The major differences in steel

Iron and carbon

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. The carbon content largely determines the application. Little carbon makes for stronger and flexible steel. Cast iron, for example, has a high carbon content. So it is an important aspect in the buy steel. There are many grades of steel, each with its specific property. Nickel, chromium or manganese is often added to increase usability. Steel is divided into construction, automaton and tool steels.

Three types of steel

Structural steel is the most commonly used steel which has a low carbon content. It is used for bridges, cars and buildings. Machine steel has a higher carbon ratio with low alloy added. Tool steel has a high alloy content and is mainly used for tools. This steel is also called high-speed steel or HSS steel.

Alloy

Steel is not used in pure form. Metal almost always contains from an alloy. The alloy provides specific properties which is necessary for the application. Ferrous metals are all alloys based on iron. Non-ferrous is a metal that does not contain iron. Examples of Ferrous is steel, stainless steel, cobalt and nickel. Non-Ferrous refers to aluminum, zinc, copper, brass and gold.

Industrial trend

With the industrial interior design trend, we are seeing more and more steel in interiors. Steel window frames, doors and stairs are returning and in furniture we see steel cabinets, steel bases for tables and steel lamps. The solid furniture used in industry, schools or logistics is now being used in the home. Complete stainless steel kitchens previously used exclusively in the hospitality industry are considered the ideal industrial residential kitchen. While the steel used in homes is often concealed invisibly, in lofts it is actually the eye-catchers. Steel structures remain visible, pipes are mounted on the wall and pipes for ventilation and heating characterize the interior.

Steel is combined with wood, leather or concrete. Materials that appear largely cold, yet are warm and robust. They are materials that are durable. It is also the authentic atmosphere that appeals to many people.