What is the difference between iron and steel

What's the difference between steel and metal?

“Iron is not only the basis of the whole world, the most important metal of the nature that surrounds us, it is the basis of culture and industry, it is a weapon of war and peaceful labor.”

 A.E.Fersman

Everyone knows that steel is the most important tool and structural material for all industries.

The metallurgical industry of Ukraine has more than 50 metallurgical plants and is strategically important for the country. Ukraine produces a wide range of rolled metal products, such as: rebar, circles, squares, rods, wires, strips, angles, beams, channels, sheets, pipes and hardware.

Steel

Considering this issue, let's start with the chemical composition.

Steel is a compound of iron (Fe) + carbon (C) + other elements dissolved in iron.

Iron in its pure form has very low strength, and carbon increases it.

Carbon improves some other indicators:

• hardness,
• elasticity,
• wear resistance,
• endurance.

 “Fe” in steel should be at least 45%, “C” - no more than 2.14% - theoretically, but in practice the % carbon concentration has the following range of values:

• Low carbon steels - 0.1-0.13%
• Carbon steels 0.14-0.5%
• High carbon – from 0.6%

 The higher the percentage of carbon content in steel, the higher its strength and the lower its ductility.

CARBON is a non-metallic element. Its density is 2.22 g/cm3, and melts at t -3500 °C. In nature, it is present in 2 polymorphic modifications - graphite (stable modification) and diamond (metastable modification), and in an alloy with iron:

• in free - graphite (in gray cast iron),
• when bound, it is a solid state - cementite.

Carbon in combination with iron is in the state of cementite , i.e. in a chemical bond with iron (Fe3C). The structure of cementite can be very different, and it depends on the formation process, carbon content and heat treatment methods.

Carbon is present in a free state in gray cast iron (GC), in the form of graphite. Gray cast iron has a porous metal structure and is very brittle; Cracks easily appear on it (especially during the welding process).

Chemical composition of carbon steels of ordinary quality (GOST 380-71)

 Iron-carbon system

The structure of steel is studied using the state diagram of the iron-carbon system. It characterizes the structural transformations of steel and expresses the dependence of the structural state on temperature conditions and chemical composition.

State diagram of the iron-carbon system

The phase diagram contains critical points that are very important theoretically and practically for steel heat treatment processes and their analysis. Using the Fe-C diagram, you can determine the type of heat treatment, the temperature range of structure changes and predict the microstructure.

 Steel structures

Iron-carbon alloys at different temperatures and different “C” contents have different structures and, accordingly, physical and chemical properties. One of these conditions is the cementite described above. And now about them:

Austenite – a solid carbon structure in gamma iron – contains “C” up to 1.7% (t > 723° C). As the temperature decreases, austenite decomposes into ferrite and cementite, and a lamellar structure—pearlite—appears.

Ferrite is a solid solution of “C” in α-iron - at t> 723-768°C, the concentration of “C” is 0.02%, and at t 20°C about 0.006% “C”. It is very plastic, not hard and has low magnetic properties.

Cementite is iron carbide Fe3C. Concentration "C" 6.63%. Cementite is brittle and its hardness is HB760-800.

(in the picture, structure: cementite + pearlite)

Pearlite is a mechanical mixture of ferrite and cementite, formed during gradual cooling during the decomposition of austenite. Based on the size of the cementite particles, perlite has different mechanical properties. "C" -0.8%.

(in the picture, structure: ferrite + pearlite)

Ledeburite (cast iron structure) is a mixture formed from the crystallization of a liquid alloy of cementite and austenite. Ledeburite is very hard, but brittle. Concentration "C" -4.3%

Properties of steel

Of course, it is not only carbon that affects the properties of steel. The composition of additional elements and their quantity impart certain properties to steel. Impurities can be beneficial or harmful. Good impurities affect exclusively the crystals themselves, while harmful impurities negatively affect the connection of crystals with each other. Good impurities include: manganese (Mn), silicon (Si). The bad ones: phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), nitrogen, oxygen and others.

Physical and mechanical properties of steel

The main physical properties of steel are:

• heat capacity;
• thermal conductivity;
• elastic modulus.

The concept of elastic modulus of steel (E) is the ratio of a solid to deform elastically when subjected to a force. This characteristic directly depends on stress, or more precisely, it is a derivative of the ratio of stress to elastic deformation.

•  shear modulus (shear elasticity) (G) – a value measured in Pascals (Pa), which determines the elastic properties of a body or material and their ability to resist shear deformations. It is used to calculate shear, shear, and torsion.
•  coefficient of linear and coefficient of volumetric expansion with a change in temperature is a value showing the relative change in the linear dimensions or volume of a material or body with increasing temperature at a constant pressure.

The main mechanical properties of steel are:

• - strength
• - hardness
• - plasticity
• - elasticity
• - endurance
• — viscosity

Indicators of mechanical properties of carbon steels of ordinary quality (GOST 380-71)

The main chemical properties of steel are:

•  oxidation state
•  corrosion resistance
•  heat resistance
•  heat resistance

The quality of steel is determined by various indicators of all its properties and structure. The properties of products made from this steel are also taken into account.

According to the quality of steel, they are divided into:

• ordinary quality,
• quality steel,
• high quality steel.

In this article we consider only the structure of steel and related concepts. The quality of steel, the composition of additional impurities and their properties will be discussed in the next publication.

: 24.12.2015

Source: https://steelfactoryrus.com/stal-i-metall-v-chem-raznitsa/

Difference between steel and iron

Steel differs from iron in the presence of carbon. Essentially, steel is an alloy of carbon and iron. Steel contains a fairly high percentage of carbon. Iron is a simple substance, so it does not contain carbon. In nature, pure iron is very rare. Moreover, even humans almost never use pure iron to produce products.

articles

Iron is a chemical element and a simple substance that is practically never found or used in its pure form.

Steel is a special alloy based on iron enriched with various chemical elements. Steel contains up to 2.14% carbon. Iron alloys enriched with carbon, losing viscosity and ductility, acquire hardness and strength.

