What are the Different Types of Steel?

Steel is generally divided into four types: alloy steel, carbon steel, stainless steel and tool steel.

Alloy Steels - These steels are alloyed with other metals in varying proportions to make them better suited for specific applications.

Carbon Steels – These steels contain iron and carbon, along with other elements such as copper, manganese, and silicon, forming alloys.

Stainless Steel – Stainless steel comes in many variations, but usually consists of 10-20% chromium. Besides iron, the main element in stainless steel alloys is chromium, which makes it more resistant to rust; this is especially true for those stainless steel alloys that contain at least 11% chromium.

Tool Steels – These steels are alloyed at extremely high temperatures, and combined with hard metals such as vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, and cobalt. Tool steel is not only heat resistant but also durable, making it ideal for cutting and drilling tools.