10 Facts About Stainless Steel Metal

Posted on November 23, 2022 by admin

Stainless steel is a type of steel that contains chromium and nickel. This combination of metals makes the steel resistant to corrosion, which means it won’t rust or tarnish over time. Stainless steel is often used for cookware, cutlery, and other kitchen appliances because it is easy to clean and does not corrode.

Continue below to learn more interesting and important facts about stainless steel metal, plus where you can make some fast cash recycling steel in Indianapolis!

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Stainless Steel Facts You Need to Know

Stainless steel is a popular choice for cookware, appliances, and fixtures because it is durable and has a long lifespan. This metal is also easy to clean and maintain. If you are considering stainless steel for your next project, here are 10 facts about this material that you should know:

1. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and other metals.

2. The chromium in stainless steel protects against corrosion and rust.

3. Stainless steel is available in a variety of finishes, including polished, brushed, and matte.

4. This metal is non-toxic and safe for food contact.

5. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable.

6. It is widely used in the food and beverage industry because it is easy to clean and maintain.

7. Stainless steel appliances can last for decades with proper care.

8. This metal is resistant to heat and scratches.

9. Stainless steel does not require painting or other finishes.

10. It is an environmentally friendly choice for cookware, appliances, and fixtures.

Common Grades of Stainless Steel

There are many other grades of stainless steel, each with their own properties and applications. Some of the most common grades of stainless steel are 304 and 316. Grade 304 is the standard ’18/8′ stainless steel, which means it contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel, suitable for a wide range of applications in both industrial and domestic settings. Grade 316 is a higher-grade stainless steel, with a higher carbon content that makes it more resistant to corrosion and heat. It is often used in food processing and medical equipment.

Steel Recycling in Indianapolis

Steel is one of the most commonly recycled materials in the world. This is because steel is durable, efficient, and easy to recycle. Recycling steel helps reduce environmental pollution and conserve energy. One of the main reasons why steel recycling is so important is because it helps reduce environmental pollution. Steel production creates a lot of air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution. By recycling steel, we can reduce the amount of pollution that is created during production.

Recycling steel also conserves energy. Producing steel from scratch requires a lot of energy, but recycling steel uses significantly less energy. This is because recycled steel already has most of the impurities removed, so it takes less time and energy to refine it. Recycling steel also saves resources, such as water and minerals. Overall, steel recycling is a simple way to do our part to protect the environment and conserve resources.

It’s easy to recycle steel in Indiana, and the benefits make it well worth the effort. You can even make some fast cash at the same time! Contact Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 for moneymaking scrap metal recycling services in Indianapolis. Get paid instantly for construction or plumbing scrap, vehicles, appliances, electronics, auto parts, pure jewelry/art, and anything else that contains large quantities of metal.

Facts About Steel Grades and Classifications

Posted on October 18, 2022 by admin

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, and sometimes other elements. Iron is the base metal of steel. Steel also contains varying amounts of other elements, such as manganese, sulfur, phosphorus, and silicon. These impurities alter the steel’s properties, which is why there are many types of steel with different strengths and applications. The amount of carbon in steel affects its hardness, strength, and durability. Because of its high tensile strength and low cost, it is a major component used in buildings, infrastructure, tools, ships, automobiles, machines, appliances, and weapons.

In this blog, we will explore some fundamental facts about the different kinds of steel, including varying grades, classifications, and more.

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Soft Steel Versus Hard Steel

Different types of steel are produced according to the properties required for their application. The strength of steel can be increased by adding alloys such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum. Steel with a low carbon content is known as soft steel, while higher-carbon steels are referred to as hard steels. The hardness of a steel is usually increased by heat treatment, which involves heating the steel to a high temperature and then cooling it rapidly. This process increases the steel’s strength and hardness, but it can also make the steel more brittle.

Most Prominent Grades of Steel

There are many different grades and types of steel, each with its own properties and applications. The most common steels are low-carbon steel, high-carbon steel, tool steel, alloy steel, spring steel and stainless steel.

Low-carbon steels are the most widely used type of steel. They have a carbon content of less than 0.25% and are very ductile. They are used for making auto parts, machine parts, pipes, railway tracks etc.

High-carbon steels have a carbon content of 0.55-1.0%. They are very strong and hard, but also brittle. They are used for making knives, cutting tools, springs etc.

