How
Steel is Named Steel, one of the most important materials in modern industry, plays a crucial role in shaping our daily life. But how is each type of steel named? Typically, the name of a steel comes from its chemical composition or its manufacturing process. For instance, the well-known stainless steel contains at least 10.5% of chromium, which gives it high resistance to corrosion. Meanwhile, the naming of carbon steel depends on its carbon content, which usually ranges from 0.30% to 2.0%. High carbon steel, with a carbon concentration of over 0.6%, is extremely strong but brittle, while low carbon steel, containing less than 0.25% carbon, is softer and more ductile. Apart from these basic types, steel manufacturers also add other elements to create special steels with specific properties. For example, adding nickel to stainless steel makes it more ductile and easy to weld. Adding molybdenum to high-strength low-alloy steel enhances its corrosion resistance. Steel names, therefore, often contain not only the basic type but also the added elements or their amounts. The manufacturing process can also influence the naming of a steel. For example, cold-rolled steel undergoes a process of rolling at room temperature to improve its mechanical strength and surface finish, while hot-rolled steel is produced at high temperatures, yielding a rougher surface. Based on their processing methods, these types of steel are often referred to as CR and HR steel, respectively. In conclusion, steel is named based on its chemical composition, manufacturing process, and added elements. Understanding the different types of steel and their names is important in various industries such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing.