Most steel starts from iron ore that is reduced to iron in a blast furnace, then converted into steel in a basic oxygen furnace (BF‑BOF route). A growing share is also made in electric arc furnaces using mainly recycled steel scrap and electricity, which is more energy‑efficient.
Common uses :
Steel is used in buildings, bridges, railways, cars, ships, machinery, tools, and appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. It is also used in everyday items like cutlery, fasteners, and structural supports in homes and factories.
The main types of steel are usually grouped into four broad categories, based on their chemical composition and use.
1. Carbon steel
Carbon steel is iron with mainly carbon (typically up to about 2%) and only small or negligible amounts of other alloying elements. It is further divided into:
Low‑carbon (mild) steel
Medium‑carbon steel
High‑carbon steel
It is widely used in construction, pipes, car bodies, and general‑purpose parts because it is strong, cheap, and easy to weld and machine.
2. Alloy steel
Alloy steels contain added elements such as manganese, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, or vanadium to improve strength, hardness, toughness, or wear and heat resistance. These steels are common in gears, shafts, axles, and other high‑stress mechanical parts where ordinary carbon steel would fail.
3. Stainless steel
Stainless steels are defined by their high chromium content (usually at least 10.5%) and often nickel, which gives them excellent corrosion and rust resistance plus a shiny, attractive surface. They are widely used in kitchenware, cutlery, medical instruments, tanks, and building cladding.
4. Tool steel
Tool steels are designed to stay hard and wear‑resistant at high temperatures, often containing tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, and cobalt. They are used for cutting tools, dies, molds, drills, and other tooling where hardness and heat resistance are critical.
Description provided by indian stalwart global sourcing company.
FIEO Registered
Export Ready