Tool steels are high-carbon steels that contain one or more alloying elements (manganese, chromium, vanadium, or tungsten) in addition to carbon. They are very hard and tough, and are used for making cutting tools, drill bits etc.

Alloy steels are steels that contain one or more alloying elements (manganese, silicon, nickel, titanium etc.) in addition to carbon. They have different properties from carbon steels, and are used for making auto parts, machine parts, pipes etc.

Spring steels are low-carbon or medium-carbon steels that are used for making springs. They have a high carbon content (0.5-1.0%) and are very strong and tough.

Stainless steels are alloys of iron, chromium, and sometimes other elements (nickel, molybdenum, titanium etc.), that resist corrosion and oxidation. The chromium content of stainless steel ranges from 10% to 30%. Stainless steels are used for making kitchen utensils, surgical instruments, food processing equipment etc.

The recycling of steel is one of the most efficient and effective ways to reduce environmental pollution and conserve energy. Contact Zore’s Recycling division at 317-244-0700 to get paid cash on the spot for scrap metal recycling services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Is Galvanized Steel Better Than Other Kinds of Structural Steel?

Posted on July 29, 2022 by admin

Metal is one of Earth’s most valuable resources, making it worth protecting and preserving. Warding off corrosion is one way we can make our metal resources last much longer. Galvanizing structural steel is a prime example of the various active initiatives that aim to conserve our natural metal ores and assets.

Continue reading to learn some of the most notable benefits of galvanized structural steel, and more importantly, where you can take your scrap steel for EPA-approved metal recycling.

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What is Metal Galvanization?

Galvanization is a metal fabrication process that involves coating structural steel with a metal alloy that is resistant to corrosion. Zinc is the common metal alloy used to give galvanized structural steel its unique metallurgical structure. However, galvanization often includes multiple layers of both zinc and zinc-iron alloys. It is essentially a sacrificial coating applied to protect the metal from aesthetic damage, oxidation (rust), and corrosion. There are many different methods of galvanizing metal, with the more popular processes being hot-dipped galvanization, which involves dunking the metal into a molten galvanizing compound, and spray galvanization, which is a cold organic galvanizing compound.

How is Galvanized Structural Steel Beneficial?

There are several benefits of galvanized steel. Let’s briefly review the top ten most notable advantages of choosing galvanized structural steel for your commercial or industrial applications:

Good for the Economy

Steel galvanization is one of the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly options for protecting metal against corrosion and damage. For contractors and builders, galvanized steel is easy on the budget compared to other types of coatings.

Highly Durable

Structural steel must be durable for any application it is being used for. In most cases, steel is being used to construct buildings, overpasses, bridges, or similar constructions that require long-term structural stability. Galvanized steel has a much longer shelf life and performance endurance compared to untreated structural steel.

Low Maintenance

Galvanized steel is low maintenance. Because it last much longer than other forms of structural steel, it is an economical choice. You won’t have to replace galvanized steel structures prematurely, which will save you money in the long run on renovations and rebuilds. It is also very hygienic and easy to clean.

Long Lifespan

Not only is galvanized steel durable and reliable, but it also has a very long shelf life. In average conditions, galvanized structural steel can last up to fifty years. In coastal or harsher conditions, galvanized structural steel can last between twenty and twenty-five years.

No Down Time

Galvanized steel comes ready to use, so there’s never any down time when it comes to commercial construction or industrial build projects. As soon as assembly of the structures complete, it is ready for the next stages of construction.

Would you like to responsibly recycle your left over or obsolete scrap steel components in Indy? Contact Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 for the most professional and hassle-free scrap metal recycling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash on the spot!

Top 4 Ways Scrap Metal is Reused

Posted on May 18, 2022 by admin

There are plenty of good reasons why everyone should be recycling metal. Not only are there several economic and environmental benefits that come with scrap metal recycling, but recycling metal junk can clear up some room at home or work, and even put some extra cash in your pocket! But what happens to scrap metal once it is recycled?

Well, since all scrap metal is 100% recyclable, it is reused for all sorts of other applications. In fact, in today’s age and society, most commodities are manufactured in a way that makes them as recyclable as possible. Scrap metal happens to be among the most fundamental base materials that come from such commodities and the recycling efforts surrounding them.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 ways scrap metal is repurposed, plus where to sell your scrap metal for top dollar in Central Indiana.

