alloy steel - steel who characteristics are determined by the addition of other elements in addition to carbon

Definition: Steels containing high percentages of certain alloying elements such as manganese and nickel which are austenitic at room temperature and cannot be hardened by normal heat-treatment but do work harden. They are also non-magnetic. Typical examples of austenitic steels include the 18/8 stainless steels and 14% manganese steel.

Austenite is a metallic, nonmagnetic solid steel consisting of carbon, iron, nickel and chromium. When steel is heated above 1350 degrees Fahrenheit (732 Celsius), atoms change to form austenite. This solid solution is easily manipulated at extreme temperatures and resists corrosion. These properties make it suitable for manufacturing food-service equipment, architectural applications and medical instruments. Austenistic stainless steel is one of five classes of metallurgical structures. Austenite stainless steels use chromium and nickel. Sometimes, manganese and nitrogen are added. If the mix is 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel, it is called 18-8. An iron, chromium and nickel combination is included in the 300 series. Surgical steel, Type 304 in the series, contains 18 to 10 percent nickel and 18 to 20 percent chromium. Temperatures above 1350 Fahrenheit (732 Celsius) cause iron to transform into a facecentered cubic (FCC) crystal configuration. When forging this steel, austenite is pliable enough to shape and hammer out imperfections. Annealing is the process of steadily heating the metal and then putting it through a gradual cooling process. Usually, stainless steel is sold annealed, or in its soft condition. Austenistic grades of steel are hardened by cold working as opposed to the heat treatment used for carbon steels. Cold working is the shaping of metal at a temperature lower than the molten state of that metal. Room temperature is fine for cold working austenite. Cold-work tool steels are used in dies, steel cutting shapes, that form metal at lower temperatures. An air-hardening tool steelis often used to shape molds. Molybdenum is added to the nickel-chromium mix to help with corrosion resistance to chlorides. Corrosive chlorides include sea water or the de-icing solutions used during snowy and icy weather. Residents in coastal areas and cold climates benefit from these rust resisting components of stainless steels. Austenite was named after Sir William Chandler Roberts-Austen, an English metallurgist. Roberts-Austen, who died in London in 1902 at age 59, studied impurities in pure metals. His research and procedural improvements were used in a variety of applications and widely affected the industrialized world. Stainless steels are recyclable, making all types and mixes a natural, environmentally friendly choice. During recycling, the steel is re-melted then formed into new stainless steel. Type 304 austenistic stainless steel is used for today's popular stainless steel kitchen appliances and vent hoods. Austenistic stainless steels have also been used in conventional and nuclear power plants' superheaters and heating components.

Steel is a metal alloy consisting mostly of iron, in addition to small amounts of carbon, depending on the grade and quality of the steel. Alloy steel is any type of steel to which one or more elements besides carbon have been intentionally added, to produce a desired physical property or characteristic. Common elements that are added to make alloy steel are molybdenum, manganese, nickel, silicon, boron, chromium, and vanadium. Alloy steel is often subdivided into two groups: high alloy steels and low alloy steels. The difference between the two is defined somewhat arbitrarily. However, most agree that any steel that is alloyed with more than eight percent of its weight being other elements beside iron and carbon, is high alloy steel. Low alloy steels are slightly more common. The physical properties of these steels are modified by the other elements, to give them greater hardness, durability, corrosion resistance, or toughness as compared to carbon steel. To achieve such properties, these alloys often require heat treatment. If the carbon level in a low alloy steel is in the medium to high range, it can be difficult to weld. If the carbon content is lowered to a range of 0.1% to 0.3%, and some of the alloying elements are reduced, the steel can achieve a greater weldability and formability while maintaining the strength that steel is known for. Such metals are classified as high strength, low alloy steels. Perhaps the most well-known alloy steel is stainless steel. This is a steel alloy with a minimum of 10% chromium content. Stainless steel is more resistant to stains, corrosion, and rust than ordinary steel. It was discovered in 1913 by Harry Brearley of Sheffield, England, but the discovery was not announced to the world until 1915. Stainless steel is commonly used in table cutlery, jewelry, watch bands, surgical instruments, as well as in the aviation industry. Its familiar luster has also been appropriated for many famous architectural designs, such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, and the pinnacle of the Chrysler Building in New York City. In all types of alloy steel, the alloying elements tend to either form carbides or compounds, rather than simply being uniformly mixed in with the iron and carbon. Nickel, aluminum, and silicon are examples of the elements that form compounds in the steel. Tungsten and vanadium will form carbides, both of which increase the hardness and stability of the finished product.

Carbon and low alloy steels are strongly magnetic, while austenitic manganese steels are nonmagnetic to slightly magnetic.

