No matter if it’s a high-rise or a kitchen appliance it’s clear that steel is an essential building block in our modern world. Steel isn’t just strong, but also versatile. There are a myriad of kinds to meet the requirements of every project.
The four main steel types are categorized by their carbon content and alloying elements which determine their ability to serve specific needs. Low-carbon steels, which contain up to 0.3% carbon, are ideal for automotive body panels. Medium-carbon steels, which have up to 0.6% carbon, provide a balance of ductility and strength. High-carbon steels, with up to 2.1% carbon, offer toughness and wear resistance.
Some steel grades are also designed to ward off corrosion and other environmental hazards. These include martensitic alloys, nickel-containing alloys and niobium-containing alloys.
Steel is also less combustible and more durable than other materials, particularly when exposed to intense heat. In addition, it’s moderately resistant to the harmful effects of insects and pests which makes it a perfect option for warehouses, storage structures and other areas that are at risk.
Steel’s versatility is the reason why it a sought-after material for construction, and it is widely used to construct everything from skyscrapers to automobile parts. If you’re planning to buy or manufacture steel from scratch, it is vital to understand the various types to get the most value. This blog post will explain the various types of materials, their benefits and uses.