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Industrial Applications for Scrap Metal

One of the most common and prevalent uses for recycled scrap metal exists within the industrial industries. Industrial scrap metal has all sorts of applications, especially iron and aluminum. Industrial applications for scrap metal include building bridges and road systems, as well as automotive manufacturing, wastewater detoxification, dumpster/roll-off container manufacturing, and more. One of the most revered benefits of reusing scrap metal for industrial purposes is cost efficiency. It is much cheaper to used sourced scrap metal than it is to mine and process new metal ores.

More Metal Products and Commodities

Scrap metal is also recycled and repurposed into new metal products or used to reinforce existing metal products and commodities. This is especially true for scrap steel and stainless steel. Recycled scrap steel can be repurposed to form new or stronger steel-based tools. Copper and aluminum can also be used in the same way.

Furniture Manufacturing

Most of the metal furniture you see on the market today, especially metal patio furniture, contains recycled metal constituents. Metal is 100% recyclable, so when making home furnishings like metal tables and chairs, it makes sense to incorporate recycled materials. Metal doesn’t lose any of its important properties or tensile strength when recycled, making it an excellent material for metal furniture manufacturing.

Metal Art

When there seems to be no other purpose or application for junk metal, decorative metal artwork is the answer. Recycled metal is often used to create art and artistic pieces, including plaques, sculptures, statues, monuments, memorials, wall décor, lawn, décor, and much more. The artistic applications for scrap metal are essentially infinite, as creativity is the catalyst for inspiration.

Are you looking for a scrap metal recycling company that will pay you top dollar for your metal in Indiana? Contact us at 317-244-0700 for professional and hassle-free scrap metal recycling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for all scrap metal and junk!

Start a Recycling Program With These Scrap Metals

Posted on February 21, 2022 by admin

Having a recycling bin at home and in the office is a great way to do your part to help the environment. But what if there was a way to help the environment and make some money at the same time? When it comes to metal, that is a real possibility! Continue reading to learn which metals you can recycle and how you can make a profit recycling them!

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Metals You Can Recycle

Metal recycling protects the environment, conserves energy, and diverts waste from landfills. It also reduces the need to mine new ore, and cuts back on harmful carbon emissions produced from mining. Most metals can be recycled and reprocessed over and over again without changing their basic, original qualities.

Here are some common metals you can recycle at home or in the office:

► Steel – Steel is a ferrous metal that commonly contains iron and other alloy constituents. People have been recycling steel for more than 150 years, according to the EPA. That is because it is one of the most highly-used metals in the world. Frequently recycled steel includes steel cans, food containers, beams, construction equipment, machinery, appliances, and more.

► Copper – Copper is a very valuable metal most admired for its excellent heat transfer and conductivity attributes, but also for its aesthetic qualities. Plumbing fixtures and pipes, electronics, circuit boards, electrical wiring, jewelry, decorative objects, and building materials are common copper-made commodities. It is also a highly-recycled metal that can be reprocessed over and over again without jeopardizing its basic properties.

► Aluminum – Aluminum is a soft white, light-weight, nonmagnetic metal that is low density and corrosion-resistant. It is a common household metal commodity, but is also a common metal used for several other commercial and industrial applications. Planes, boats, cars, automotive parts, food cans and containers, building materials, window frames, doors, mechanical equipment, sheet metal, and more.

How to Make a Profit By Recycling Scrap Metal

To make money from your recyclable metals, you simply need to find a trusted Indianapolis scrap metal facility in your community. There are many companies and people who buy scrap metal, so in order to make the most money, you must be sure you choose a reputable one. Call to ask if they pay cash for scrap metal and request and offer. It’s that easy! And if you have a large metal commodity you wish to sell, they may even pick it up for you, free of charge.

Are you ready to make some fast cash for your household scrap metal recyclables? Contact us at 317-244-0700 for professional and hassle-free scrap metal recycling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay instant cash for all scrap metal and junk! Want to get rid of a junk car? We will pick it up for free and pay you on the spot!

FAQS About the Grades of Carbon Steel

Posted on October 14, 2021 by admin

Carbon steel is one of the most useful metal commodities we have in the world. Numerous industries rely on carbon steel because it is extremely affordable and retains terrific mechanical properties. If you have a project that involves using carbon steel, you have chosen an excellent metal to work with; however, it is important to know which grade of carbon steel to choose for your intended application.

Continue reading to learn some helpful answers to the most frequently asked questions about carbon steel and its variety of grades available.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Carbon Steel

What is the Composition of Carbon Steel?

