A steel grade is a chemistry that has been processed in a certain way and to meet certain requirements. There are a number of different grading systems that can be used to identify steel grades, such as ASTM, SAE, JIS, EN, and more.
ASTM grades meet the standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. These include mechanical properties, as well as dictate specific chemistries and testing methods. ASTM specifications are the primary specs used in the United States. The agriculture, and construction industries each have their own specific requirements, mostly based on ASTM standards.
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In the process of making steel, it is first melted to form molten steel. Once in this state, elements like sulfur are removed, while elements such as vanadium and boron may be added. The second step involves the addition of elements such as silicon and aluminum. These elements are unique in that they combine with oxygen atoms, forming compounds with high melting temperatures. The addition of these elements is crucial to ensuring oxygen doesn’t form compounds that may melt when the steel is heated for rolling. Both of these types of compounds can remain in the steel as microscopic particles or “inclusions.” The current technology and advancements in steel making have reduced the size and frequency of these inclusions.
After all the necessary elements are added and removed, the molten steel is then cast. Immediately following casting it is either rolled or completely cooled and reheated later for the rolling process. During the casting and rolling process it is possible that surface defects may be introduced. However, these defects that could cause surface cracking and tearing are removed. GNEE will help you select a steel grade that economically meets the internal and surface requirements for your product.
In selecting a steel grade for your application, it is important to keep a few factors in mind, namely: strength, formability, corrosion resistance, weight, chemistry, cost, and recommended uses of that steel. Your need and which of these factors is most important to you will determine the specific grade. Whether you need a steel that is more formable and you can sacrifice on strength, or you need a cold-rolled steel that is highly corrosion resistant but less formable, we can help you find the perfect grade.
Steel strength is measured as a force per unit area to stretching (Yield Strength) or breaking (Tensile Strength), in kilo(1000)-pounds per square inch (ksi), or Mega-Pascal (MPa). 1 ksi is equivalent to 6.9 MPa.
Formability is defined as how much you can stretch the surface before cracks appear and is measured as the % Elongation.
