Different Types of Steels and its Applications

The importance and requirement of steel can be derived from the fact that over 50% over the worlds’ steel production is consumed by the construction industry. Because of its versatility, steel comes in various combinations of iron along with other metals and non-metals offering 3500 grades of steel; each possessing different environmental, chemical and physical properties. As per its usage in every aspect of our life, different products are made for different applications. Here’s a short guide to four different types of steel and their applications:

Alloy Steel

Alloy steel is a combination of different elements- manganese, nickel, silicon, titanium, copper, chromium and aluminum with different alloying properties. All these metals are mixed (in a combination of 1 to 50%) to modify the properties found in regular carbon steel. Different properties allow the steel to increase harden ability, increased corrosion resistance, and retention of hardness and strength. 

Due to its varying compositions, it has various uses in automobile, mining, equipment, railways, road construction, appliances and off-shore industry.

Carbon Steel

Any steel with primary elements as iron and carbon are termed as carbon steel. It comprises 0.6% copper, 1.65manganese and 0.6% silicon and other suitable elements based on its applications and technicalities. Carbon steel is of three types:

Low carbon steel made into flat-rolled sheets and strips to make ships, wire vehicle bodies, fabrication, paneling and domestic appliances.

Medium carbon steel/ mild steel is typically used in the construction of gears, axels, buildings, bridges, cars, fridges and washing machines.

High carbon steel due to its much better tensile strength; is used in making cutting tools, punches, springs, blades and high-strength wires.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is made up with the addition of chromium and carbon steel that are resistant to corrosion. The chromium in the alloy creates a passive layer of oxidization when exposed to the air, making the alloy rust proof. It must contain 10.5 of chromium to maintain resistance and strength. First used in cutlery, stainless steel was then adopted by the chemical industry and now with its increased advantages; it is being used in almost every industry. Steam and gas turbines, food production and storage, medical applications, architecture, steel for solar panels, building and construction, and automotive are some of the applications. 

Tool steel

Tool steel is a family of alloy and carbon with ideal characteristics- high hardness, abrasion resistance, ability to retain the shape even in high temperature. With its ingredients of molybdenum, cobalt, vanadium and tungsten, it’s suitable in making cutting and drilling equipment. Major applications of tool steel include shearing of plastic and metals, slitting of steel coils, reamers, bits and other tools.

However, all types of steel are iron and carbon based; its properties with mixing of other elements are specified on the basis of its uses. Whether you’re buying tin coated steel, laminated steel sheet or steel for solar panels; consider the need and evaluate price comparisons. But if you’re in search of top-notch quality steel for your business; consider big names like JSW who believe in building a better tomorrow with better products.