The makeup of carbon steel is generally a combination of carbon, iron, and other trace elements. Measured in weight, most carbon steel usually retains between 0.05% and 2% carbon.

Which Grades of Carbon Steel Have Good Machinability?

When it comes to machining carbon steel, there are some grades that work well, and others that prove a bit challenging. For instance, grades with lower carbon content are easily machined, such as C1010 and C1018. Even grades with slightly high carbon content have decent machinability, like C1041 and C1044. On the other hand, grades like C1045 have a very high carbon content without any additional elements to assist in machining; so, it is a poor selection for applications that involve machining.

Which Grades of Carbon Steel Can Be Welded?

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Just like machinability, there are several types of CS that can be welded, and several others that are not great choices for welding applications. Grades that contain high machinability, like C1041 and C1044, are generally poor at welding. That is because they contain sulfur that will lead to weld solidification cracks. But if you choose a lower grade, like C1010 or A36, you will have no trouble with welding. If you use higher grades, like C1045, you will likely require preheat or post-weld heat treatments.

How Strong is Carbon Steel?

If the carbon content is low, the tensile strength is generally also low. If it is high, then the tensile strength should be high. If you project requires sufficient strength, a low-grade is not a good choice. Instead, choose a higher strength carbon steel, like C1045. If you need strength and formability, you can choose a high-strength low-alloy steel (HSLA) that contains low carbon but designed to still retain high strength capacities.

Is Carbon Steel Resistant to Corrosion?

Carbon steel is a ferrous metal, which means it contains iron. Accordingly, when exposed to certain elements, like oxygen and water, the metals will oxidize and rust will form. And rust weakens the structural integrity of metal, which then leads to corrosion. If your metal application requires a resistance to corrosion, you are better off choosing a galvanized or plated carbon steel that contains chromium or some other corrosive-resistant agent. Also, painting carbon steel helps to prevent corrosion.

How Do I Dispose of Scrap Steel?

If you have leftover construction scrap or scrap steel materials, you can sell it all for cash on the spot! Contact Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 for profitable scrap metal recycling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free-haul away for bulk steel materials, like construction scrap and farming scrap.

Who Pays the Most Money for Scrap Metal in Indianapolis?

Posted on April 20, 2021 by admin

Zore’s Inc. is your one-stop-shop for everything scrap metal because we offer so many fantastic services. For more than 75 years, Zore’s Inc. has been a reputable company in Indianapolis, offering a wide variety of services, such as towing and recovery, auto auctions, body shop repairs, auto parts, and more. And for several decades, we have operated a successful metal recycling and processing division! If you are proud of your scrap metal stockpile, but unsure who will pay you the cash it is worth, you have come to the right place!

Zore’s Inc. recycling division will pay you the most money for scrap metal here in Indianapolis! Continue below to learn what we do, why you should choose us, and how to get started!

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We Buy, Sell, Process, and Recycle Metal in Indianapolis

Zore’s Inc. is a family owned and operated company based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. For over 75 years, we have provided a wide range of trusted services for Hoosiers all across the state. And one of the most admired and popular services we offer today is cash for scrap metal!

Our Indianapolis scrappers accept all metal, including gold, platinum, copper, aluminum, steel, iron, precious metals, refractory metals, and more; and we will buy any of this metal from you! We will pay you cash on the spot for sheet metal, cars, trucks, boats, appliances, construction equipment, power tools, electronics, wiring, plumbing materials, and anything else with metal value.

We sell stuff too! Our Indy scrap metal buyers will sell you OEM used and refurbished auto parts at the most competitive prices in town. So, whether you need a new catalytic converter for your 1999 Honda Accord, or simply wish to dump that old fishing boat on your Granddad’s farm, we are the best source for junk metal removal and sales.

An Indianapolis Metal Recycling Center With the Capital to Pay You

You will definitely get the highest payout in Indianapolis for your scrap metal at Zore’s Recycling! We accept all types of metal, so hurry in today and start putting your junk metal to good use! We buy, sell, recycle, and process all sorts of junk and scrap metal, including vehicles! Regardless of your scrap metal needs, Zore’s Inc. is the metal recycling center that can meet us all! Whether you have an old junk car that isn’t worth much to you anymore, or a load of sheet metal, you can bet that it’s worth something at Zore’s Recycling center! We pay cash on the spot for anything made of metal, and we pay according to the current market prices of metal, so you know you are getting the fairest and most honest deal in town.