Comparison

Iron in its pure form is not used. In this form, it is used in laboratories for chemical experiments and serious scientific experiments. The fact is that the confusion of the concepts of “iron” and “steel” occurred among the people. People identified steel with iron, calling both “iron.” When people talk about iron, they are actually talking about steel.

Depending on the purpose for which the steel is intended (an alloy of iron and any chemical elements), it is given the required properties that best meet the prevailing operating conditions.

Everything depends on the chemical elements that will be added during steel smelting and on how much of them will be added to the alloy. Steel is enriched with molybdenum and cobalt, tungsten and chromium, as well as other elements. By changing the composition of steel, titanium alloy and stainless steel are produced.

In addition, they produce alloy steels used in aviation, where structures cannot do without heavy-duty elements, for example, landing gear. Alloying elements and carbon are added to high-alloy steel. Steels with alloying elements contain a minimum of 45% iron.

Iron, unlike steel, is easily susceptible to corrosion.

Conclusions TheDifference.ru

1. Iron is significantly different from steel. It has completely different properties.
2. Iron, unlike steel alloys, is more susceptible to corrosion.
3. Pure iron is not used in everyday life or industry. Pure iron is worked only in chemical laboratories.

Source: https://TheDifference.ru/chem-otlichaetsya-stal-ot-zheleza/

Steel: types, properties, grades, production technology

Steel: types, properties, grades, production

Steel and products made from it have become so firmly established in the life and everyday life of modern people that it is difficult to imagine existence without metal objects. When it comes to dishes, small tools, household appliances and equipment, it is not at all necessary to know the brand, classification of alloys, and their areas of application.

This information is important, rather, for those who have decided to start building their own housing and do not know which metal products are suitable for these purposes. So, what steel is, what types of steel exist, and what properties this alloy, popular today, has, will be discussed in the construction magazine samastroyka.ru.

What is steel and its difference from cast iron

Iron-carbon alloy is the well-known steel. Typically, the proportion of carbon in the alloy varies from 0.1 to 2.14%. Increasing carbon concentration makes steel brittle. In addition to the main components, the alloy also contains small amounts of magnesium, manganese and silicon, as well as harmful sulfur and phosphorus impurities.

The basic properties of steel and cast iron are very similar. Despite this, there are significant differences between them:

• steel is a stronger and harder material than cast iron;
• cast iron, despite the deceptive massiveness of cast iron products, is a lighter material;
• Since steel contains a negligible percentage of carbon, it is easier to process. For cast iron, casting is preferable;
• products made of cast iron retain heat better due to the fact that its thermal conductivity is significantly lower than that of steel;
• hardening of the metal, which increases the strength of the material, is impossible with cast iron.

Advantages and disadvantages of steel alloys

Since there are a huge number of steel brands, and even more products made from it, it is pointless to talk about the pros and cons. Moreover, the properties of the metal largely depend on manufacturing and processing technologies.

As a result, we can only highlight a few general advantageous features of steel, such as:

• strength and hardness;
• viscosity and elasticity, that is, the ability not to deform and withstand shock, static and dynamic loads;
• accessibility for different processing methods;
• durability and increased wear resistance compared to other metals;
• availability of raw materials, cost-effectiveness of production technologies.

Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages:

• instability to corrosion, including a high level of electrochemical corrosion;
• steel is a heavy metal;
• The manufacture of steel products is carried out in several stages; violation of technology at any of them leads to a decrease in quality.

Types and classifications of steel alloys

Today it is difficult to determine the number of steel alloys produced and used. It is also not easy to classify them, since their properties depend on many parameters, such as composition, nature and amount of additives, manufacturing and processing methods, purpose and many others.

Based on quality, it is customary to distinguish between ordinary, high-quality, high-quality and especially high-quality steels. The proportion of harmful impurities is the main criterion for determining the quality of the alloy. Ordinary steels are characterized by higher values ​​of the proportion of impurities than especially high-quality alloys.

Chemical composition of steel . The production of iron alloys is based on its ability to form different structural phases at different temperatures, the so-called polymorphism. Thanks to this ability, impurities dissolved in iron form alloys of various compositions. It is customary to divide steel alloys into carbon and alloy .

Steel, by definition, is an alloy of iron and carbon, the concentration of which determines its properties: hardness, strength, ductility, toughness. Carbon steel contains practically no additional additives.

Basic impurities - manganese, magnesium, and silicon are contained in minimal quantities and do not impair its properties and qualities. Silicon and manganese have a deoxidizing effect on the alloy, increasing elasticity, wear resistance, and heat resistance. But, in case of increasing the proportion, they are alloying elements. Steels with a high manganese content lose their magnetic properties.

Sulfur and phosphorus impurities are much more harmful for both types of steel. Sulfur, when combined with iron, increases brittleness when processed at high temperatures (rolling, forging), increases fatigue, and reduces corrosion resistance.

Phosphorus, especially with a large proportion of carbon in the alloy, increases its brittleness under normal temperature conditions. In addition, there is a whole group of hidden harmful impurities that cannot be removed during smelting. These non-metallic inclusions in the form of nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen make the metal more friable during hot processing.

Types of Carbon Steel

Carbon steels are divided into types, which are characterized by the proportion of carbon content:

• high-carbon alloys include alloys with a share of more than 0.6%;
• in medium-carbon alloys, the carbon concentration ranges from 0.25 to 0.6%;
• permissible values ​​typical for low-carbon steels - no more than 0.25%.

Alloy steels are divided into:

— low-alloy, with the share of alloying additives no more than 2.5%;

— medium alloyed, with a share of additional elements up to 10%;

- highly alloyed, in which the share of alloying elements is more than 10%.

Alloy steels are characterized by a low carbon concentration and the presence of various alloying additives.

In accordance with their purpose, steels are divided into groups of structural, tool and special purpose steels.

Each group is divided into subgroups and types, which specify the properties, features and areas of application of alloys.

