Types of Steel

Steel is a material made from iron and carbon, which is then alloyed with other elements to improve its strength and fracture resistance. Stainless structural steelwork contractors, for example, contain at least 11% chromium. Other elements are present in steel, but their percentages are generally less than 1%. For many practical purposes, steel is used for construction and manufacturing.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a family of alloy steels with a low carbon content. This combination gives it outstanding corrosion resistance and makes it ideal for use in a variety of applications. It is also very strong, durable, and formable. Its low carbon content also makes it highly environmentally friendly, as it is recyclable.

Tool steel

Tool steel is carbon steel that has been heat treated. It usually contains 0.5 to 1.5% carbon and small amounts of alloying elements. This makes it more durable, stronger, and tougher than ordinary steels. This is an important attribute because tool steels can handle a great deal of stress.

Low-carbon steel

Low-carbon steel is a type of steel that contains a relatively low amount of carbon (C). Its composition is made up of a combination of iron and carbon, which determines its hardness, strength, and ductility. This metal is very malleable and is used for a wide variety of applications. For example, low-carbon steel is used for automobile body panels. The material’s ability to form and be shaped makes it ideal for manufacturing automobile parts.

High-carbon steel

High-carbon steel is a type of steel that has a high carbon content, ranging from 0.05 percent to 2.1 percent of its weight. The American Iron and Steel Institute defines this type as “steel with carbon content greater than 2.1 percent of its weight.” Carbon content can vary from steel to steel, but the average content is around 1.4 percent.

Low-alloy steel

Low-alloy steel is a type of steel that has been alloyed with various elements to improve its mechanical properties. It can be further categorized into two classes, low-alloy steel and high-alloy steel. The difference between the two types is controversial.

Alloy steel with chromium

Alloy steel with chromium is a type of steel that is corrosion resistant and has a low carbon content. It is also very tough and offers a range of surface finishes. Chromium in this steel helps to form a corrosion resistant film that will self-repair when oxygen is present. It is an environmentally friendly metal that is widely used in the building decoration and heavy industries.

Tool steel with chromium

Tool steel with chromium is a high-chromium alloy that has excellent heat stability and corrosion resistance. It is used in die casting and is especially beneficial in making cavities. It is also used in making punches and ejector pins.

Stainless steel with chromium

Stainless steel with chromium is a metal that resists corrosion. This type of steel is made of chromium, which reacts with oxygen to form a protective layer. When steel is scratched, this film heals the damage, and stainless steel can be used for years.