Time to read: 6 min
Steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, claims its place as the most utilized metal alloy in various industries. This guide offers an in-depth look at steel's properties, grades, and its application in prototyping and manufacturing, guiding you in selecting the appropriate steel for your project.
The prevalence of steel in industrial applications is a testament to its versatility and robustness. Recognized for its strength and workability, steel is a cornerstone material in modern manufacturing.
Properties of Steel: Steel's properties are largely influenced by its chemical composition, primarily iron and carbon, with carbon levels typically not exceeding 1.5%. Additional elements like manganese and phosphorous are incorporated to refine specific attributes, while trace elements such as silicon, copper, nickel, tin, and molybdenum are also present.
Chemical Properties of Steel: The interplay of elements in steel significantly shapes its characteristics. While iron is soft, the introduction of carbon enhances steel's strength and hardness, propelling its utility in engineering applications.
Physical Properties of Steel: Steel boasts a high melting point of approximately 1510°C, surpassing that of many other metals. Its density is impressively high at 7850 kg/m3, contributing to its hardness, which is crucial for CNC machined components.
Different Grades and Uses of Steel: The diversity of steel grades is a reflection of its chemical composition variations. Over 3500 grades exist, categorized into carbon, alloy, stainless, and tool steel.
Carbon Steel: Accounting for 90% of steel production, carbon steel leverages carbon content to define its traits. It is divided into mild, medium, and high carbon steel, each serving different applications ranging from rail components to machine parts and tooling.
Alloy Steel: Enhanced with alloying elements, alloy steel is engineered to improve characteristics such as hardness, durability, and corrosion resistance. It is prominently used in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Stainless Steel: Renowned for its corrosion resistance, stainless steel is a staple in CNC machining and household items. It is distinguished by its chromium and nickel content, offering superior formability and tensile strength.
Tool Steel: Designed for heat resistance and durability, tool steel incorporates elements like tungsten and cobalt, rendering it ideal for manufacturing cutting and drilling tools.
Applications of Steel: Steel's applications stretch across industries, from automotive and aerospace to energy production and domestic appliances. Its recyclability and resistance to corrosion make it a sustainable choice for packaging as well.
Choosing the Right Steel Grade: The selection of steel grade is pivotal, contingent upon factors like the operating environment, corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, machinability, cost, and the product's intended purpose.
Conclusion: Steel's widespread application is a consequence of its desirable properties and adaptability. For machining and parts manufacturing, stainless steel, particularly CNC stainless steel, stands out as the optimal choice. However, a thorough evaluation of available grades is essential to ensure the most suitable selection for your specific needs.