How Different Alloys Change Steel's Properties

Modern manufacturing demands make steel alloys necessary for industrial applications. Different alloys have different properties. They retain steel’s strength and in some cases can add new properties. Here are a few examples of common alloys and their properties.

1. Steel-Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum detoxifies and deoxidizes steel, changing steel’s grain size, and making it finer. Aluminum helps steel form slowly so that you can form it into lighter, more intricate parts.

2. Steel-Chromium Alloy

Chromium is a primary ingredient of stainless steel. It boosts steel’s performance in a number of ways. It makes it harder, gives it a finer grain and makes it more resistant to scratches, stains, rust, and dents. It holds its shape at higher temperatures and gives it an attractive silver gloss.

3. Steel-Cobalt Alloy

Metal becomes more malleable at higher temperatures. This can be disastrous and dangerous in some circumstances. Manufacturers can use steel-cobalt alloys to solve this problem. Cobalt gives steel a boost in strength, allowing it to resist higher temperatures. This alloy is ideal for cutting tools.

4. Steel-Copper Alloy

Copper alloys may be unusual, but when manufacturers add it to steel, it creates delivers specific hardening properties.

5. Steel-Lead Alloy

Lead improves the machining characteristics of steel, reduces friction between working edges, and it improves formations for chip breaking.

6. Steel-Nitrogen Alloy

Nitrogen boosts the yield stability and strength of steel.

7. Steel-Phosphorus Alloy

Phosphorous improves steel’s resistance to corrosion and its strength. It can also make it more prone to cracking. Manufacturers use it with manganese and sulfur.

8. Steel-Silicon Alloy

Silicon deoxidizes steel, making it stronger. It also improves steel’s magnetic permeability.

9. Steel-Titanium Alloy

Titanium is tough by itself. When it is combined with steel, a tough metal in its own right, it creates an alloy that is even stronger. Manufacturers often inject carbon when they make titanium steel, and the result has astounding strength and resistance to corrosion.

10. Steel-Tungsten Alloy

Tungsten maintains the strength of steel at high temperatures and improves the strength of the material overall. Steel-Tungsten Alloys not only retain hardness but do so without becoming brittle. Its toughness prevents breaking while enduring powerful forces.

If you're looking for assistance with construction design or have any questions about steel fabricators, contact Midwest Steel Inc. today. 

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