Steel: Tutto quello che c'è da sapere

Steel is a versatile material that is suitable for a lot of applications. When it comes to steel, almost every industry uses it.

If you are also considering using steel in your upcoming project and want to learn what is steel and where it can be used, the guide below has it all. So, let's read.

What is Steel?

Steel is an alloy that consists of iron and carbon, followed by some other elements. Steel has many grades based on the alloying materials and their properties. These alloying materials are usually composed of nickel, manganese, and chromium.

Steel is a very strength-oriented material and, hence, is used in different applications and industries.

How is Steel Made?

Steel is made using two different processes, as discussed below:

Blast Furnace Process

In the blast furnace, coke and iron are added, and some air is blown so that the fire can be ignited. Some lime is then added so that the iron order can be turned into a metallic texture.

It produces pig iron, which is then inserted in the oxygen furnace so that steel in molten form is achieved.

Electric Arc Furnace Process

This method consists of introducing iron ore in a direct reduction furnace, which is fired and then sent to the electric arc furnace. Electrodes are added in the furnace so that the metal melts and alloying elements are also added.

Once the molten steel is formed using either of the two processes, it is subjected to post-processing, where it is either rolled or converted into bars as per the requirements.

The Composition of Steel

One of the major considerations people have is what steel is made of. Acciaio is made primarily using carbon and iron but also has some other elements.

There are different grades of steel, which include carbon steel as well as mild steel, and they have more amount of iron, which is around 99%, whereas less than 0.25% of carbon, followed by traces of sulfur, phosphorus, and manganese.

Stainless steel is also a very common grade used, with 10% iron followed by 8% nickel and 18% chromium. It also has carbon, which varies based on the type of stainless steel.

Some other alloying elements commonly found in steel are boron, molybdenum, vanadium, etc. Their composition is based on the required grade and may vary.

The Characteristics of Steel for Manufacturing

Steel offers many such characteristics that make it suitable for a lot of industrial applications, and these characteristics are as follows:

• Steel has high strength and can carry structural loads very well.
• It is a very durable type of metal that has a longer span of life, resisting creep and wear.
• Steel offers versatility and has a lot of different grades, which can be opted for for different uses.
• Most of the grades of steel are easily machinable and can be turned into complex components with precision.
• It is easily weldable and can be subjected to applications that require welded components.
• When alloyed with elements like molybdenum, chromium, and nickel, steel offers to resist corrosion.
• It has a low heat and electrical conductivity and hence can be used as a heat-resistant material.

Types of Steel

There are different types of steel, and some of these are discussed below:

Acciaio al carbonio

The carbon steel has three categories as follows:

Low Carbon Steel: It consists of 0.3% carbon and is a highly ductile form of steel that can be shaped easily.

Medium Carbon Steel: It has 0.3 to 0.6% carbon and offers strength along with ductility.

High Carbon Steel: It has the highest carbon content, which is around 0.6 to 1.4%, and has less ductility and more hardness. It is suitable for the tool-making industry.

Acciaio legato

Acciaio legato consists of chromium, nickel, and copper, which makes it very hard and resistant to corrosion. It also has a type called weathering steel, which has copper, making a layer of protection from trust and enhancing durability when used outdoors.

Acciaio inox

Acciaio inox has 10.5% chromium, which creates a layer of oxide that protects it against staining and rusting. It is used in applications that need durability, like medical tools and kitchenware.

Acciaio per utensili

Acciaio per utensili has a high alloying content, which makes it resistant to heat and gives its superior hardness. High-speed steel is also a type of tool steel that is used for making drill bits and cutting tools.

Electrical Steel

Electrical steel is a specialized steel that has high magnetic permeability and is used in electrical applications. It helps in reducing the energy loss and improves the efficiency.

What are the Types of Steel Products?

There are different types of steel bars that are used for different applications, such as the following:

Round bars: These are circular steel rods used very commonly in industrial applications.

Square bars: They have a cross-sectional area in a square shape.

Flat bars: These bars have a thickness of less than an inch and are composed of a flat, rectangular-like layout.

Hexagonal bars: The hexagonal bars are less common but have six sides.

Twisted bars: The twisted steel bars are used in architectural applications and have a rope-like structure.

Rebar: This type of steel bar is a rounded bar with knurls around its edges.

Properties of Steel

Steel has various properties physical and chemical, and these are featured in the section below:

Proprietà fisiche

• Steel has a density of 7.85g/cm3, which makes it heavy and strong.
• It has a melting point of 1370 to 1510 degrees centigrade.
• Steel composed of a high carbon content is harder.
• Some types of steel, like carbon steel, offer magnetism.
• Steel has a moderate heat conductivity and can transfer heat in a controllable way.

Chemical Properties

• Stainless steel has chromium, which protects it from corroding.
• Carbon, being the main element in its composition, makes it hard and strong.
• Steel can be alloyed with nickel, manganese, and chromium to enhance its corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and toughness.
• When subjected to oxygen, steel may rust, provided that it is not treated with further processes.
• Seal reacts with bases and acids depending on the alloying elements added.

Industrial Applications of Steel

Steel is widely used in many industries, and some of its industrial applications are as follows:

Transportation

Steel is commonly used in the transportation sector for the purpose of constructing rails and bridges. Apart from this, frames for trains and large ships are also manufactured using steel as it offers excellent strength.

Costruzione

Steel is used in the construction sector due to its ability to bear the load, and hence, structures utilize steel due to its excellent strength.

Packaging

Cans for food and beverages are made of steel due to its recyclability and durability.

Medico

It is used in medical equipment as it can resist corrosion. Also, it controls microbial growth and can be easily sterilized.

Why Use Steel?

Steel has exceptional durability, versatility, and strength, which makes it suitable for different industries. It offers excellent structural integrity, which makes it suitable for the construction and transportation sector.

Moreover, it is opted for its ability to resist corrosion and tolerate heat. Hence, due to its extensive characteristics, using it can help in many ways.

Pros and Cons of Steel for Manufacturing

The pros and cons of steel in the manufacturing industry are discussed below:

Pro

• Steel is versatile and, hence, can be machined, molded, and even welded as needed.
• It offers high strength and durability. Hence, it is used in heavy-load applications.
• Steel is rigid and hence offers exceptional dimensional stability.
• It is recyclable and hence does not impact the environment.

Contro

• Some grades of steel, like carbon steel, are prone to corrosion and may need additional coating.
• Steel is heavy, and not every application may need this much because of its mass.
• Steel smelting requires a larger amount of energy.
• Steel has the ability to conduct heat very well, and hence, the cooling and insulation can be affected.
• Steel has a high cost, which could be a problem for some applications.

Get CNC Machining Steel Service at DEK

CNC machining of steel helps manufacture various components used in different applications. We at DEK provide high-quality and precise steel components manufactured using CNC machining.

We offer multiple grades and help you make the right selection based on your requirements.

Conclusione

If you have read the guide above, you can now easily consider steel for your upcoming projects based on the details given. The use of steel is quite prominent in many industries and offers a durable choice with vertical grade selection.

Domande frequenti

What is galvanized steel?

Galvanized steel has a layer of protection in the form of zinc coating, and it offers high corrosion resistance.

What is corten steel?

Corten steel, also known as weathered steel, is used in outdoor applications.

Why is steel better than iron?

Steel is more durable than iron, and it offers even better strength and excellent durability.