Classification of Steels

Assignment 4:
Classification of Steels
Introduction:
Definition of Alloys:
An alloy is a mixture or solid solution of two or more elements, in which one metal replaces
another, or occupies interstitial positions.
e.g.
Alloy of zinc and copper is called brass.
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.
Steel:
Definition:
Alloy of iron with elements like carbon, manganese, vanadium, chromium is known as steel.
Composition:
The most common alloying material used for steel is carbon, which varies from 0.2% to about
2.1%. Different amounts of carbon are responsible for producing different types or grades of
steel.
Manufacturing of Steel:
Steel is being manufactured nowadays in Bessimer Converters. Which are charged with pig iron
(Carbon content up to 6%) which is molten and the presence of Oxygen causes most of the
impurities to be removed. Elements like Sulphur and Carbon are reduced by converting into
their respective oxides.
At the end of this process the amount of Carbon is reduced to 0.5 – 0.6%.
Classification of steels:
Carbon steel:
Steels are classified on the basis of amount of impurity atoms present in it. Mainly the
classification of steels is on the basis of Carbon contents present in it, which is added to the iron
during the manufacturing process. Steels are classified into three types on the basis of steel
contents:
1. Low carbon steel (Carbon = 0.05 – 0.15%)

2. Medium carbon steel (Carbon = 0.16 to 0.29%)
3. High carbon steel (Carbon = 0.30 – 1.70%)
Low carbon steel

This type of steel has low strength but has good formability. Low carbon steel is low cost and is
therefore used in pipes, nails, chains and in some machine parts.
Medium carbon steel

Mild steel is the most commonly used steel, because of the amount of carbon present in it, this
steel is neither too ductile nor too brittle. It is used at places where large quantities of steel are
required, like in big structures.
High carbon steel

This type of steel is very strong and tough and is used for parts that need a lot of were and tear.
It is used in springs and high strength wires.
Alloy steels:
Alloy steels refer to the type of iron-carbon alloys that has other elements added to it as
alloying elements, which enhance its mechanical properties.
Elements used in making alloy steel include Manganese, Nickel, Chromium, Molybdenum,
Silicon and Boron. Some other elements are also used but in less amounts like Aluminum,
Cobalt, Cerium, Niobium, Titanium, Tungsten, Tin and Zirconium.
Alloy steels are useful as they have a lot of improved qualities as compared to carbon steels,
which include strength, hardness, toughness, wear resistance and hardenability. Hence these
type of steels can be used for much specialized purposes.
Many alloy steels are:
 Nickel steels
 Nickel chromium steels
 Molybdenum steels
 Chromium steels
 Chromium vanadium steels
 Tungsten chromium steels
 Silicon manganese steels
Alloy steels are further divided into two types:
1. Low alloy steels (alloying elements = 8%)

2. High alloy steels (alloying elements > 8%)
Low alloy steels
Low alloy steels are useful because of their better hardenability and corrosion resistance in certain
environmental conditions. On the other hand these steels are not easy to weld, but they can be made
easy to weld by changing the carbon contents in them.
High alloy steels

High alloy steels contain more alloy metal than the low alloy steels. Because of this their strength and
ductility are changed.
Tool and die steels:

This type of steel refers to the different varieties of alloy and carbon steels that have properties that can
be used in making tools and dies.
These properties include abrasion resistance, hardness, and resistance to deformation at elevated
temperatures. Alloying elements that increase the hardness and wear resistance include Chromium,
Tungsten, Vanadium, Manganese and Molybdenum.
Stainless steels:
Effects of addition of impurity atoms:

Pure iron does not have the properties that are required for most engineering purposes. In
order to improve the qualities of pure iron impurities are added to it. Carbon acts as an
interstitial atom and makes the iron stronger. But addition of too much carbon can also make
the steel brittle.

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Assignment 4:

1. Low carbon steel (Carbon = 0.05 – 0.15%)

Low carbon steel

Medium carbon steel

High carbon steel

Many alloy steels are:

Alloy steels are further divided into two types:

1. Low alloy steels (alloying elements = 8%)

High alloy steels

Tool and die steels:

Effects of addition of impurity atoms:

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