subject: Types Of Steel Used In The Manufacturing Process [print this page] Steel is a widely used material in industry since it is very strong, durable, and can be formed into all kinds of shapes and sizes. The process of shaping steel for use in manufacturing and construction process is called steel fabrication. Steel fabricators use advanced machinery to mold the steel by grinding, cutting, burning, and welding it into the needed size and shape. There are different types of steel they can use, each has qualities needed for specific jobs. There are literally hundreds of types of steel that can be manufactured and these are called alloy steels because they are made from a variety of elements, each selected for its mechanical properties. Here are the most common classes of steel.
Tool steel is used to make different kinds of tools so it must resist cracking, and be very strong and durable. It usually has a carbon content under 1.5%, although that can vary among grades. Tool steel is graded for water hardening, cold-working, shock resisting, hot-working, high speed, and special purpose grades. The level of toughness and hardness of the steel can be controlled by varying the amount of added elements such as molybdenum, carbon, silicon, and manganese.
Weathering steel is a special type of building material that doesn't have to be covered in paint, and as it becomes weathered over the years, it takes on rusty looking appearance. It is often used when making large outdoor sculptures and on bridges and shipping containers.
Crucible steel is made just like its name implies, in a crucible. Steel fabricators since the early days of civilization have used this method of making weapons and other goods. When the technique is used to make sword blades, it gives the finish an appearance similar to wood grain.
Spring steel is constructed from elements that give it the unique ability to spring back after it has been twisted or bent. Usually, this type of steel has a high percentage of silicon. It is used to fabricate springs, spring clamps, stage swords, antennas, and lock picks since all of these things must bend and then bend back to their original shape.
Carbon steel is highest in carbon and quite low in the other elements. Sometimes any steel that is not stainless steel is referred to as carbon steel. Steel with a lot of carbon will get stronger and harder when it is treated with heat. This metal is commonly used in the steel fabrication of automobile components, strong wires, knives, and axes.
Stainless steel is manufactured to be composed to have at least 11% of the element chromium. There are all kinds of uses for this type of steel and it doesn't get water spots, rust, or corrode.It is used to make things such as industrial equipment, appliances, cookware, sculptures, surgical equipment, and food transport containers. Since stainless steel can be sterilized and even has natural antibacterial qualities, it is an obvious choice for use in the medical and food industries.
Maraging steel has the purpose of being exceptionally strong while still being malleable. The elements that give it such strength are things such as molybdenum, cobalt, and titanium, instead of carbon. Because of its unique properties it is often used to make engine parts, missile skins, and firing pins in automatic weapons.
Thanks to the ability to create steel with specific properties and the capability to shape it into all shapes and sizes, it has become one of the most widely used products in industry and around the home.
