Steel comes in over 3,500 different grades, each with unique physical, chemical, and environmental characteristics. In the last 20 years, scientists have created approximately two-thirds of today’s steel.
The engineers would only require one-third of the original steel in a reconstruction of the Eiffel Tower today.
New steels used in the construction of modern cars are up to 35% lighter than older steels while still being stronger. The most significant building and engineering material in the world is steel.
Everything we use in our daily lives, such as vehicles, building supplies, washing machines, refrigerators, cargo ships, and medical scalpels, contains this substance. It is recyclable indefinitely without any property damage. Well, in this reading, we’ll explore the various types of steel and their uses.
Let’s begin!
Related: What is Steel, its Properties and Raw Materials?
What are the Types of Steel?
The different types of steel are carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, electrical steel, galvanized steel, maraging steel, tool steel, HSLA steel, weathering steel, dual-phase steel, electrical transmission and distribution steel, spring steel, and nitriding steel.
1. Carbon Steel:
Copper alloy is the most basic type of steel, mostly made of carbon and iron. Depending on the amount of carbon, carbon steel can be further divided into low-carbon, medium-carbon, and high-carbon steel.
2. Alloy Steel:
Other alloying elements, such as manganese, chromium, nickel, or molybdenum, are present in alloy steel in addition to carbon. Certain qualities like strength, hardness, and heat resistance are improved by these elements.
Construction equipment, machinery, and car components frequently use alloy steel.
3. Stainless Steel:
Because stainless steel contains chromium and other alloying elements, it is known for having excellent resistance to corrosion. Products like kitchen appliances, medical equipment, and architectural constructions that require rust and stain resistance widely use stainless steel.
4. Electrical Steel:
Electrical steel, sometimes referred to as silicon steel, is made especially for use in the distribution, transmission, and production of electric power. It is perfect for electrical transformers, motors, and generators because of its low magnetic losses and low electrical conductivity.
5. Galvanized Steel:
Steel that has been coated with zinc applied to it to prevent corrosion is known as galvanized steel. By acting as a sacrificial layer, the zinc coating prevents rust and corrosion on the steel underlying it.
Parts for cars, fences, and roofing often use it, as they require resistance to corrosion and moisture.
6. Maraging Steel:
Maraging steel is a low-alloy, high-strength steel that gets its distinctive qualities through a unique aging process. Aerospace applications often utilize it for rocket motor casings and airplane landing gear due to its exceptional strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance.
Related: The Various Types of Stainless Steel Finishes and Their Applications
7. Tool Steel:
Tool steel is made especially to be used in the making of molds, dies, and tools. To handle high-temperature and high-stress applications, it has great toughness, wear resistance, and hardness. Drills, industrial machines, and cutting tools all frequently use tool steel.
8. High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel:
When compared to carbon steel, HSLA-type of steel has better mechanical qualities, such as greater strength and better formability.
Small additions of alloying elements like titanium, niobium, or vanadium are used to achieve this. Pipelines, automobile parts, and structural applications all frequently use HSLA steel.
9. Weathering Steel:
Corten steel, another term for weathering steel, is a kind of steel that, when exposed to the weather, creates a protective rust-like surface. It is frequently employed in outdoor constructions, bridges, and artistic sculptures because of its remarkable resistance to air corrosion.
10. Dual-Phase Steel:
High-strength steel with a combination of ferrite and martensite microstructures is called dual-phase steel. Because of its high strength and excellent formability, it may be used for safety features and structural components in vehicles.
11. Steel for Electrical Transmission and Distribution:
High strength, excellent conductivity, and minimal magnetic losses are just some of the qualities that steel that is used in the distribution and transmission of electrical power.
These steels are frequently found in transformers, power line towers, and electrical infrastructure because they are designed for efficient power transmission.
12. Spring Steel:
High-carbon steel that has been specially treated to increase its elasticity and resist repeated twisting or bending without permanently deforming is known as spring steel.
It is widely used in the production of springs, including those for mechanical devices and car suspension systems.
Related: How Steel Is Produced? 6 Steps Of Steel Manufacturing Process
13. Nitriding Steel
Nitriding steel is an alloy steel that receives a nitrogen treatment to increase its fatigue strength, wear resistance, and hardness. It is often used in parts for injection molding, crankshafts, gears, and other applications where durability and surface hardness are important.