What Are Steel Alloys?

What Are Steel Alloys?

Steel is a material composed primarily of iron and a small percentage of carbon, which enhances the strength and fracture resistance of the metal. Other elements are added to the mix as well, and some types are made with more than one element. For example, stainless steel fabricators have an additional 11% of chromium, making them especially resistant to corrosion.

Carbon

Carbon steel is a type of steel with a carbon content of 0.05 percent to 2.1 percent by weight. The American Iron and Steel Institute defines carbon steel as “steel with a carbon content ranging from 0.05 to 2.1 percent by weight.”

Manganese

Manganese is an important component of steel. While the amount of this element is relatively small, it has an enormous impact on the ductility of the metal. It binds available sulfur in the steel, which makes it more ductile. It also improves the corrosion resistance of the steel.

Vanadium

Vanadium is a valuable component of steel, and its presence makes it more durable and hardenable. It is also resistant to abrasion, oxidation, and corrosion.

Molybdenum

In steel, the addition of molybdenum improves the impact resistance. However, increasing molybdenum content can have unintended consequences. It can increase the proportion of the brittle transformation product, bainite, thereby reducing toughness at low temperatures. However, increased molybdenum content can improve the material’s strength under a range of conditions, including aging.

Alloys

Steel alloys are different types of steels that have been mixed together to improve their mechanical properties. There are two primary categories of alloy steel: low alloy and high alloy. There is some debate over the exact differences between the two categories.

Ductility

Ductility is a characteristic of metals that allows them to deform under a tensile stress. Ductile steels are highly useful for many products. Cables, for example, must be able to stretch and remain flexible. Many designs depend on ductility.

Properties

The physical properties of steel depend on its chemical composition and manufacturing process. These properties are governed by product standards. Structural designers use these limits to determine the properties of steel used in their designs. Chemical content and alloy composition also influence the mechanical properties of steel. Alloys can make steel more or less weldable or more durable.

Common uses

Steel is a metal alloy made of iron and carbon that is used for construction, industrial machinery, and many other applications. Its high hardness and low cost make it an important component in many industries. Depending on the alloy composition, steel can have a density anywhere from 7,750 to 8,050 kg/m3. Its density is a good indicator of its resistance to abrasion, bending, and breakage.