Guide to different types of steel with examples
Steel is made up of iron and carbon, but did you know there are over 1000 different types of steel? The amount of carbon in the steel, the other alloys it comprises, and how it was treated all contribute to its grade.
Each Steel type has distinct properties that make them well-suited to particular production goals. Some steels are strong and hard, while others are ductile and versatile.
Our customers always ask us about the right steel for their use. This short guide was put together to make sure you understand the language of steel. Of course, you may still have concerns about the application. Please contact us if you have any special property requirements so that we can assist you in locating the best steel and manufacturer for your needs.
CARBON STEEL
Carbon steel is a metal alloy composed of both iron and carbon. However, in the manufacturing industry, carbon steel is often characterized in a variety of ways. In the metals industry, both of the following are considered “carbon steel.”
Steel that contains up to 2% carbon
Steel that does not contain any standard amounts of elements that would classify it as an “alloy steel” (e.g., cobalt, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium, zirconium, vanadium, chromium, etc.)
There are three ways that carbon steel is classified — low, medium, and high
LOW CARBON STEEL
Low carbon steel (also known as “mild carbon steel” or “plain carbon steel”) refers to carbon steels with a carbon content of up to 0.30 percent. This is by far the most popular steel form in the metals market. This is due to several factors. To begin with, low carbon steel is comparatively inexpensive. Furthermore, since the carbon content of low carbon steel is lower than that of medium and heavy steel, it is simple to mold and is ideal for applications where tensile strength isn’t an immediate concern, such as structural beams.
Another advantage of low carbon steel is that its qualities can be readily enhanced by adding additional elements such as magnesium. Low carbon steel is also an excellent material for carburizing, which increases case hardness without compromising ductility or strength.
What are some common uses for low carbon steel?
· Automobile components
· Bolts
· Domestic appliances
· Machinery
· Medical equipment
· Pipes
· Stampings
· Structural components
· Surgical instruments
· Wires
Core properties of low carbon steel:
· High ductility
· High machinability
· High weldability
· Low cost
· Low hardness
· Mild strength
· Very high toughness
MEDIUM CARBON STEEL
Carbon steels with a carbon content of 0.31 percent to 0.60 percent and magnesium content of 0.31 percent to 1.60 percent are referred to as medium carbon steels. One of the most significant advantages of medium carbon steel is its strength. However, there are certain drawbacks to this. Due to its poor ductility and hardness, medium carbon steel is more difficult to mold and weld.
What are some common uses for medium carbon steel?
· Cranks
· Gears
· Machinery parts
· Pressure structures
· Railway tracks
Core properties of medium carbon steel:
· Average toughness
· Low hardenability
· Medium ductility
· Medium strength
· Medium weldability
HIGH CARBON STEEL
High carbon steels are carbon steels with a carbon content ranging from 0.61 to 1.50 percent and a magnesium content ranging from 0.31 to 0.90 percent. High carbon steel is the carbon steel of choice for hardness and durability. However, there is a cost to this. High carbon steel is extremely difficult to weld, cut, or mold.
What are some common uses for high carbon steel?
· Bars
· Plates
· Railways
· Spring steel
Core properties of high carbon steel:
· High toughness
· High strength
· Low hardenability
· Low ductility
· Low machinability
· Reduced weldability
STAINLESS STEEL
Although carbon steel is usually characterized by its carbon content, stainless steel is defined by its 10.5 percent minimum chromium content. Stainless steel, like carbon steel, contains carbon and iron, but the additional chromium is what gives it its distinct properties. One of the most significant advantages of stainless steel is that it prevents the steel from oxidization, which degrades metals over time. Stainless steel is also distinguished by its sheen, a property given by chromium. Stainless steel 301ln plates is often used in cookware, knives, and surgical devices.
Stainless steel, like carbon steel, comes in a variety of grades, each with its own market price and properties.
AUSTENITIC ALLOYS
By far the most popular type of stainless steel metal on the market is austenitic stainless steel alloys. They are non-magnetic, resist oxidation, and have a distinct appearance (though they can become magnetic in certain circumstances).
There are two common austenitic alloy grades:
· Grade 304
· Grade 316
· Grades of austenitic alloys also include 301, 302, 303, 309, and 321.
FERRITIC ALLOYS
Another semi-common stainless steel alloy is stainless steel ferritic alloys. They are magnetic, as opposed to austenitic alloys, and thus suitable for applications requiring magnetism. Because of their low nickel content, these are usually the most affordable stainless steel alloys.
There are two common ferritic alloy grades:
· Grade 430
· Grade 434
MARTENSITIC ALLOYS
The least popular stainless steel alloy is a martensitic stainless steel alloy. These alloys have exceptional hardness and durability, but due to their low oxidation properties, they are only suitable for applications requiring extreme hardness.
There is one common martensitic alloy grade:
· Grade 420
ALLOY STEELS
The term “alloy steels” refers to the broadest and most diverse variety of steel alloys. These are created by mixing carbon steel with different alloying elements to provide each steel with specific properties. There are several different alloy steel, but some of the most common are:
· Chromium
· Cobalt
· Molybdenum
· Nickel
· Tungsten
· Vanadium
Because of the enormous diversity of alloy steels, alloy elements can be used to make steel of almost any possible property. However, some of this steel is relatively costly.
TOOLING STEELS
Tooling steel is the final steel category. These are the steels that are used in tooling operations such as drilling. Tooling steels are heat-resistant, robust, and solid, and are usually composed of molybdenum, vanadium, tungsten, and cobalt.
There are 6 grades of tool steel:
· Air-hardening
· D-type
· Hot-working
· Oil-hardening
· Water-hardening
· Shock-resisting types
