A list of ferrous metal properties:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Durable<\/li>\n
- Great tensile strength<\/li>\n
- Usually magnetic<\/a><\/li>\n
- A silver-like colour<\/li>\n
- Low resistance to corrosion<\/a><\/li>\n
- Recyclable<\/li>\n
- Good conductors of electricity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These qualities make them usable in the construction of long-lasting skyscrapers. On top of that, they are utilised in making tools, vehicle engines, pipelines, containers, automobiles, cutlery, etc.<\/p>\n
Ferrous Metals Examples<\/h2>\n
All of them have different specifications, resulting in a variety of applications. To give a better overview, we made a ferrous metals list:<\/p>\n
Non-Alloy Steels<\/h3>\n
Non-alloy steels are also known as carbon steels because carbon is the alloying element there. Yes, a little confusing as the name suggests one thing but that’s how it often is in the world of metals. Although there are other elements also present, their content is low enough to not make an impact on the material properties. Those elements are sulphur, phosphorus, silicon and manganese. Sulphur and phosphorus can actually have a detrimental effect on the steel’s quality but again, not with such low-level content.<\/p>\n
Although the term “non-alloy steels” doesn’t get much mention in a typical engineering company as such, our beloved structural steels like S235, S355<\/a>, etc belong to this group.<\/p>\n
Non-alloy steels are classified by their carbon content as low, medium and high carbon steel. Each has its own uses and the characteristics vary. Also, different treatment methods are available accordingly.<\/p>\n
Low Carbon Steel<\/h4>\n
Low carbon or mild steels contain 0.05…0.25% of carbon<\/a>. They are pretty low-cost and very well-suited for bending operations<\/a>. The surface hardness can be increased through carburising<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The low-cost and malleability low-carbon steels are widely used. Some examples include bolts and nuts, forgings, medium-loaded details, etc.<\/p>\n
Examples of low carbon steels: C10E\/1.1121, C15E\/1.1141<\/p>\n
Medium Carbon Steel<\/h4>\n
Medium carbon steels contain 0.25…0.6% of carbon. The higher carbon content increases their strength and hardness compared to low-carbon steels. At the same time, the ductility decreases. The increase of carbon and manganese allows tempering<\/a> and quenching.<\/p>\n
![\"Gears](\"https:\/\/fractory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Ferrous-metal-300x200.jpg\")
Gears, shafts and axles – all ferrous metal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Medium carbon steels are mainly used for making different automotive industry components like gears, axles, and shafts but also bolts, nuts, screws, etc. Steels ranging from 0.4…0.6% are also suitable for everything related to locomotives and rails.<\/p>\n
Examples of medium carbon steels: C40E\/1.1186, C60E\/1.1221<\/p>\n
High Carbon Steel<\/h4>\n
The carbon content numbers for high-carbon steels vary according to different sources. Some have more sub-groups, while others stop with high carbon steels that start with 0.6% carbon content and end around 1%. We’ll go with the second interpretation.<\/p>\n
These are the strongest of this group, making them suitable for applications where resistance against mechanical material wear<\/a> is needed. Another quality of high-carbon steels is their tendency to keep a shape. This is why tool steels have a lot of different applications in the field of engineering<\/a>.<\/p>\n
As a downside, the weldability, ductility and impact toughness are all inferior to steels with less carbon.<\/p>\n
![\"Tools](\"https:\/\/fractory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Tool-steel-300x172.jpg\")
Steels are also classified by uses. Tool steels and high carbon steels overlap.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n The shape-keeping quality makes them useful as springs. Other use-cases include blades, rail steels, wire rope, wear-resistant plates, all kinds of tools etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Examples of high carbon steels: C70U\/1.1520, C105U\/1.1545<\/p>\n
Alloy Steels and the Alloying Elements<\/h3>\n