Steel toe boots are protective footwear with a steel insert in the toe, useful for construction workers and others at risk of injury. They use heavy materials, finish at mid-calf, and provide insulation and protection. They are mandatory safety footwear in some workplaces and can last many years if cared for properly. When shopping, consider […]
Steel scaffolding is a strong and durable option for temporary access during construction, maintenance, and repairs. It can support heavy weights and be designed with safety features. Mobile scaffolding is available, but theft is a risk. Regular checks and safety equipment are necessary for working at heights. Steel scaffolding is access scaffolding that allows workers […]
Silicon steel is a steel with added silicon, increasing its electrical resistance and magnetic field penetration while reducing hysteresis loss. It’s used in electrical applications and can have up to 6.5% silicon. Heat treatment controls grain size and orientation, and laminations are stacked to create the core of electromagnetic devices. Silicon steel, often called electrical […]
Carbon steel has a higher carbon content, making it more malleable and durable, while stainless steel has a high chromium content that prevents corrosion and staining. Stainless steel is preferred for consumer products and decorative purposes, while carbon steel is used in manufacturing and hidden projects. Carbon steel gets hotter and distributes heat better, but […]
Low-alloy steel is a type of steel with added hard materials such as nickel and chromium, making it hard and tough but difficult to weld. It is commonly used for large pipes in the oil industry and can be used for construction and military purposes. The characteristics of the steel can be changed depending on […]
Electrical steel, also known as transformer steel, is an alloy of iron and silicon used to build transformer cores, stators of generators and motors. It retains heat and prevents magnetic eddy currents. Grain-oriented silicon steel produces a stable magnetic field, while non-oriented silicon steel is used in motors or generators. Grades of electrical steel are […]
Aluminized steel is steel coated with aluminum, making it stronger, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. There are two types: one coated with a silicon and aluminum combination, and the other with pure aluminum. It combines the benefits of both metals and is used in household appliances, automobiles, and industrial applications. It is cost-effective and can be easily […]
Steel wool is a versatile material made of fine steel strands used for cleaning, sanding, and more. It was developed in the 19th century from woodchip waste. Different grades are available for various tasks, and it can be a fire hazard. Steel wool is a material made up of fine strands of steel that are […]
Surgical stainless steel is a specific grade of stainless steel used for medical instruments and jewelry. It contains higher amounts of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum for durability, hardness, and compatibility with the human body. It is highly resistant to corrosion and bacteria, making it ideal for surgical equipment and implants. It is also commonly used […]
Steel pipes are made of iron and carbon and used in construction and industrial applications. Carbon tubing is affordable and used for large projects, while stainless steel is expensive but highly corrosion-resistant. Galvanized steel is used in harsh conditions and black steel is commonly used for plumbing. Pipes can be seamless or welded, with NPS […]
Tool steel is a type of steel used for tools due to its hardness, ability to hold a sharp edge, and resistance to abrasion and deformation. It is produced in many grades and can be used for stamping dies, construction equipment, and axles. The different grades are classified under SAE or AISI/SAE steel grades. The […]
Welding carbon steel to stainless steel is common and often uses MIG welding. Choosing the right grades of steel and welding rods is crucial. MIG welding requires a source of electricity, and the right electrode must be chosen based on location, abrasion, and transfer type. Welding carbon steel to stainless steel is a common process […]
Manganese steel is an alloy of steel and manganese, containing 11% to 15% manganese, which imparts unique properties such as magnetic and abrasion resistance, extreme durability, and improved surface hardness. However, its strength makes it difficult to work and drill. Most manganese is produced for steel alloys. Manganese steel, also known as Hadfield steel and […]
Rimmed steel is a low carbon steel that is easily bent and has a clean surface. It is partially deoxidized, allowing a circle to form that is almost entirely iron. It is softer than other steels and ideal for cold bending and rolling applications. The surface finish is cleaner and it is used for its […]
Steel beams are strong structural supports used in buildings to distribute weight evenly and prevent warping. They come in standardized shapes and sizes, but can also be custom-made. Architects and engineers must consider factors like weight, seismic activity, and open spaces when placing beams. Beams can be made through welding or extrusion and must be […]
Stress relieving steel involves heating a steel workpiece to a specific temperature for a specified amount of time to remove internal stresses. The temperature is determined by the alloy and the process is necessary to prevent warping or breaking during use. After heating, the part is left to cool without hardening. Stress relieving steel is […]
Inclusions in steel are impurities that are not part of the molecular structure of the alloy, classified as endogenous or exogenous. They can reduce the quality of steel, but modern steelmaking processes minimize their presence. Endogenous inclusions are formed during the steelmaking process, while exogenous inclusions come from foreign substances. Inclusions are unavoidable to some […]
Low carbon steels, containing up to 0.2% carbon, are used for truck beds, car parts, and structural shapes. Ultra-low carbon steels are used for steel panels and non-critical structural shapes. Carbon content affects strength and ductility, with high carbon steels being stronger but less ductile. Low carbon steels, such as 1010, 1018, and 1020, are […]
Yield strength is the stress required for permanent deformation in steel, determined by a tension test. It can be increased by heat treatments or mixing other materials. It differs from tensile strength, which is the point at which a metal breaks. The yield strength of steel varies based on the percentage of carbon and other […]
Steel mills create steel and iron by heating raw materials in a cauldron. The industry was once booming in the US, but foreign competition, rising costs, and deregulation led to many closures. Working in a steel mill is hard, but pays well. The decline of the industry also hurt other industries like railroads and coal […]
