Steel is the basis of heavy equipment, household items, and tools. It plays an important role in construction and manufacturing. However, not all steels are created thermally insulated cells equal; the kind of steel you pick for a project can dramatically impact its strength and durability.

The amount of impurities and/or additions determines the classification. This is what makes each steel unique to a particular application.

Low-carbon steels, offered in a variety of forms are the most widely used steels by metal fabricators. They are found in pipes, beams, and other structural elements. They’re also perfect for welded fabrications due to their ability to be easily shaped and formed without losing its strength or quality.

The medium carbon steels are known for their hardness and have a carbon content less than 1.75%. They’re the top choice for knives, cookware, and other durable tools. They are also used to create car parts and other mechanical equipment.

High-carbon steels are commonly used to make parts that require a strong strength and resistance to corrosion. This includes anchor bolts, tools, and rods.

Alloy steels are versatile and can be adapted to meet the needs for any purpose. For instance, tungsten is able to increase the temperature strength and wear-resistance of high strength alloy steels. Chromium increases the heat resistance of stainless steels, and also improves their ductility. Molybdenum on however, increases the hardness and toughness of alloy steels.