Steel is the foundation for heavy equipment, household items, and tools. It plays a crucial role in construction and manufacturing. However, not all steels are created equal; the type of steel you select for a project can significantly influence its strength and durability.
Although all steels begin as carbon and iron the quantity of impurities and the additions determine the way in which each is classified. This is what makes each type unique to its specific application.
Low-carbon steels are among the most common types of steel used by metal fabricators, and they are available in a variety of shapes. They can be found in beams, pipes and other structural components. They are also suitable for welded fabrications because they can be easily shaped and formed without compromising its strength or quality.
Medium-carbon steels contain less than 1.75% carbon content and are renowned for their toughness. They are the best choice for cookware and durable equipment. They’re also widely used to create car parts and other mechanical equipment.
High-carbon steels have more than 1.7 percent carbon and are often used to make parts for machines that require extreme strength and resistance to corrosion. This includes anchor bolts, tools and rods.
Alloy steels come with a broad variety of useful properties that can be modified to meet the needs of each use. For instance, tungsten enhances the strength of the 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, improves the toughness and hardness of alloy steels.