Four Common Grades Of Steel

Steel’s standard formation is considered a combination of iron and carbon. However, there are 3500+ grades of steel in the market that most people are not aware of. Design to your requirements, and you can select the best steel grade for your project or industry. 

However, you must study all the pros and cons, characteristics, and applications and then make a well-informed decision. 

If you are exploring your option in steel pipes and wondering which grade of steel would be best for your project, you must check out the services offered by Stealth Pipe and Steel. Getting expert advice before investing your money in steel pipes is essential, or you may invest in the wrong steel grade. 

  • Carbon steels 

Carbon steels are the most popular steel grade as they have trace amounts of elements with a foundation of carbon and iron. Around 90% of steel production comprises carbon steel because of its strength. However, if you are planning a project that involves steel pipes for water-related purposes or even if the lines are exposed to moisture, carbon steel is not the best option for you because of its corrosion properties. 

Carbon steel is a rigid grade metal and does not wear out quickly. It is an excellent match for high-performing kitchen knives that are particularly needed for cutting and chopping challenging food items like meat, citrus vegetables, coconuts shells, etc. 

  • Alloy steels

The elemental composition of alloy steels consists of a different alloy added to form steel. Several alloy elements are used in developing these steels, like nickel, aluminum, copper, chromium, etc. alloy steels are much more durable and robust as the added metal gives more security to the steel. 

Moreover, alloy steels are also corrosion resistant and machinable. They can be used to manufacture pipes that require durability and are resistant to high temperatures, water, etc. They are also used in producing heating parts in electrical appliances like toasters, heaters, corrosion-resistant containers, pots, pans, etc. 

  • Stainless steel 

Stainless steel is one of the most widely used grades of steel. It is an extreme and long-lasting metal with chromium as an alloying element in its composition. While chromium is the primary element there are several other types of stainless steel with different alloy elements like nickel, carbon, silicon, and manganese.  

Stainless steel is a prevalent metal used to make kitchen utensils, pipes of various applications, surgical tools, medical equipment, etc., as it has excellent longevity and is corrosion and rust-resistant.