Structural steels include:

1. Construction materials, their main property is good weldability; these are low-alloy alloys of ordinary quality.
2. For cold stamping, rolled products from low-carbon alloys of ordinary quality are used.
3. Cementable, used in the manufacture of parts with surface abrasion.
4. High-strength ones are characterized by a double strength threshold relative to other structural types.
5. Spring steels with the addition of vanadium, bromine, silicon, chromium and manganese are designed to maintain elasticity for a long time.
6. Ball bearing steels with a large proportion of carbon and the addition of chromium, which are characterized by special wear resistance, strength and endurance.
7. Automatic, they contain impurities of sulfur, lead, tellurium and selenium, which facilitate the processing of metal by automatic machines on which mass parts are produced
8. Stainless steel, these include alloys with a high content of chromium and nickel. The carbon concentration in such alloys is minimal.

Types of tool steel

Tool steels come in several varieties:

• Used in the production of cutting tools, these include some types of carbon, alloy and high-speed steel.
• Measuring instruments are made from fairly hard alloys that are wear-resistant and have the ability to maintain constant dimensions; most often, hardened and cemented steel is used for this.
• Die steel is characterized by hardness, heat resistance and hardenability. This type is divided into subtypes, which include roll alloys and steels for multi-temperature processing.

Special-purpose steels include steel grades that are used in specific production areas:

• electrical steels - they are used to produce magnetic wires;
• superinvars - used in the production of high-precision instruments;
• heat-resistant - operate at temperatures above 900 °C;
• heat-resistant - can operate at high temperatures in loaded conditions.

Steel structure

The carbon concentration in the alloy determines not only the properties of the metal, but also its internal structure. For example, low- and medium-carbon alloys have a structure consisting of ferrite and pearlite. As the proportion of carbon increases, the formation of secondary cementite begins. Alloying steel also changes the structure of the alloy.

The structure of steel can be:

• pearlitic - with a low content of alloying additives;
• martensitic - steels with a reduced critical hardening rate and an average level of alloying impurities;
• austenitic - high-alloy alloys used in aggressive environments.

Annealed steels are divided into:

• hypoeutectoid steel, with a carbon concentration of less than 0.8%;
• hypereutectoid steel, consisting of pearlite and cementite, is used as a tool steel;
• carbide (ledeburite) - this includes high-speed steels;
• ferritic - high-alloy steel with low carbon content.

Steel manufacturing methods and technologies

The structure of this alloy, its composition and properties depend on the steel manufacturing technology. Conventional steels are produced in open hearth furnaces or converters. As a rule, they are saturated with a significant amount of non-metallic impurities.

High-quality alloys are produced using electric furnaces. Particularly high-quality alloy steels, containing a minimum amount of harmful impurities, are produced through the process of electroslag remelting.

In the production of steel, a deoxidation process is used to remove oxygen from the alloy structure. The amount of oxygen removed determines what kind of steel is obtained: slightly deoxidized, completely deoxidized, or semi-deoxidized. They are classified as boiling, calm and semi-calm.

Steel grades

Despite the fact that steel is clearly recognized as the most popular iron alloy, a unified system for marking its types has not yet been developed. The simplest and most popular is alphanumeric marking.

High-quality carbon steels are marked using the letter “U” and a two-digit numerical value (in hundredths%) of the level of carbon in their composition (U11). In the grade of ordinary carbon steels, the letter is followed by a number indicating the amount of carbon in tenths of% - U8.

Letters are also used in marking alloy steels. They indicate the main element used for alloying. The following figure shows the concentration of this element in the steel composition. The letter is preceded by a number corresponding to the proportion of carbon in the metal in hundredths of a percent.

For example, the letter “A” at the end of a high-quality alloy mark indicates its quality. The same letter in the middle of the mark notifies the main alloying element, in this case it is nitrogen. The letter at the beginning of the stamp indicates that this is automatic steel.

The letter “Ш” at the end of the marking, written through a hyphen, indicates that this is an especially high-quality alloy. High-quality steels are not marked with the letters “A” and “W”. In addition, there are additional markings indicating the special characteristics of steels. For example, magnetic alloys are marked with the letter “E”, and electrical alloys with the letter “E”.

Alphanumeric marking is perhaps one of the simplest and most understandable for the consumer. Others, more complex, are available only to specialists.

(4 5,00 out of 5)

Source: https://samastroyka.ru/stal.html

The difference between iron and steel

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Steel. Types and grades of steel. Their application.

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon with other elements, the carbon content in it is no more than 2.14%.

The most general characteristic is that steel is classified according to its chemical composition:

carbon steel (Fe – iron, C – carbon, Mn – manganese, Si – silicon, S – sulfur, P – phosphorus). Based on carbon content, it is divided into low-carbon, medium-carbon and high-carbon. Carbon steel is designed for statically loaded tools.

alloy steel - alloying elements are added: nitrogen, boron, aluminum, carbon, phosphorus, cobalt, silicon, vanadium, copper, molybdenum, manganese, titanium, zirconium, chromium, tungsten, nickel, niobium.

According to the production method and impurity content, steel differs:

ordinary quality steel (carbon less than 0.6%) - complies with GOST 14637, GOST 380-94. St0, St1, St2, St3, St4, St5, St6. The letters “St” indicate ordinary quality steel, the numbers indicate the marking number depending on the mechanical properties. It is the cheapest steel, but inferior in other qualities.

high-quality steel (carbon or alloy) - GOST 1577, carbon content is indicated in hundredths of % - 08, 10, 25, 40, the degree of deoxidation and the nature of solidification can additionally be indicated. High-quality carbon steel has high ductility and increased weldability.

Low-carbon high-quality structural steels are characterized by low strength and high ductility. Parts for cold stamping are made from sheet steel 08, 10, 08kp. Bolts, screws, nuts, axles, hooks, studs and other parts for non-essential purposes are made from steels 15 and 20.

Medium-carbon quality steels (st. 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55) are used after normalization and surface hardening for the manufacture of parts that have high strength and core toughness (axles, screws, bushings, etc.)

