The steel fabrication industry is one of the most important industries in the United States, both economically and culturally. The industry employs millions of workers and builds the structures that form the backbone of modern society. These structures include some of the most important buildings in the world. The Empire State Building, for example, could not exist without structural steel.
Previously we had an article that introduced and explained common terms you will encounter in this industry. Today, we’re back with even more terms to help gain more understanding.
This is part two of terms in steel fabrication you should know about:
Coke
Coke is the end product of the distillation of coal that is used to create synthetic fuel. The word coke comes from coal being cooked by heat. Coke is used in steel mills to remove sulfur from pig iron before it is used for steel production.
Cold Rolling
Cold rolling is a process that is used to make the steel surface thinner. In this process, the heated metal is passed through rollers that are cooled with water. The cooling of the rollers helps make the steel thinner. It also adds strength to the metal by aligning the grain and creating a harder metal.
Corrosion
Corrosion is a deterioration that happens to steel when it is exposed to water. This can be beneficial in the right situations, such as when the steel is used to prevent rust in boats. But in other situations, it is detrimental, like when a steel frame is exposed to water. Steel frames can rust over time, which leads to structural integrity problems.
Ductility
Ductility is the ability of the steel to stretch when exposed to heat. This ability can be used to make the steel more pliable. It can also be used to make the metal stronger. In steel production, this is done by mixing the carbon with the iron in the steel. When the steel is heated, the carbon becomes more mobile, which helps it spread along with the metal.
Edging
Edging is a process that is used to cut the steel. This process is done either by hand or by machine. The steel is cut to the dimensions you need. This process is one of the most important processes in the industry since it is the process that is used to cut the steel to the final dimensions that you need.
Elevator Graving
Elevator graving is a process done to remove the oxidation layer off of the steel. This process is done by exposing the steel to a controlled environment while it is being cooled. The cooling process creates an even temperature that prevents oxidation from happening.
Forging
Forging is a process that involves the hammering of metal to compress it into its final shape. It is much stronger than casting and allows metal to be made into a shape that would be difficult or impossible to obtain through casting alone. Forging was used to make swords, armor, and other weapons in the past.
The Bottom Line
It’s essential to know all of the terms you will encounter in the industry when you’re in a position to buy a product or order a service. This is especially true for steel fabrication products.
We’re here to make sure you’re prepared to order the exact kind of steel you need. If you need help figuring out the type of steel you need, be sure to contact us.
KGS Steel Birmingham, Inc. is a full-line structural steel and carbon steel service center warehouse that has been servicing the southeastern United States since 1985. You can count on us to provide you with high-quality products. KGS-Nashville offers a full line of carbon steel products and processing. If you need a reliable metal supplier, contact us today!
