Steel has numerous applications in the commercial, industrial and construction sector. The general popularity of this metal can be attributed to the intrinsic strength, high availability, relatively low cost and durability. Moreover, there are multiple types and grades of steel that you can choose for different needs. If you are looking for raw steel supply for a project, you should consider choosing alloy steel. As implied, this type of metal is made by combining ordinary steel with alloying elements.
The added alloying elements are selected with care because they are intended to contribute to the improvement of certain physical or chemical properties of the regular steel. You should note that the types of potential alloyants which can be added to steel are diverse. Consequently, the possible grades of alloy steel available in the market are extensive. If you are uncertain about the best material to select for your project, consider these crucial factors when shopping.
Material Strength
The strength of steel is an important consideration for almost every application. This property refers to the ability of the material to withstand stress and strain during its intended use. Steel is strong because of the carbon added to reinforce the iron. However, there are some alloying elements which can be incorporated to increase strength further. Therefore, if you need alloy steel with high strength for demanding applications, you should choose a grade with such elements. Alloyants responsible for increasing steel strength include silicon, nickel and vanadium.
Machinability
You should consider the machinability of the different grades of alloy steel before choosing your raw material. After all, the purchased steel will most likely need to be processed before its use in specific applications. Machinability refers to the general ease with which the alloy steel can be cut and formed into desired designs. There are multiple alloying elements which increase the machinability of steel, so you should look for these if you want to use the raw material for complex fabrications. The most suitable alloyant for better machinability is sulphur because it enhances free-machining properties.
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion is a common problem for steel because the material comprises of iron. If this metal is exposed to moisture and air, rust is formed. Moreover, the material is vulnerable to salt, acids and other compounds. Therefore, if you need metal which will be exposed to these factors, you should look for alloy steel with elements which increase corrosion resistance. The best anti-corrosion alloyants include chromium, nickel and copper.