Steel 60 - steel 85 have high strength, wear resistance, and elastic properties. Crane wheels, rolling rolls, compressor valves, springs, leaf springs, etc. are made from them.

high quality - complex chemical composition with low phosphorus and sulfur content - according to GOST 19281.

Steel is also divided by application:

a) construction steel - carbon steel of ordinary quality. Has excellent weldability. The number indicates the conditional number of the steel composition according to GOST. The higher the reference number, the higher the carbon content, the higher the strength of the steel and the lower the ductility.

St0-3 - for secondary structural elements and non-critical parts (flooring, railings, lining, washers)

St3 is used for load-bearing and non-load-bearing elements of welded and non-welded structures and parts that operate at positive temperatures. GOST 380-88.

The quality standard provides for steel with an increased amount of manganese (St3Gsp/ps, St5Gsp/ps).

b) structural steel - GOST 1050

Carbon-based high-quality structural steels are used in mechanical engineering, for welded, bolted structures, for roofing work, for the manufacture of rails, railway wheels, shafts, gears and other parts of forklifts. The numbers in the marking indicate the carbon content in tenths of a percent.

St20 - lightly loaded parts, such as rollers, copiers, stops,

St35 - experiencing small stresses (axles, rods, levers, disks, traverses, shafts),

St45 (st40Х) - requiring increased strength (shafts, couplings, axles, racks)

Structural alloy steels are used for tractor tracks, the manufacture of springs, leaf springs, axles, shafts, automobile parts, turbine parts, etc.

c) tool steel - used for cutting tools, high-speed steel for cold and hot deformation of materials, for measuring instruments, for the production of hammers, chisels, chisels, cutters, drills, files, razors, rasps.

U7, U8A (the figure is tenths of a percent in terms of carbon content). Carbon steels are produced in high quality and high quality. The letter "A" stands for high quality carbon tool steel.

d) alloy steel - universal steel containing a special impurity. silicon more than 0.5%, manganese more than 1%. GOST 19281-89. If the content of the alloying element exceeds 1 - 1.5%, then it is indicated by a number after the corresponding letter.

low-alloy steel - where alloying elements are up to 2.5% (09G2S, 10HSND, 18KhGT). Low-alloy steel can be used in conditions of the far north, from -70 degrees C. Low-alloy steel is distinguished by greater strength due to a higher yield strength, which is important for critical structures.

medium alloyed (2.5 -10%),

highly alloyed (from 10 to 50%)

Steel 09G2S is used for steam boilers, apparatus and containers operating under pressure and temperatures from minus 70 to plus 450 degrees; it is used for critical sheet welded structures in chemical and petroleum engineering, and shipbuilding.

Steel 10HSND is used for welded structures in chemical engineering, shaped profiles in construction, and carriage building.

18ХГТ is used for parts operating at high speeds under high pressure and shock loads.

e) special purpose steel - steel with special physical properties. It is used in the electrical industry and precision shipbuilding.

The weldability of steel is affected by the degree of its deoxidation. According to the degree of deoxidation, steel is classified:

mild steel (st3sp) - completely deoxidized with a minimum content of slag and non-metallic impurities,

semi-quiet steel (st3ps) - quality characteristics are similar to calm steel,

boiling steel (08kp) - unoxidized steel with a high content of non-metallic impurities. GOST 1577.

Depending on the standardized characteristics, steel is divided into categories: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Categories indicate chemical composition, tensile mechanical properties, impact strength)

For example, category 1 - chemical composition is not standardized, category 3 - impact strength at a temperature of +20 is standardized. For the St0 grade, neither the chemical composition nor the yield strength are standardized.

Steel grade S245 - St3ps5

Steel grade S255 - St3sp5

Steel grade S235 - St3kp2

Steel grade S345 - 09G2S

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Steel and cast iron are some of the most popular types of casting materials used in industry. They are quite similar in their properties; you can understand the difference between steel and cast iron in different ways. Some of the methods can only be used in a factory environment using high-precision equipment, while others are suitable for use at home.

The main difference between cast iron and steel is the composition of the metals. Steel is an alloy of iron (45%) with carbon (no more than 2%) and alloying impurities, which can be substances such as nickel, molybdenum or others.

This metal is characterized by high strength, ductility, and ease of processing. Cast iron also contains iron and carbon, but the latter should be 2% or more.

Alloying additives are usually silicon, phosphorus, manganese or other components.

Differences in physicochemical characteristics

The main difference in the qualities of these metals is as follows:

• The hardness of steel is higher than that of cast iron.
• The weight of steel products is less, and the material melts more easily.
• Certain types of processing are available only for steel workpieces (forging, welding), while cast iron products are manufactured only by casting.
• The thermal conductivity of cast iron products is lower than that of their steel counterparts.
• Cast iron does not require mandatory hardening.

Is it possible to distinguish cast iron from steel visually?

If we are talking about fragments or workpieces, the processing of which will not cause harm, you can look at the visual differences between the metals. When a cast iron product is scrapped, a dark gray matte tint appears; the steel surface is lighter and has a glossy texture.

The appearance depends on the content of carbon components; they can be distinguished by the type of cracks: on high-carbon steel surfaces they look like a defect in the form of a split; on a product made of a low-carbon iron alloy, the cracks look like a plastic-type rupture.

Source: https://ostwest.su/instrumenty/otlichie-zheleza-ot-stali.php/

Difference Between Wrought Iron and Steel - 2020 - News

Wrought iron is a metal alloy consisting of iron and a small amount of carbon along with some other elements. Steel is a metal alloy made from iron along with other elements. Steel is widely used throughout the world due to its high strength and low cost compared to other types of metals and metal alloys.

Steel can be found in various forms and names according to the elements included, production method, application, etc.

The main difference between wrought iron and steel is that wrought iron is produced by heating and working with tools, whereas steel is produced through a firing process followed by the addition and removal of various components to create the final alloy.

