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What Are the Types and Properties of Steels?

general properties of steels

Different types of steel are produced according to the mechanical and physical properties required for their application. Various grading systems are used to distinguish steels based on these properties, which include density, elasticity, melting point, thermal conductivity, strength, and hardness (among others). To make different steels, manufacturers vary the type and quantity of alloy metals, the production process, and the manner in which the steels are worked to produce particular products.

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), steels can be broadly categorized into four groups based on their chemical compositions:

  1. Carbon Steels
  2. Alloy Steels
  3. Stainless Steels
  4. Tool Steels

Properties of Carbon Steels

Carbon steels are alloys made from a combination of iron and carbon. By varying the percentage of carbon, it is possible to produce steel with a variety of different qualities. In general, the higher the carbon level the stronger and more brittle the steel.

Low carbon steel is sometimes called “wrought iron.” It is easy to work and may be used for decorative products such as fencing or lamp posts. Medium carbon steel is very strong and is often used for large structures such as bridges. High carbon steel is used mainly for wires. Ultra high carbon steel, also called “cast iron,” is used for pots and other items. While it is a very hard steel, it is also quite brittle.

Properties of Alloy Steels

Alloy steels are so named because they are made with a small percentage of one or more metals besides iron.  The addition of alloys changes the properties of steels. For example, steel made from iron, chromium, and nickel produces stainless steel. The addition of aluminum can make steel more uniform in appearance. Steel with added manganese becomes exceptionally hard and strong.

Properties of Stainless Steels

Stainless steels contain between 10-20% chromium, making the steel extremely resistant to corrosion (rusting). When a steel contains over 11% chromium, it is about 200 times more resistant to corrosion as steels that do not contain chromium. There are three groups of stainless steels:

  • Austenitic steels, which are very high in chromium, also contain small amounts of nickel and carbon. These are very commonly used for food processing and piping. They are valued, in part, because they are non-magnetic.
  • Ferritic steels contain about 15% chromium but only trace amounts of carbon and metal alloys such as molybdenum, aluminum, or titanium. These steels are magnetic, very hard and strong, and can be strengthened further by cold working.
  • Martensitic steels contain moderate amounts of chromium, nickel, and carbon, They are magnetic and heat-treatable. Martensitic steels are often used for cutting tools such as knives and surgical equipment.

 Properties of Tool Steels

Tool steels are durable, heat resistant metals containing tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt, and vanadium. They are used, not surprisingly, to make tools such as drills. There are a variety of different types of tools steels, containing varying amounts of different alloy metals.

Original Source: https://www.thebalance.com/general-properties-of-steels-2340118