Structural steel fabrication companies make this tough metal for a variety of uses. With nearly 4,000 steel grades available in the world today, each steel grade is intended for a specific application and has a specific strength. Steel is also classified into four types by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Now, let’s explore and learn more about the four commonly-used types of steel and where they’re used for.
Alloy Structural Steel
To change its properties, this steel is alloyed with a variety of elements. The degree of specialization required to create a specialized product is determined by the composition of each alloy. Nickel, copper, and aluminum are frequently used as alloying elements. These alloys are used for a variety of applications other than structural steel. Applications include automobile components, kitchenware, and jewelry. Because of its versatility, alloyed steel is advantageous in structural steel.
Carbon Structural Steel
Carbon steel contains trace amounts of alloying elements. Steel is classified into different types based on its carbon content:
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Low Carbon Steels
This steel contains up to 0.3 percent carbon and is used in appliances and vehicle components.
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Medium Carbon Steels
When properly protected from extreme temperatures, this cost-effective option is frequently used for railroad rails, crankshafts, and even structural applications. While medium carbon has high tensile strength, it is brittle and susceptible to fracture.
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High Carbon Steels
Metals with a memory of more than 0.7 percent are considered to have a high memory. Both springs and wire are frequently used. Higher carbon steel is stronger, but it is also brittle and less ductile.
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Ultra-High Carbon Steels
This rare metal is used in the production of knives as well as special automotive components. Despite its strength, this steel is a one-of-a-kind process due to its impracticality.
Stainless Structural Steel
For rust-resistant applications, stainless steel is a popular choice. Because it contains at least 10.5 percent chromium, stainless steel is ideal for structural elements and kitchenware. The crystalline structure of stainless steel is divided into three types:
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Austenitic
Austenitic steel, which has a crystalline structure and a face-centered cubic style, is the most commonly used stainless steel today. This metal has a wide range of applications.
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Ferritic
This structure is a body-centered cubic structure with higher content quality but lower corrosion resistance. Heating has no effect on the malleability or hardness of ferritic stainless steel. Cold working has the potential to improve the strength of this product.
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Martensitic
This type of stainless steel is stronger than the others but has lower corrosion resistance. It is also magnetic and highly machinable, which adds to its versatility.
Tool Structural Steel
Tool steel is a high-rigidity, corrosion-resistant metal. Due to the sensitivity of the material, tool steel production necessitates a controlled environment. The method used to make tool steel varies depending on the alloy and metal. Carbides are made from tungsten, chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum. According to the demands placed on the metal, tool steel is classified into six grades. Tool steel is used to make a wide range of tools. Remember that tool steel can be used to collect and process other materials as well.
Conclusion
For almost any application, almost any type of steel can be used. Steel is a durable and adaptable material that has been with us through generations and is known to be a great builder for our structures everywhere, as well as a great component for our everyday personal items. It simply comes as no surprise that steel has made its way to almost every aspect of our lives!
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