Key areas covered

1. What is Wrought Iron
- Definition, Composition, Properties
2. What is Steel
- Definition, Types, Properties
3. What is the Difference Between Wrought Iron and Steel
- Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Alloy, Carbon, Malleable, Iron, Ductile, Steel, Forged

What is wrought iron

Wrought iron is an iron alloy containing a very small amount of carbon (about 0.08%). Wrought iron is a form of iron produced by smelting. Wrought iron is formed by burning coal. It can also be formed as a by-product of iron production.

Wrought iron is hard and malleable. It is also plastic. It is resistant to corrosion compared to other types of iron and is easy to weld. These properties are used in the production of various items. Wrought iron consists of 1-2% added slag. Slag is a by-product of iron ore smelting. It contains silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, etc. Deformation is done by heating followed by working with tools.

Figure 1: Wrought iron gate

The softness and ductility of wrought iron is due to the presence of less carbon. Wrought iron also has significantly higher tensile strength. It resists fatigue over a higher period of time compared to other forms of iron. It can become deformed under high pressure.

What is steel

Steel is a metal alloy consisting of iron, carbon and several other elements such as manganese, tungsten, phosphorus and sulfur. The percentage of carbon in steel can vary. Depending on the amount of carbon present, steel can be divided into several groups, such as:

• High carbon steel
• Low carbon steel

Various classification systems are also used to classify steel into different groups according to their properties.

Types of Steel

Steel is hard, very durable and ductile. But it is not resistant to corrosion (except for stainless steel, which is made by mixing chromium with iron to impart corrosion-resistant properties). Steel corrodes easily when exposed to a humid environment. That's why rust occurs.

Figure 2: Steel used in structures

Properties of steel

• Force
• strength
• stringiness
• weldability
• durability

Definition

Wrought Iron: Wrought iron is an iron alloy containing very little carbon (about 0.08%).

Steel: Steel is a metal alloy consisting of iron, carbon and several other elements such as manganese, tungsten, phosphorus and sulfur.

production

Wrought Iron: Wrought iron is made by heating and working with tools.

Steel: Steel is made by firing and then adding and removing various components to create the final alloy.

Tensile strength

Wrought iron: Wrought iron has good tensile strength.

Steel: Steel has greater tensile strength than wrought iron.

carbon

Wrought Iron: Wrought iron contains about 0.08% carbon.

Steel: Steel contains about 2-4% carbon.

Conclusion

Wrought iron and steel are very useful in various industries depending on their chemical and physical properties. The main difference between wrought iron and steel is that wrought iron is produced by heating and working with tools, while steel is produced by firing and then adding and removing various components to create the final alloy.

Links:

1. “Wrought iron.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 8 December 2013, available here. 2. “Wrought iron.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, November 7, 2017, available here.

3. "Steel". Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, November 24, 2017, available here.

Image credit:

1. “1623303” (Public Domain) via Pixabay
2. “207367” (Public Domain) via PEXELS

Source: https://ru.betweenmates.com/difference-between-wrought-iron

What is the difference between steel and iron - Metalist's Handbook

Ferrous metallurgy products are widely used in many sectors of the national economy, and ferrous metal is always in demand in construction and mechanical engineering. Metallurgy has been successfully developing for a long time, thanks to its high technical potential. Cast iron and steel products are most often used in production and in everyday life.

Cast iron and steel both belong to the group of ferrous metals; these materials are alloys of iron and carbon that are unique in their properties. What are the differences between steel and cast iron, their main properties and characteristics?

Steel and its main characteristics

Steel is a deformed alloy of iron with carbon , which is always up to a maximum of 2%, as well as other elements. Carbon is an important component because it gives strength to iron alloys, as well as hardness, thereby reducing softness and ductility. Alloying elements are often added to the alloy, which ultimately results in alloyed and high-alloy steel, when the composition contains at least 45% iron and no more than 2% carbon, the remaining 53% being additives.

Steel is the most important material in many industries; it is used in construction, and as the technical and economic level of the country grows, the scale of steel production also increases. In ancient times, craftsmen used crucible melting to produce cast steel, and this process was low-productivity and labor-intensive, but the steel was of high quality.

Over time, the processes for producing steel changed; the crucible method was replaced by the Bessemer and open-hearth methods of producing steel, which made it possible to establish mass production of cast steel. Then they began to smelt steel in electric furnaces, after which the oxygen-converter process was introduced, which made it possible to obtain especially pure metal. Depending on the number and types of connecting components, steel can be:

• Low alloy
• Medium alloyed
• High alloy

Depending on the carbon content, it is:

• Low carbon
• Medium carbon
• High carbon.

The composition of the metal often includes non-metallic compounds - oxides, phosphides, sulfides; their content differs depending on the quality of the steel; there is a certain classification of quality.

The density of steel is 7700-7900 kg/m3 , and the general characteristics of steel consist of such indicators as strength, hardness, wear resistance and suitability for various types of processing. Compared to cast iron, steel has greater ductility, strength and hardness. Due to its ductility, it is easy to process; steel has a higher thermal conductivity, and its quality is improved by hardening.

Elements such as nickel, chromium and molybdenum are alloying components, each of which gives steel its own characteristics. Thanks to chromium, steel becomes stronger and harder, and its wear resistance increases. Nickel also imparts strength, as well as toughness and hardness, and increases its anti-corrosion properties and hardenability. Silicon reduces viscosity, and manganese improves weldability and hardening properties.

All existing types of steel have a melting point from 1450 to 1520°C and are strong, wear-resistant and deformation-resistant metal alloys.

Cast iron and its main characteristics

The basis for the production of cast iron is also iron and carbon, but unlike steel, it contains more carbon, as well as other impurities in the form of alloying metals. It is fragile and breaks without visible deformation. Carbon here acts as graphite or cementite and, due to the content of other elements, cast iron is divided into the following varieties:

• White - where cementite is in the lead in the majority, this material is white at the fracture. This component is fragile and at the same time hard. It is easy to work, which imparts malleability to cast iron.
• Gray - in this variety, a large proportion is graphite, due to which the cast iron is ductile. Ready cast iron has a low melting point, is soft, and is easier to cut.
• Malleable - achieved by firing white cast iron, it is simmered in special heating furnaces at a temperature of 950-1000 ° C. The inherent hardness and brittleness of white cast iron are reduced; it is not forged, but only becomes more ductile.
• High-strength cast iron alloy - it contains nodular graphite, which is formed during crystallization.

