Steel is a flexible material option for construction and building projects due to its remarkable strength and mechanical qualities. Steel comes in many classifications or grades, although all types of steel are of iron and carbon. You can distinguish the four fundamental steel categories by the varied composition of each type of steel, including rectangular tubing.
Carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, and tool steel are the four basic types of steel. However, it’s best to use corrosion resistance steel for rectangular tubing. Learn how different types of steel are classified and how you can use each kind of steel for your project’s needs.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is an all-purpose steel square tube that comes in a variety of carbon components. Keep in mind that:
- Low carbon (mild) steel contains no more than 0.30 percent carbon.
- Medium or mid carbon steel includes 0.30%-0.60% carbon
- High carbon steel includes more than 0.60%-1.5% carbon
Carbon steel is generally applied in a variety of industries, from building to manufacturing.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel, which is frequently used in sanitary applications, contains 10% to 20% chromium, nickel, or molybdenum. Stainless steel is ideal for medical equipment, food processing equipment, appliances, and structural reasons. Since it is strong and corrosion-resistant, it requires very little maintenance and is available at most perforated stainless steel pipe suppliers.
Alloy Steel
Buy alloy steel at a low cost. This steel contains at least 5% alloying elements and is composed of nickel, aluminum, copper and titanium, or manganese. Alloy steel is commonly used for rectangular tubing and pipes such as square tubing connectors because it is easy to weld and has strong corrosion resistance.
Tool Steel
Tool steel is an abrasion-resistant material used for making tools and drilling equipment. You’ll recognize tool steel by its superiority, hardness, and ability to retain a cutting edge at high temperatures so it’s great for rectangular tubing. Tool steel frequently contains traces of vanadium, cobalt, molybdenum, and tungsten.
How to Choose the Right Stainless Steel Grade
With so many perforated tube manufacturers and stainless steel grades to pick from, it can be tough to decide which is best for your requirements. Understanding the features and characteristics of some of the more prevalent stainless steel alloys, may make the decision easier than you think. Some of the factors to consider while selecting your stainless steel grade are as follows:
Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel is highly respected for its corrosion resistance. However, not all stainless steel alloys are equally resistant to corrosion. Because of the presence of chromium alloys, austenitic stainless steels, such as 316, provide the highest level of resistance. Martensitic and ferritic stainless steel grades are lesser-priced choices that provide good corrosion resistance.
Heat treatment will also have an impact on how certain stainless steels respond. If your project necessitates both heat treatment and improved corrosion resistance, martensitic alloys may be the best option. Austenitic and ferritic steels are not ideal for heat treatment because they do not harden.
Strength & Ductility
Stainless steel alloys containing chromium and nickel have higher strength and flexibility. Stainless steel grades such as 420 are hardened and stress relieved, offering approximately triple the tensile strength of 304 when combined with improved corrosion-resistant qualities. Stainless steel grades with high tensile strength are better suited for heavy-duty applications involving significant weights.
Stainless steel doesn’t fade, corrode, or rust as quickly as carbon steel and offers tremendous strength and impact resistance in addition to aesthetic appeal. The material is also anti-bacterial and simple to clean and sterilize. Stainless steel sheets and plates are both excellent choices for applications that demand a long-lasting metal with anti-oxidation properties.