Facts About Steel Grades and Classifications

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.

Steel Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 317-244-0700
Steel Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 317-244-0700

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.

Related Posts:

FAQS About the Grades of Carbon Steel
Fundamental Guide to Cleaning Stainless Steel
The Top 4 Applications for Medium Carbon Steel

What is Tool Steel?

Tool steel is a special type of steel that is higher in hardness and more resistant to abrasion. There are variety of grades to choose from when on the market for tool steel, all of which also come in a selection of shapes, like round bar, square bar, and plate. Continue below to learn more about tool steel, including the common applications for the most prevalent grades.

Indiana Steel Metal Buyers
Indiana Steel Metal Buyers 317-244-0700

Tool Steel Properties and Applications

Because tool steel is especially hard and resistant to abrasion, it is commonly used in the metal fabrication industry for mold-fashioning, cutting, metal stamping and extrusion dies, and additional impact functions, such as industrial hammers. The most important and useful property of tool steel is hardness. It is extremely hard, which is why it is a go-to material for making machinery that forms other metals. Also, tool steel can be customized order in a wide range of shapes, including flat bar, square bar, round bar, rectangular bar, precision ground stock, plate, and more.

Flat Bar – Available in Tool Steel A2, D2, and O1

Square Bar – Available in Tool Steel A2, D2, and O1

Rectangular Bar – Available in Tool Steel A2, D2, and O1

Round Bar – Available in Tool Steel A2, D2, H13, S7, and O1

Precision Ground Stock – Available in Tool Steel A2, D2, and O1

Plate – Available in Tool Steel A2, D2, H13, S7, and O1

Common Tool Steel Applications

Other than the manufacturing of metal forming machinery and technology, common industrial and commercial applications for tool steel include making chiseling tools, blacksmith tools, gages, cutters, die casting dies, bushings, rotary slitters, shears, burnishing tools, embossing machines, lathes, and more.

Where to Sell Scrap Steel for Cash on the Spot in Indiana

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle scrap steel in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a professional scrap metal recycling center that has served the Hoosier community for over 75 years. Our professional scrap metal buyers accept all metals, in any condition, and pay cash on the spot for them! Recycle junk cars, boats, construction equipment, power tools, old electronics, and more for an instant profit. Request a free quote, today.

Indianapolis Metal Recycling
Indianapolis Metal Recycling

4 Common Metals That are Easy to Recycle

The amount of metal used in our society is astronomical on a global scale. That is because metal is a highly-useful and beneficial commodity that can be applied in infinite industries, from automotive manufacturing and construction, to food service, plumbing, electrical, medical equipment, and more. If you are interested in doing your part to preserve our planet’s natural resources and reduce our need to mine for new ores, your best course of action is to start a metal recycling initiative at home and in the office!

Although all metal is 100% recyclable, there are some metals that are easier to come by than others. Continue reading to learn the top 4 easiest metals to get started with when it comes to recycling.

Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 317-244-0700
Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 317-244-0700

Aluminum

Do you have some food or soup cans laying around? These are likely made from aluminum! If not, they are made of tin, which is also entirely recyclable and reusable. Additional sources of aluminum scrap include car parts, metal patio furniture, mailboxes, sheet metal, bicycles, pots and pans, window frames, and some plumbing fixtures like sinks and faucets.

Steel

Steel is perhaps the number one most recycled metal in the United States. In fact, before Eco-friendly practices were trendy, steel was being recycling regularly. Not only does steel recycle require a fraction of the energy needed to recycle other materials, it does not lose any of its valuable properties in the process. This means steel can be recycled and reused over and over again.

Lead

Lead might not be something we want in our water, but it is something we want to recycle as often as possible. Common sources of recyclable lead include automotive batteries, including batteries for other types of motorized things, like motorbikes, bulldozers, golf carts, scooters, boats, and more. It is important to properly dispose of lead materials by recycling them because it can be harmful to the surrounding environment if leaked.  

Copper

The most common sources of copper that can be recycled are electronics and cookware. If you have old pots and pans made from copper, you have a decent freight of recyclable metal. Other sources include anything with a computer or circuit board, as well as, electrical wiring. Some gutter systems and roofing materials are also made from copper, and can be recycled over and over again.

A Trusted Indianapolis Metal Recycling Company That Pays You Cash

Call Zore’s Recycling division at 317-244-0700 to recycle metal in Indianapolis, Indiana for cash. 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.