The melting point of cast iron depends on the carbon content in it; the more of it there is in the alloy, the lower the temperature, and also its fluidity when heated increases. This makes the metal non-plastic, fluid, and also brittle and difficult to process. Its melting point ranges from 1160 to 1250°C .

Cast iron has higher anti-corrosion properties because it undergoes dry rust during use, this is called chemical corrosion. Wet corrosion also attacks cast iron more slowly than steel. These qualities led to a discovery in metallurgy - steel with a high chromium content began to be smelted. This is where stainless steel came from.

We draw a conclusion

Based on their numerous characteristics, we can say the following about cast iron and steel, what is their difference:

• Steel is stronger and harder than cast iron.
• Steel has a higher melting point and is heavier.
• The lower percentage of carbon in steel makes it easier to work with, easier to cut, forge and weld.
• For this reason, cast iron products can be cast, while steel products can be welded or forged.
• Steel products are less porous than cast iron, so they have greater thermal conductivity.
• They also differ in color: steel is light and shiny, while cast iron is darker with a matte surface.
• The cost of steel is always higher than cast iron materials.

We can conclude that steel and cast iron are united by the content of carbon and iron in them, but their characteristics are different and each of the alloys has its own characteristics.

• Nikolay Ivanovich Matveev

Source: https://ssk2121.com/chem-otlichaetsya-stal-ot-zheleza/

Differences between cast iron and steel

18.01.2018 18:12

Steel and cast iron are some of the most popular types of casting materials used in industry. They are quite similar in their properties; you can understand the difference between steel and cast iron in different ways. Some of the methods can only be used in a factory environment using high-precision equipment, while others are suitable for use at home.

The main difference between cast iron and steel is the composition of the metals. Steel is an alloy of iron (45%) with carbon (no more than 2%) and alloying impurities, which can be substances such as nickel, molybdenum or others.

This metal is characterized by high strength, ductility, and ease of processing. Cast iron also contains iron and carbon, but the latter should be 2% or more.

Alloying additives are usually silicon, phosphorus, manganese or other components.

How to distinguish cast iron from steel?

To distinguish these metals from each other, you can use the following methods:

• Drilling. To do this, you will need to take a nozzle with a small diameter and, having selected a flat area on the workpiece, drill a small hole. If, when processing a material, thin chips are formed, which are formed into a twisted strip longer than the drill used, have tarnish colors along the entire length and bend well enough, the workpiece is made of steel. The cast iron alloy is less ductile, it practically does not form a loach, and the shavings crumble from the slightest mechanical impact: they are easy to grind to a powder state, since the material is more fragile;
• Grinding. For this, an angle grinder is used; for processing, select an area that is not affected by frictional forces, contact with other metal surfaces or parts, otherwise, after grinding, the product may be unsuitable for further use. During the processing process, it is necessary to monitor the color of the spark and its shape. If the alloy is cast iron, the spark will be short, the sprocket will have a reddish tone, and if the part is made of steel, more sparks will fly out, they will have an increased size and an oblong shape. The sparks themselves are yellow or white. The exception is steel alloys with a high carbon content, which produce a short, purple spark with a shortened track and a small sprocket.

Mechanical impact methods can be used in everyday conditions, when you need to determine whether the material in front of you is cast iron or steel, without the use of special equipment.

The laboratory can use modern technology, with the help of which spectral or microscopic analysis of the properties of metals is carried out.

These methods provide highly accurate results, but are used primarily for industrial purposes, in production and in the scientific and technical industry due to the complexity and high cost of the equipment.

Source: https://metallomcity.ru/stati-o-metallolome/otlichiya-chuguna-ot-stali

How to distinguish steel from iron?

Iron and steel are the most important metals. Steel is obtained from iron. It is used to make many items, from oil rigs to paper clips.

Along with 80 pure metals, people know many alloys - mixtures of metals, the qualities of which differ from the qualities of pure metals. Tower cranes, bridges, and other structures are made of steel containing up to 0.2% carbon.

Carbon makes steel stronger while still being malleable. The steel is coated with paint to protect it from corrosion.

Iron and steel

Iron is an element. It is extracted from ore - a compound of iron and oxygen. Most of the mined iron is used to make steel, an alloy of iron and carbon. The most common iron ores are magnetite (top) and hematite (bottom). Iron is extracted from ore in blast furnaces. This process is called smelting. In the furnace, very hot air is blown through a layer of iron ore, limestone and coke.

Coke is almost pure carbon and is produced by heating coal. The carbon in the coke combines with oxygen to form carbon monoxide, which then "sucks" the oxygen out of the ore, leaving behind pure iron, to form carbon dioxide. This is an example of reduction reactions. Ore, coke and limestone enter the furnace. Limestone reacts with impurities in the ore to form slag.

Inside the furnace, hot air reacts with carbon. Carbon monoxide is formed. In this case, the temperature in the furnace rises to 2000°C. The carbon monoxide then reacts with the oxygen in the ore, reducing it to iron. Molten slag flows out from the bottom of the furnace. It is used in road construction. At the end, the molten iron is brought out.

A blast furnace operates continuously for 10 years until its walls begin to collapse. The height of the blast furnace is 30 meters, the thickness of its walls is 3 meters.

Iron obtained from ore contains carbon (about 4%) and other impurities, in particular sulfur. Impurities make iron brittle, so most of it is processed into steel. This removes impurities from the iron. Steel paper clips contain about 0.08% carbon. Tools are made from steel containing chromium, vanadium and up to 1% carbon. Steel is produced by exposing molten iron to oxygen.

