Steel is an alloy that is made up of carbon and iron, with the former as is its chief alloying component. It is used in various applications because of its distinctive material properties, making it the most widely-used metal today.
Forms Of Steel
Steel comes in four forms: mild, medium-carbon, high-carbon, or very-high-carbon.
Mild steel is the most prevalent steel form mainly because it is the cheapest and has the most number of practical uses among the three. Also known as plain-carbon steel, it has between 0.05% and 0.25% carbon, a density of approximately 2,850 kilograms per cubic meter, and lower tensile strength. It is ductile and malleable, thus easier to work with, especially in cold-forming. Some examples of mild steel products are knives, chains, nuts and bolts, magnets, pipes, and hinges.
Medium-carbon steel has between 0.29% and 0.54% carbon. It is usually treated with heat to create better stability in terms of strength and ductility. It is frequently utilized in the automobile industry, in the manufacture of gears, crankshafts, axles, and other car components.
High-carbon steel consists of between 0.55% and 0.95% carbon. It is very hard and is used to make masonry nails, saws and other metal/wood cutting equipment, drill bits, gardening and farming tools, compression rings, and others.
Very-high-carbon steel is used for various special functions. Because its carbon content is between 0.96% and 2.1%, it is much harder and stronger than the other steel forms. It can also undergo heat treatment to enhance its material properties. It is typically used to create knife blades, bearings, saws, drills, and other tools.
Common Applications Of Steel
In the manufacture of vehicles and automobiles, the body, engine, wheel axles, doors, interior, steering, and other parts are made of engineering steels so as to meet the necessary industry standards when it comes to corrosion, elasticity, ductility, and strength.
Structures such as bridges and buildings also utilize steels to ensure the stability of the foundation and entire infrastructure. Many world-famous landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Empire State Building in the United States, are made of steel.
Even primary household appliances and tools, such as refrigerators, washing machines, sinks, ovens, and cutlery, are also made of steel .