What is Steel?
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that contains less than 2% carbon and 1% manganese, as well as small amounts of silicon, phosphorous, sulfur, and oxygen.
Types of Steel
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is classified into three types:
- Steel with a low carbon content (less than 0,3%).
- Steel contains an average carbon (0.3% to 0.6%).
- Steel with a high carbon content (more than 0.6%).
Also read: Stages of Steel Production
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel contains 10% to 20% chromium as a major component, and has great anti-rust ability. This steel has three types:
Austenitic Steel
Contains 18% of chromium, 8% of nickel, and less than 0,8% of carbon.
Ferrite Steel
Contains 12% to 17% chromium, less than 0.1% carbon, and a minimal amount of nickel.
Martensitic Steel
Contains 11% to 17% of chromium, less than 0.4% of nickel, and 1.2% of carbon.
Also read: Largest Steel Producing Countries
Tool Steel
Equipment steels contain vanadium, cobalt, molybdenum, and tungsten in different amounts to increase the resistance of heat and also increase durability, making it ideal for cutting and drilling.
Alloy Steel
Alloy steels contain elements such as manganese, silicon, nickel, titanium, copper, chrome, and aluminum in different proportions.
Also read: Properties and Uses of Steel