Do you have some metal junk you want to get rid of as soon as possible? Contact us at 317-244-0700 to request a free offer from one of our experienced scrap metal buyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free junk car removal services too!

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Facts About Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling

Posted on February 15, 2021 by admin

Did you know that all metals are 100% recyclable? Everything from steel and iron, to aluminum, tin, copper, brass, nickel, and even precious metals like gold and silver, can be smelted down and repurposed into an infinite array of possibilities and applications. For this reason, it is vital to support and partake in the metal recycling industry. Continue reading to review some more facts about ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including why metal recycling is so important for our planet and for mankind.

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Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron. Ferric metals include wrought iron, cast iron, steel, mild steel, and stainless steel. Because ferrous metals and ferritic alloys have useful properties, like high tensile strength and durability, they are often used in the construction and building industries for everything from residential houses and inter-coastal roadways, to skyscrapers, bridges, air crafts, and more.

Ferrous metals are also applied in large-scale pipe works, automotive manufacturing, industrial containers, railroads, and more. Although strong and durable, ferrous metals are prone to corrosion due to the high amounts of carbon in them, with the exception of wrought iron which is too pure of iron to be vulnerable to oxidation, and stainless steel, which retains chromium to protect against rust.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron or carbon. The term ferrous translates to iron, so “non” ferrous literally means no iron. Non-ferrous metals are lighter and more malleable than ferrous metals. These qualities make them a common manufacturing material for industries that have weight restrictions, but require strength, such as aviation or food canning.

Non-ferrous metals also have a high resistance to rust and corrosion. As a result, nonferrous metal is widely used in the production of house gutters, road signs, roofs, piping, and more. Metals like copper, nickel, aluminum, brass, lead, tin, zinc, and more are all examples of nonferrous metals. Also, precious metals are iron-free, such as gold, chromium, tungsten, silver, zirconium, mercury, cobalt, bismuth, cadmium, beryllium, and more.

The Key to Deciphering Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal

Ferrous metals and alloys contain iron and carbon, which retain magnetic properties. Using a standard magnet, you can easily confirm whether or not your object of discussion is ferritic or not. If the magnet sticks, it is ferrous. But if the magnet does not stick, you can safely assume there is no iron content within.

Statistics and Facts About Metal

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the most recycled metal in the world is steel. In 2019, 32% of all steel produced around the world was produced from recycled metal.

The most commonly recycled metal container in the world is the aluminum can. Steel and iron are the most recycled metal in the world mostly because they are so easily repurposed.

The energy saved by recycling just one single soda can is equal to the energy needed to operate a 100 watt light bulb for 4 hours.

By recycling metal, we reduce mankind’s need to mine for new ores and refine metals. Mining and refining also cause massive amounts of air pollution, which is reduced by metal recycling enterprises. Furthermore, we can better preserve our Earth’s natural resources by mining less, and instead, repurposing scrap metal.

How to Recycle Scrap Metal in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle scrap steel, or any of the other metals we recycle in Indianapolis, and make some fast money at the same time. We are a professional Indianapolis scrap metal recycling center that accepts and recycles all metals in any condition. Best of all, we PAY CASH ON THE SPOT! Recycle all sorts of stuff, including sheet metal and beams, cars, boats, construction equipment, power tools, old electronics, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

4 Types of Metal That Do Not Rust

Posted on December 31, 2020 by admin

Metal is one of the most valuable, naturally-occurring resources on our planet. One of the reasons why metal has such great value to our society is due to its strength and durability. But even the strongest metals can be subjected to damage or oxidation. That is why it is important to use the right type of metal for your intended application. When it comes to applications that call for strong, rust-resistant metals, these four are your top choices.

Metals That are Resistant to Oxidation (Rusting)

► Copper

We start with copper because many industry scholars and hobbyists argue that copper is not considered a noble metal because it is not technically corrosion-resistant. They often orate that because copper is such a reactive metal in the case of oxygen exposure, it is not a good fit for the definition of an anti-corrosive metal. Basically, copper will not rust because it does not contain any iron content, however, it can be subjected to certain deterioration when it reacts with oxygen. It does develop a green patina overtime, which will protect the copper from further corrosion.