Carbon steel is a metal alloy that is formed as a result of combining iron and carbon. Steel typically is considered to be carbon steel when the proportions of other trace elements in it do not exceed certain percentages. The maximum percentages typically are 1.65 percent formanganese and 0.6 percent for copper and silicon. The copper percentage must be at least 0.4 percent. Steel that also contains higher or specified quantities of other elements, such as nickel, chromium or vanadium, is called alloy steel. Manufacturers add carbon to iron to solidify the structures in it and strengthen the resulting metal. Its one of the most cost-effective alloying materials, and altering the amount of carbon changes the properties of the steel. Carbon steels can be classified as low-carbon steels, medium-carbon steels, high-carbon steels and ultrahigh-carbon steels. Steels with very low amounts of carbon, about 0.05 percent to 0.3 percent, are called low-carbon steels and are similar to iron. They are very ductile, which makes them hard to machine. They

are used to make flat-rolled sheets or steel strips that are utilized to create ships, wire products, car bodies, domestic appliances, tin plates and more. Low-carbon steels are cheaper, but they cannot be altered by heat treatment, which is why they generally are used for fabrication and paneling purposes. Increasing the carbon content makes the carbon steel harder and stronger but reduces the steels weldability and ductility, and it makes the steel more brittle. Manufacturers also add trace amounts of other alloying materials to carbon steel that dont affect the steels properties but allow them to control certain qualities of the steel. Among the qualities affected are the steel's elasticity, strength and hardness. Medium-carbon steels have a higher carbon content of about 0.3 percent to 0.6 percent. These are easier to machine, and some manufacturers add a little silicon and manganese to the steel to improve its quality. These steels are still cheap and are used to make things such as axles, gears, shafts, rails, pipelines and couplings. High-carbon steels are very hard to weld because they contain carbon in the range of 0.6 percent to 1.0 percent. They also have higher proportions of manganese, which is added to increase the hardenability of the steel. High-carbon steel is very susceptible to heat, and it easily flame hardens, which allows it to be worked into many different forms. High-carbon steels have greater tensile strength and are used to create products such as cutting tools, blades, springs and high-strength wires. Ultrahigh-carbon steels possess carbon in the range of 1.25 percent to 2.0 percent. Its not possible to cold work this type of carbon steel, because it is quite brittle. Ultrahigh-carbon steels are used to create components requiring extreme hardness, such as blades, cutting tools and large parts. They are very sensitive to heat and possess good machinability and superior wear resistance.

Stainless steel is the universal name for a number of different steels used primarily for their anticorrosive element. Stainless steel has been developed to resist a number of corrosive environments. It ensures that our workplaces are safe, that buildings last longer and that our food preparation surfaces are hygienic. It is also an earth friendly material; it can be melted down, recycled and made into something else. Stainless steel is always made using chromium. The minimum amount of chromium used to make stainless steel is 10.5%; it is chromium that makes the steel stainless. Chromium also improves the corrosion resistance by forming a chromium oxide film on the steel. This very thin layer, when placed under the right conditions, can also be self-repairing. There are other elements used to make stainless steel as well, including nickel, nitrogen andmolybdenum. Bringing these elements together forms different crystal structures that enable a variety of properties in machining, welding and forming. There are four major types of stainless steel. Of these, austenitic is the most widely used type. It has a nickel content of at least 7%, which makes it very flexible. It is used in a range of houseware products, industrial piping and vessels, constructional structures and architectural facades. Ferritic stainless steel has similar properties to mild steel, but better corrosion resistance. This type of steel is commonly used in washing machines, boilers and indoor architecture. Martensitic

stainless steel is a very hard, strong steel. It contains around 13% chromium and is used to make knives and turbine blades. There is also a duplex stainless steel that is a composite of austenitic and ferritic steels. This steel is both strong and flexible. Duplex steels are most commonly used in the paper, pulp and shipbuilding industries. They are also widely used in the petrochemical industry. Stainless steel is a very versatile material. It can literally be used for years and remain stainless. Stainless steel products have a significantly longer lifespan than products made of other materials. There are less maintenance costs, and stainless steel also has a very high scrap value on decommissioning.

Material Info Austenitic stainless steel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Austenitic steels have austenite as their primary phase (face centered cubic crystal). These are alloys containing chromium and nickel (sometimes manganese and nitrogen), structured around the Type 302 composition of iron, 18% chromium, and 8% nickel. Austenitic steels are not hardenable by heat treatment. The most familiar stainless steel is probably Type 304, sometimes called T304 or simply 304. Type 304 surgical stainless steel is an austenitic steel containing 18-20% chromium and 8-10% nickel. Austenitic stainless steel can be tested by Nondestructive testing using the Dye penetrant inspection method but not the Magnetic particle inspection method. Primary stainless steel used in aviation construction.

Austenitic stainless steel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Stainless steels may be classified by their crystalline structure into three main types: Austenitic, Ferritic and Martensitic. Austenitic steels have austenite as their primary phase (face centered cubic crystal). These are alloys containing chromium and nickel (sometimes manganese and nitrogen), structured around the Type 302 composition of iron, 18% chromium, and 8% nickel. Austenitic steels are not hardenable by heat treatment. The most familiar stainless steel is probably Type 304, sometimes called T304 or simply 304. Type 304 surgical stainless steel is an austenitic steel containing 18-20% chromium and 8-10% nickel.

