Properties of Steel

It is no secret that steel is what holds up a building. Yes, there are other elements and materials, but the primary strength and integrity of any construction comes from the strength of the steel or TMT Rods. But TMT rods are not the only kind of steel used in construction. Steel in construction comes in many forms.

Alloy Steel

Steel in itself is an alloy of iron and several other elements, one of them being carbon. But the resultant steel, when alloyed with other elements or metals produces stronger steel and also offers a host of other benefits.

For example, steel with chromium or nickel produces stainless steel. We have all used stainless steel, and it is truly one of the more versatile forms of steel. It doesn’t corrode or lose colour over time, which is probably why it is populareven out of the construction industry.

Alloying steel with different metals also produces different features. For example, alloying steel with aluminium gives a uniform appearance. And if you add a manganese alloy, it gives really hard, strong steel.

Steel with more malleable metals like tungsten are the best option for steel tools. This steel can easily fit in moulds, therefore can be injected into moulds and make tools with even the most intricate designs without compromising on integrity.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel, as the name suggests, is steel with varying amounts of carbon. Like we already mentioned, steel comes with alloying iron with many elements, the foremost being carbon. By varying the amounts of carbon, we can produce different types of steel with different features. Generally, the more the carbon, the stronger the steel, but more carbon also makes it more brittle, which means it can’t bend much.

Steel with the least amount of carbon, or wrought-iron, is the best for decorative work as it is still strong and tensile. Steel with the most amount of carbon is tough, sturdy, but cannot give into design. This is cast-iron, or ultra high carbon steel.

There are 2 other types of carbon steel. Medium carbon steel is a good balance of toughness and pliability, making it the best for structural work like TMT Rods. High carbon steel is more tough than pliable, and is better suited to tools or steel wire manufacturing.

Galvanised Steel

Galvanised steel is steel with a zinc coating. This coating prevents corrosion and erosion, making it durable. The zinc coating is in layers, so even if one layer erodes, it still protects the steel well.

Steel in construction comes as TMT Rods structurally, and as grills and bars decoratively, and also lends itself to several other uses, making it an inseparable and crucial part of the construction industry.