, and come in a variety of shapes. They are found in beams, pipes and other structural components. They’re also perfect for welded fabrications because they can be easily shaped and formed without compromising strength or quality.
The medium-carbon steels are known for being hard and have a carbon content less than 1.75 percent. They are the best choice for cookware as well as durable tools. They’re also widely used to create car parts and other mechanical equipment.
High-carbon steels have more than 1.7 percent carbon. They are typically used for components that require exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. These include anchor bolts, rods and tools.
Alloy steels are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to meet the demands of any use. For instance, tungsten improves the strength of temperature and wear resistance of high-strength steels. Chromium improves the ductility of stainless steels and raises their resistance to heat. Molybdenum, on the other hand, increases the hardness and toughness of alloy steels.
