Steel is the basis of heavy equipment, household items and tools. It plays a crucial part in manufacturing and construction. However not all steels are created equal; the type of steel you choose for a project can dramatically affect its strength and durability.
The amount of impurities or other additives determines the classification. This is what makes each type unique for specific application.
Low-carbon steels, which are available in various forms, are the most widely used steels by metal fabricators. They are found in pipes, beams, and other structural elements. They’re also perfect for welded fabrications since they can be easily formed and shaped without losing its strength or quality.
The medium-carbon steels are renowned as being extremely hard and contain a carbon content of less than 1.75 percent. They are the ideal choice for cookware and tools that are durable. They are also used in the fabrication of car parts and other mechanical gear.
High-carbon steels have more than 1.7% carbon and are commonly used in parts for machines that require extreme strength and resistance to corrosion. These include anchor bolts, rods and tools.
Alloy steels come with a broad range of useful properties that can be altered to meet the requirements of the specific application. For instance, tungsten is able to increase the strength and wear resistance of high-strength steels. Chromium improves the ductility and strength of stainless steels, and also increases their resistance to heat. Molybdenum, on the other hand, increases the toughness and durability of alloy steels.