Chapter 8 : Steels

Learning Objectives :
1) Name four diferent tpes of steels and! for each! cite
compositional diferences! distinctive properties! and tpical
uses"
Introduction
Based on composition, metal alloys are grouped into two classes
1) Ferrous iron is the principal constituent e.g. steels and cast iron
2) Nonferrous alloys that are not iron based
Ferrous alloys are used extensiely because!
1) "ron ores exist in abundant #uantities.
2) $conomical extraction, refining, and fabrication techni#ues are
aailable.
%) &he alloys may be tailored to hae a wide range of properties.
'isadantages of ferrous alloys are!
1) &hey are susceptible to corrosion.
2) &hey hae a relatiely high density.
%) &hey hae relatiely low electrical conductiities
Steels
(teels are iron)carbon alloys that may contain trace of other alloying
elements. (ome of common steels are classified according to carbon
concentration namely, into low), medium), and high) carbon types.
*ow +arbon (teels
,f all the different steels, low carbon steels are produced in the greatest
#uantity. &hese contain less than about -.2. wt / + and a little manganese
Properties: nonresponsie to heat treatments0 relatiely soft and
wea1 but hae outstanding ductility and toughness0 machinable and
weldable
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Typical applications: automobile body components, structural shapes
2")beams, channel and angle iron), sheets used in pipelines,
buildings, bridges, and tin cans.
High-strength, low alloy (HSLA) steels are another group of low carbon
steels. They contain other alloying eleent ( !u, ", #i, $o) as high as %&'
in cobine( concentration. HSLA steels posses higher strength, ore
corrosion resistance than plain carbon steels.
3edium +arbon (teels
4bout -.2. ) -.5- wt / +. &he plain medium)carbon steels hae low
hardenabilities. &he heat)treated medium) carbon steels contain +r, Ni and
3o to improe the capacity to heat treatment thus, improing strength)
ductility combinations. &hey are stronger than low)carbon steels
6roperties! heat treatable, relatiely large combinations of mechanical
characteristics.
&ypical applications! railway wheels and trac1s, gears, cran1shafts,
and machine parts.
7igh +arbon (teels
4bout -.5- 1.8 wt / +. &he hardest, strongest, and yet least ductile of
the carbon steels. &hey are used in a hardened and tampered condition
2wear resistance). &he tool and die steels are high carbon alloys contain
2+r, 9, :, 3o). &he combination with + will form ery hard and wear
resistance carbide compound 2for cutting tools).
6roperties! hard, strong, and relatiely brittle.
&ypical applications! chisels, hammers, 1nies, and hac1saw blades.
7igh 4lloy (teels ;(tainless steel
&he ma<or alloying element is +r = 11wt/. +orrosion resistant is enhanced
by adding Ni and 3o
6roperties! hard and wear resistant0 resistant to corrosion in a large
ariety of enironments.
&ypical applications! cutting tools, drills, cutlery, food processing, and
surgical tools
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