Often a small amount of scrap steel is added to the iron. Oxygen reacts with the carbon contained in the iron to form carbon monoxide, which is used as fuel. After cleaning, no more than 0.04% carbon remains in the steel; its quantity depends on the grade of steel. Steel is also produced by melting scrap steel in an electric arc furnace.

To make steel, molten iron and scrap steel are poured into a furnace called a converter . Almost pure oxygen is pumped into the converter under high pressure. When it reacts with carbon, carbon monoxide is obtained (see also the article “Chemical reactions”). Another way to obtain steel is by melting scrap steel in an electric arc furnace. Powerful electric current (see

article “Electricity“) melts scrap. Molten slag flows out from the bottom of the furnace. It is used in road construction.

Alloys

An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals or a metal and another substance. So, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Brass is stronger than copper, easy to machine, and does not corrode. In pure metals, atoms are “packed” in close rows (Fig.

left). The rows can slide relative to each other, which makes the metal soft. When there are sudden shifts in the rows, the metal breaks. In the alloy, other atoms strengthen the metal (see figure on the right), because shifting rows is no longer possible. Therefore, alloys are stronger than pure metals.

Many metals themselves are too soft to be used, but their alloys can withstand high pressure and high temperatures (see the article "Heat and Temperature"). Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, a non-metal.

By adding small amounts of other metals, varieties of steel can be obtained. Knives and forks are made of stainless steel - an alloy of steel, chromium and nickel. Alloys of steel and manganese are extremely strong and are used industrially to make cutting tools.

Aluminum-magnesium alloys are light, strong and non-corrosive. Bicycles and airplanes are made from them (see the article “Flight”).

The most important metals and alloys

Aluminum . A very light silver-white metal that does not corrode. It is obtained from bauxite by electrolysis. Aluminum is used to make electrical wires, airplanes, ships (see the article “Buoyancy”), cars, beverage cans, and foil for cooking. Aluminum beverage cans are very lightweight and durable.

Brass . Malleable alloy of copper and zinc. Jewelry, ornaments, musical instruments, screws, and buttons for clothes are made from brass.

Bronze . A malleable, corrosion-resistant alloy of copper and tin, known since ancient times.

Calcium . Soft silver-white metal. It is found in limestone and chalk, as well as animal bones and teeth. Calcium in the human body is found in bones and teeth. It is used in the production of cement and high quality steel.

Chrome . Solid gray metal. Used in the production of stainless steel. Chrome is used to coat metal products for protective purposes and to give them a mirror shine.

Copper . Malleable reddish metal. Copper is used to make electrical wires and hot water tanks. Copper is part of brass, bronze, cupronickel.

Cupronickel . Alloy of copper and nickel. Almost all “silver” coins are made from it.

Gold . A soft, inactive bright yellow metal. Used in electronics and jewelry.

Iron . Malleable silvery-white ferromagnet. It is mined mainly from ore in blast furnaces. Used in engineering structures, as well as in the production of steel and alloys. There is iron in our blood too.

Lead . Heavy malleable poisonous bluish-white metal. It is extracted from the mineral galena. Lead is used to make electric batteries, roofs and screens that protect against X-rays.

Magnesium . Lightweight silver-white metal. Burns with a bright white flame. Used for signal lights and fireworks. Part of light alloys. Holiday rockets contain magnesium and other metals.

Mercury . Heavy silvery-white poisonous liquid metal. Used in thermometers, dental amalgam and explosives.

Platinum . Malleable silver-white inactive metal. Used as a catalyst and also in electronics and jewelry production. Platinum does not react. Jewelry is made from it.

Plutonium . Radioactive metal. It is formed in nuclear reactors during the bombardment of uranium and is used in the production of nuclear weapons (see the article “Nuclear energy and radioactivity”).

Potassium . Light silver metal. Very chemically active. Potassium compounds are included in fertilizers.

Silver . Malleable grayish-white metal. Conducts heat and electricity well. It is used to make jewelry and cutlery. It is part of the photographic emulsion (see the article “Photography and Cameras”).

Solder . An alloy of tin and lead. Melts at a relatively low temperature. Used for soldering wires in electronics.

Sodium . A soft, silvery-white, reactive metal. Included in table salt. Used in the production of sodium lamps and in the chemical industry.

Steel . An alloy of iron and carbon. Widely used in industry. Stainless steel, an alloy of steel and chromium, is not subject to corrosion and is used in the aerospace industry (see the article “Rockets and Spacecraft”).

Tin . A soft malleable silvery-white metal. A layer of tin protects the steel from corrosion. Part of alloys such as bronze and solder.

Titan . Durable white malleable metal that does not corrode. Titanium alloys are used to make spacecraft, airplanes, and bicycles.

Tungsten . Hard greyish-white metal. It is used to make filaments of incandescent lamps and parts of electronic devices. Incandescent cutting tools are made from steel with tungsten filament.

Uranus . Silvery-white radioactive metal, source of nuclear energy. Used in the creation of nuclear weapons.

Vanadium . Hard, poisonous white metal. Gives strength to steel alloys. Used as a catalyst in the production of sulfuric acid.

Zinc . Bluish-white metal. It is extracted from zinc blende. Used for galvanizing iron and producing electric batteries. Contains brass.

Metal recycling

Recycling is the reuse of raw materials, a way to conserve natural resources. Metals are easy to recycle because... they can be smelted to produce metal of the same quality as that obtained directly from the ore. Melting steel and aluminum is easy and profitable.

  Iron steel cast iron what is the difference?

Copper, tin, and lead are also melted down. Iron and steel objects can be retrieved from waste heaps using a strong magnet. Most steel for recycling comes from old cars and machine tools, but some is obtained from factory metal filings and even household waste.

Scrap steel is mixed with molten iron to create new steel.

Aluminum is not ferromagnetic, but scrap aluminum can be separated from scrap iron using an electromagnet. More than half of beverage cans are made from recycled aluminum. To find out if a jar is made of steel or aluminum, use a magnet.