Austenitic stainless steel can be tested by Nondestructive testing using the Dye penetrant inspection method but not the Magnetic particle inspection method. Primary stainless steel used in aviation construction. Chemical and steel industry applicableGrades are 308,308L,316,316L , 316LN Nitrogen bearing, 312, 309L, 310L L denotes carbon percentage less than .03% mostly used for corrosion heat resistance has work hardening properties welding primarily done by TIG and MMAW process however GMAW, FCW, SAW process are also used. Another grade 312 is used for dissimilar steel welding , also known as universal alloy steel as unknown composition steels can be welded. For high temperature application >600*C ss309,310 grades are preferred.

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Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals and their Uses

elements which are magnetic in nature.... Ferric or ferrous metals contain iron (Fe)

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Castle Metals

Put in the simplest terms, ferrous metals are those which contain iron, whilst non ferrous metals dont have any iron content. There are, however, other differences between the two types of metal which have a strong bearing upon the tasks which they are usually called upon to perform.

Ferrous Metals
The following are ferrous metals and the kind of uses to which they are usually put: Mild Steel Carbon content of 0.1 to 0.3% and Iron content of 99.7 99.9%. Used for engineering purposes and in general, none specialised metal products. Carbon steel Carbon content of 0.6 to 1.4% and Iron content of 98.6 to 99.4 %. Used to make cutting tools such as drill bits. Stainless Steel Made up of Iron, nickel and chromium. Resists staining and corrosion and is therefore used for the likes of cutlery and surgical instrumentation. Cast Iron carbon 2 6% and Iron at 94 to 98%. Very strong but brittle. Used to manufacture items such as engine blocks and manhole covers. Wrought Iron Composed of almost 100% iron. Used to make items such as ornamental gates and fencing. Has fallen out of use somewhat.

Non Ferrous Metals

These are the non ferrous metals and their uses: Aluminium An alloy of aluminium, copper and manganese. Very lightweight and easily worked. Used in aircraft manufacture, window frames and some kitchen ware.

Copper Copper is a natural occurring substance. The fact that it conducts heat and electricity means that it is used for wiring, tubing and pipe work.

Brass A combination of copper and zinc, usually in the proportions of 65% to 35% respectively. Is used for ornamental purposes and within electrical fittings.

Silver Mainly a natural substance, but mixing with copper creates sterling silver. Used for decorative impact in jewellery and ornaments, and also to solder different metals together.

Lead Lead is a naturally occurring substance. It is heavy and very soft and is often used in roofing, in batteries and to make pipes.

S: (n) manganesesteel, austenitic manganese steel (a steel with a relatively large component (10-14%) of manganese; highly resistant to wear and shock)

Manganese steel, also known as Hadfield steel and mangalloy, is an alloy of steel and manganese. Most steel has a small bit around 0.15 percent to 0.8 percent of manganese added to it, but manganese steel contains around 11 percent to 15 percent manganese. Adding manganese to a steel alloy gives it many unique properties, such as resistance to magnetism, abrasion resistance, extreme durability and better surface hardness without an increase in brittleness. While its high durability is a boon in many industries, it makes this metal very hard to machine and drill into, requiring a diamond-tipped drill or other powerful drilling method. Most all manganese made and used is added to steel alloys. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, and it usually has trace amounts of other metals, such as manganese. The usual amount of manganese is slight and helps steel become tougher so it can be used to make tools or in construction. Manganese steel adds a substantial amount of manganese to the mixture, around 11 percent to 15 percent, but some metallurgists add up to 25 percent manganese. Manganese, when used in such a high amount, lends many special properties to steel. While manganese itself is magnetic, this magnetic property is lost when manganese is combined with steel, leaving the metal completely resistant to magnetism. The durability and abrasion resistance also goes up dramatically, along with hardness and impact strength. While most alloys that help hardness increase brittleness, the manganese additive keeps manganese steel from experiencing this brittleness problem, allowing it to pulverize many materials on impact. While durability and hardness are usually good qualities in a sturdy metal, especially one used for construction, it is these two qualities that keep manganese steel from being used more frequently. This steel alloy is so tough that drilling and cutting it to form new parts is nearly impossible. Even diamond-tipped drills have difficulty drilling into this steel, and heating it will

make this alloy stronger than carbon steel. Plasma cutting is one of the few effective ways to cut manganese steel. The material manganese is found in nature, but more often is created by heating pyrolusite with charcoal. Manganese has many uses, but most manganese is made to be added to steel, either for regular steel alloys or for manganese steel. About 90 percent of all manganese is made for this purpose, while the rest is used to boost octane ratings in gas or to alloy with other metals.