Steel is one of the most popular building materials available to mankind, and it is used in countless different applications, including throughout the building and construction industry. However, did you know that depending on the purpose you want to achieve, the type of steel that you use should be different? In this post, we take a closer look at the different types of steel that are commonly used, including the different alloys, grades and uses.
What are Steel Alloys?
In their most common forms, steel alloys are typically created from iron, which is then mixed with other elements such as carbon or chromium. This process results in the alloy having the beneficial properties of both iron as well as the element that it is combined with. The properties of each alloy will thus differ and will depend primarily on the elements that it is comprised of.
Perhaps the most common type of steel alloy that many people are familiar with is stainless steel. Stainless steel is created when iron is combined with chromium to give the alloy the rust and corrosion-resistant properties of chromium. Another example of a steel alloy is carbon steel, which is created by combining carbon with iron. Carbon steel is one of the strongest materials in existence, and the amount of carbon contained in the alloy can also be varied depending on the purpose that the steel is to be used for.
Understanding Steel Grades
Steel grades are essential indicators that help builders and manufacturers alike classify and sort steel into various categories depending on their characteristics. Depending on the manufacturer that you get your steel from, the grading system that you refer to might differ. Nonetheless, regardless of the grading system, the grade of steel that you purchase can provide you with a lot of information about its characteristics.
Different grading systems also grade steel based on different metrics. Nonetheless, the factors that are taken into consideration when grading steel are typically universal. Some of the factors that can affect steel grades include the composition of the different alloying materials in the steel, the tensile strength of the steel, its yield strength and the hardness of the steel.
Choosing the Right Type of Steel
When purchasing steel for a building, construction or even DIY project, it is important for you to familiarise yourself with the different options available so that you are able to select the most appropriate one. This is crucial as the type of steel you need may vary depending on the application. For instance, it is crucial for you to use high-grade steel that is rated for buildings if you want to use the steel for a construction project. This will ensure that it has adequate structural integrity.
RW Steel is a leading supplier of steel in Melbourne, and we offer a wide range of steel products for various applications, including galvanised steel posts, retaining wall steel and much more. If you’re unsure about what kind of steel to get, our experts will be more than happy to advise you. Contact us today for a free consultation!