Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Steel
Steel is a strong element available in different diverse grades and holds exclusive chemical compositions. Properties of steel and numerous steel alloys are really vast. All types of steel are made of two things, such as carbon and iron.
The actual difference starts when extra alloying and carbon components come to the surface. Additional aspects can increase the strength and durability of steel, including phosphorous and manganese. These are introduced during the formulation of steel. Undoubtedly, these aspects are essential to determine specific applications of steel.
If you wonder what kind of steel is suitable for your needs, you have to recognize the chemical composition of physical steel. Properties of steel break it down into four basic types.
Carbon Steel
It looks matte-like, dull and is vulnerable to rust. Generally, carbon steel has three subtypes, such as low, high and medium carbon steel. You can measure high, low and medium carbon steel advantages and disadvantages before selecting the best type. Low carbon steel has .30 percent of carbon, high 1.5 percent and medium .60 percent.
The name of carbon steel comes from its reality, such as the amount of alloying elements. They are strong exceptionally; therefore, they are useful to make important things, such as automotive parts, high-tension wires and knives. In steel production, the use of carbon steels is almost 90 percent.
A medium carbon steel (C45/AISI 1045 steel) is suitable to create different parts, including studs, keys, shafts, general axles, bolts and gears. There are numerous benefits of using carbon steel instead of traditional steel. Feel free to check the advantages and disadvantages of high carbon steel before selecting it for your projects.
Alloy Steel
Another type is alloy steel, and it is a blend of different materials, such as aluminum, copper and nickel. These may be cheaper than other types with better resistance to rust. Alloy steel is famous for mechanical projects, ship hulls, pipelines, and car parts.
In this situation, the concentration of elements in alloy steel determines the strength of products. You can check aluminium alloy advantages and disadvantages before using it for any project. Alloy steel has high core toughness and strength and heavy-duty bearings. You can use it for pump shafts, fan shafts, heavy-duty gears, compressor colts, clutch dogs, etc.
Tool Steel
It is famous for its scrap and heat resistance, and hardness. The name of tool steel is extracted from their use because these are suitable to make essential tools, such as hammers. They are crafted from things such as tungsten, molybdenum and cobalt. For this reason, tool steel features advanced heat resistance and durability.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a famous type available in the market. It is a shiny metal with almost 10 percent to 20 percent chromium that is the primary alloying element. For this combination, the steel is resistant to rust and easy to mold into different shapes.
Remember, stainless steel is easy to manipulate and has maximum flexibility. High-quality steel is useful to make surgical equipment, silverware, and home applications. These can be implemented for industrial and commercial buildings for external cladding. You can see the disadvantages of nickel alloys to compare it with stainless steel.
There are more than 100 grades of steel; therefore, it is a customizable and incredibly versatile material. This metal is suitable for pipelines, heat exchangers, exterior construction material in coastal areas, case, watch bracelet, etc. Moreover, you can use it in the food industry, dyes, chemicals and marine.
Steel Grades
Government agencies, architects, scientists, and engineers use steel grading to increase their confidence in material quality and consistency.
ASTM Grading System
This grading system is for metal with a letter prefix according to its category. For instance, A is for iron and steel material. It gets a sequential number to reflect specific properties of metal. The low carbon steel advantages and disadvantages will help you to compare different types of steel.
SAE Grading System
A four-digit figure is used to classify the SAE grading system. The initial two numbers indicate the type of steel along with the concentration of alloying elements. The final two reveal the concentration of carbon in a specific metal.
Titanium Alloys and Copper Over Steel
Titanium alloys are durable because they are heat treated. This treatment is an excellent solution to increase its strength. Moreover, it is beneficial to increase its special characteristics, including fatigue strength, high-temperature strength and fracture toughness.
Typically, titanium alloys are useful in missiles, rockets and airplanes for low weight, resistance and strength. Regardless of its all benefits, it is not useful in engineering and manufacturing projects because of its high reactivity. Before considering it into a project, it is essential to check the disadvantages of titanium alloys. You have to manage it differently during a production process. The Kroll procedure will introduce impurities, and it will be impossible to remove machining or VAR. In numerous cases, steel can be a good option.
Copper is a soft, ductile and malleable metal with high electrical and thermal conductivity. Remember, it is frequently added in low carbon steel. The copper content may vary in steel because a high amount is available in weathering steel. If you are planning to use copper in any of your projects, the advantages and disadvantages of copper will help you to make the best decision.
Final Verdict
The demand and supply of steel are frequently increasing. You cannot imagine this world without steel. Almost 55 percent of car weight is from steel. With over 3,500 steel grades, the use of steel is endless. From fabrications, manufacturing to machining steel (CNC), every type has specific characteristics and a perfect place to accommodate different needs.Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of aluminium alloys are useful to understand the benefits and properties of steel. Properties of steel are related to its different alloys. If you want to purchase steel, it is crucial to take your time to learn about the ideal properties of steel. The right steel grade can handle your job in the best way.