Steel is a fundamental building block for our contemporary world, be it an apartment tower or kitchen appliance or anything else. Steel is not only strong however, it is also versatile. There are a variety of types to suit the needs of every project.
The four major types of steel are categorized by their carbon content, and the alloying elements that determine if they suit specific applications. Low-carbon steels that contain up to 0.3% carbon, are suitable for automotive body and construction panels. Medium-carbon steels with up to 0.6% of carbon provide an equilibrium between ductility, toughness, and durability. High-carbon steels, which contain up to 2.1 percent carbon, provide hardness and wear resistance.
Additionally, some steel grades are formulated to resist corrosion or other environmental hazards. This includes martensitic, nickel-containing and niobium containing alloys.
Steel is also less combustible and more durable than other materials, especially when exposed to intense temperatures. Furthermore, it is moderately resistant to the damaging effects of pests and insects which makes it a perfect choice for storage structures, warehouses and other high-risk locations.
Steel’s versatility makes it a popular material for construction. It is used in the construction of everything from skyscrapers to automobile parts. If you are looking to purchase or produce raw steel it is important to know the different kinds to get the most value for money. This blog post outlines the various types of steel materials, their advantages and applications.