It will stick to a steel can, but not to an aluminum can. Recycling scrap metal requires significantly less energy than extracting metal from ore, and there is less waste during processing. Theoretically, metal can be recycled as many times as desired.

Recycling aluminum cans requires 20 times less energy than producing new aluminum.

Source: https://varimtutru.com/kak-otlichit-stal-ot-zheleza/

How steel differs from iron: features and differences - Site about

Steel: types, properties, grades, production

Steel and products made from it have become so firmly established in the life and everyday life of modern people that it is difficult to imagine existence without metal objects. When it comes to dishes, small tools, household appliances and equipment, it is not at all necessary to know the brand, classification of alloys, and their areas of application.

This information is important, rather, for those who have decided to start building their own housing and do not know which metal products are suitable for these purposes. So, what steel is, what types of steel exist, and what properties this alloy, popular today, has, will be discussed in the construction magazine samastroyka.ru.

Difference between iron and steel

Iron and steel are two different types of material, but iron is also the main component of steel.

The main difference between iron and steel is iron is an element while steel is an alloy of iron . Both of these materials are widely used in the manufacture of various objects on an industrial scale.

Steel was actually an improvement made to make the use of iron more desirable and durable. The quality of the rust was a key factor that was taken into account here. However, not all types of steel exhibit this quality; steel that displays this property is called "stainless steel".

What is iron

Iron is a popular element as it is found in abundance on earth. In the periodic table it is classified as a ' d block element' because it has its valence electrons in 'd' shells. Therefore, iron is usually called a transition metal. The atomic number of iron is 26. This means that it is the 26th element in the periodic table by weight.

And its electronic configuration is; 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d6, Looking at the electron configuration of iron, it is clear that it has 6 “d” electrons. When iron forms ions, it settles into two main oxidation states; +2 and +3. Compounds in the +2 oxidation state are called iron compounds, and compounds in the +3 oxidation state are called iron compounds.

This nature of having multiple oxidation states is common among "d" block elements.

When iron forms the +2 oxidation state, it only removes its 4s2 electrons. But when ferric ions are formed, both 4s and 3d electrons are removed. In general, depending on the final electron configuration, ferric ions are more stable in air than ferrous ions. However, iron is susceptible to rust.

Due to the presence of moisture and oxygen in the air, the iron element is easily oxidized and forms iron oxide, and further oxidation can lead to the formation of iron oxide, which is a dark brown layered substance called "rust". Iron forms many stable compounds, and the ore of the metal is used for a variety of industrial applications. However, iron is ductile and less durable for some application needs.

Thus, improvements in the properties of metal were considered, and Steel was born as a result.

What is steel

Steel differs from iron in that it is an alloy, not an element. An alloy is a mixture of different metals or a metal mixed with another element. Steel is made by mixing a small percentage of carbon with iron , carbon usually not exceeding 2.1% by weight. The presence of carbon gives steel more strength than just iron and becomes more usable for a variety of applications. However, the higher the carbon content, the more brittle the steel will be.

Steels also have other alloying elements such as chromium, nickel and manganese. These elements are added to prevent the steel from rusting. What happens here is that instead of oxidizing the iron, chromium, which has a lower oxidation potential, is oxidized, protecting the iron. This way the steel remains shiny for much longer.

Definition

Iron is a pure element.

Steel is an alloy where iron is the main component.

Rust

Iron oxidizes easily to form rust, and the shine does not last long.

Alloying elements in steel protect it from rust; This way the shine lasts longer.

Elemental Composition

Iron is an element in itself.

Steel is mainly composed of iron and carbon and also contains percentages of elements such as chromium, nickel, etc.

properties

Iron is not as strong as steel and is less brittle.

Adding carbon to Steel makes it stronger than Iron. However, this also makes the steel brittle.

Applications

Iron is used for some applications; however, it is not used in finished products and structures where many benefits are required. Therefore, the use of iron as a pure metal has reached its limit.

Much of the use of iron has been replaced by Steel since it has many desirable properties.

Image credit:

Roantrum's Iron Bridge 6 - Flickr.

Source: https://ru.strephonsays.com/difference-between-iron-and-steel

How is iron different from steel?

» Other »

Question for experts: what is the difference between iron and steel???

Best regards, Tati

Best answers

Iron is a mined mineral, and steel is an alloy of several metals in a certain proportion

steel is nothing, it’s also iron with an admixture of something else.

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. If carbon is more than 4%. then it's cast iron.

Iron is a chemical element, itself fragile. That is, they take iron ore and add impurities of other metals or non-metals to it and obtain various alloys. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. The more carbon in steel, the harder and stronger it is, but at the same time the more brittle (for example, cast iron, where the carbon content ranges from 6 to 12%).

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, with less than 4% carbon. Other metals are added to alloy steels in small quantities.

Yeees!
We wrote so much here, I almost fell out of my chair! This means this: iron is, first of all, a chemical element (No. 26, it seems). In nature, in its pure form, it practically does not exist, because it is VERY expensive to do this and such a metal will cost more than gold! But the previous speakers wrote correctly about steel!

answer

This video will help you figure it out

Answers from experts

STEEL (German: Stahl) is a deformable alloy of iron and carbon (up to 2.14%). Although, I think there is no fundamental difference. It is believed that steel is stronger. But if they want to open it, they will open it! Castles have always been for honest people.

Because they don't understand the difference between steel and pure iron

well, steel is an alloy of iron and carbon

Iron is a mined mineral, and steel is an alloy of several metals in a certain proportion

Steel contains carbon. But for them, it seems, they just write whatever comes to mind first. What do you think of the request: “Make a tank from aluminum iron,”?

Iron is a component in its pure form that is not used since it has the same characteristics as gold. and slightly different additives and we get steel

Stainless steel, Alloyed, molybdenum, instrumental, etc.

Iron is a chemical element! Steel is an alloy based on iron with other elements.

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, containing carbon (which gives the alloy strength and hardness, reducing toughness and ductility)

Source: https://dom-voprosov.ru/prochee/chem-otlichaetsya-zhelezo-ot-stali