► Stainless Steel

There is a very good reason why the majority of all modern-day kitchens are equipped with stainless steel appliances, such as refrigerators, microwaves, dish washing machines, stoves, and even plumbing fixtures like faucets. The very good reason is that stainless steel will not rust when exposed to moisture or water, like many other kinds of metals would. Even though stainless steel usually does contain some traces of iron, which should technically make the steel prone to oxidation, they are mostly resistant because they contain high ratios of chromium. Chromium is more reactive than iron, so it quickly oxidizes, thus creating a protective chromium oxide coating on the stainless steel. Furthermore, stainless steel often contains other rust-resistant alloys, like nickel and molybdenum, strengthening its resistance against oxidation.

► Aluminum

Aluminum metal is used in various industries and applications all across the globe, and it’s due to its two most valuable properties: light weight and resistance to corrosion. Commodities like airplanes, automobiles, bikes, building materials, and more are all manufactured with high aluminum content. The reason why aluminum is a terrific option for an anti-corrosion metal is because it contains very little, or even no iron content, making it stand up against conditions that cause rust. When exposed to moisture, a layer of aluminum oxide forms on the surface, protecting the metal from oxidation and corrosion.

► Galvanized Metal

Since steel metal is not naturally resistant to rusting, often times it must be galvanized for an added layer of protection. Galvanized carbon steel stands up well against conditions that commonly cause it to oxidize. Galvanization is the process of coating steel with zinc, which acts as a barrier against water and oxygen. This is known as cathodic protection. Like aluminum and chromium, the zinc reacts fast to oxygen, and creates a zinc oxide layer on the surface of steel.

How to Sell Your Rusty Steel and Iron Scrap Metal in Indiana

Call Zore’s Recycling division at 317-244-0700 to get paid cash on the spot with our Indianapolis metal recycling services and opportunities. We have been a family owned and operated company for over 75 years, and continue to make customer satisfaction our number one goal in our metal recycling division. And to make recycling easier for you, we offer several customer conveniences at no extra charge! Request a free estimate, today.

The Difference Between Stainless Steel and Mild Steel

Posted on August 28, 2020 by admin

Over the years of publishing blogs, we have covered the differences between a lot of metals. From ferrous and non-ferrous metal, to hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel, expanded metal and perforated metal, and a few more here and there. But today, we will cover a very basic level of metal acumen: the difference between stainless steel and mild steel.

Continue reading learn how these two types of steel compare to one another, as well as, how you can make some fast cash by recycling your steel scrap.

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Steel Matters Because it is Useful and Reusable

Since steel is one of the most widely used metals in the world, it makes sense to learn all the facts surrounding its properties and applications. This is especially true for those who are confused on the different grades and sub-categories available. For instance, many consumers often wonder if there is a significant difference between mild steel and stainless steel. Continue reading to learn the various attributes and qualities of both of these metals.

Stainless Steel Properties

Stainless steel, also known as inox steel or just inox, is an alloy that has a minimum of 10.5% chromium content and a maximum of 1.2% carbon content. Some of the most admired qualities of stainless steel is its resistance to staining, corrosion, and oxidation (rust). For this reason, it is often used in kitchens and food processing plants, as well as industries like medical, electrical, petrochemical, manufacturing, automotive, and more.

Stainless steel comes in many grades and finishes, all of which offer their own unique appeal or performance. Compared to carbon steel, stainless steel has a much higher chromium content, so when exposed to conditions that would otherwise make it rust or corrode, it instead forms a passive coating of chromium oxide that prevents further deterioration. Not only does it not corrode and does not require a protective coating, it is also easy to clean and sterilize.

Properties of Mild Steel

Mild steel is also known as carbon steel, and as mentioned, has a much less chromium content than stainless grades. In fact, The American Iron and Steel Institute officially delineates carbon steel as having no more than 2% carbon, and no other appreciable alloying element. Regardless of its low chromium content, mild steel makes up the majority of the steel production industry around the world because it has such a wide scope of applications.

Mild steel is strong, firm, and ferromagnetic, which means it also contains iron. Because of these properties, mild steel is widely used in manufacturing motors and electrical appliances. On the other hand, carbon steel is less resistant to corrosion, which means it requires a protective treatment of galvanizing or coatings if its application places it in a corrosive environment.

A Comparison of the Two Steel Metals

When it comes to the primary differences between stainless steel and mild steel, it all comes down to strength, ductility, hardness, aesthetics, and cost. Stainless steel contains additional alloying elements, including chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, all of which enhances the mechanical and chemical properties and makes it resistant to corrosion. Mild steel is less brittle, but can be strengthened more by adding carbon.

How to Recycle Steel Scrap in Indianapolis and Make Cash on the Spot