Steel is one of the most commonly used alloys throughout industries and has countless uses. Steel, as most of us would know, is an iron alloy. This means that it is a mixture of iron and other metallic components such as carbon. It is one of the strongest materials and is hence used in electrical appliances, tools, construction, and several other industries, including the aerospace industry.
So, there are four major types of steel that have been classified according to their properties and hence, uses. Let’s take a look at these four major steel types.
- Carbon steel
Carbon steel is a popular and common category of steel. While all kinds of steel have carbon in it, carbon steel is known for its unique make up. It has a notable 2% presence of carbon in it, and an absence of any other material that is often used in steel. This means though carbon steel comprises alloyed metals, it does not have any other components, which makes it a very strong alloy. Carbon steel is popularly used in railway tracks, train wheels and in the construction field as well.
- Tool steel
Tool steels are extremely tough and coarse-grained, and are thus, known for their uses in high-impact environments. They are created through tempering, which involves adding high heat, cooling it and then heating it up again, making it heat-resistant and hard. This process creates hard tool steels, which are used for manufacturing machinery. Tool steels are used for cutting metals and plastic, for stamping on computer parts and so on.
- Alloy steel
As the name suggests, alloy steel is the grouping of several metals and elements together and forming one strong element. Materials that are used in alloy steel have their own significant and unique properties and are used in various industries.
- Stainless steel
Lastly, stainless steel is the fourth major type of steel. Not only is it used in construction, but also in manufacturing of medical equipment and supplies. Chromium is an important alloy in stainless steel that makes it one of the most sought-after steel types. Chromium increases its longevity and resistance to oxidation, preventing it from catching rust. This is why stainless steel is used throughout industries.
All four major types of steel have their own properties and uniqueness and hence, multifaceted applications in various industries.
In this regard, Stealth Pipe and Steel offers a wide range of high-quality steel options for various industries.
