Universal material
Iron has long been in our life, and almost everywhere it has been used. However, it itself has many vulnerable characteristics. The correct solution was to use with the addition of carbon, this material is called steel . This alloy (and other elements) must be at least 45% iron. In this case, carbon is 0.02% - 2.14% (within 0.6% - 2.14%, high-carbon steel is made). If the composition contains more than 2.14% carbon, cast iron is produced. Thanks to the addition of carbon, new properties are acquired that are characterized by strength.
A bit of history
It is known that the first products of this alloy date back to the 19th century BC. According to archaeologists, the famous damask steel was widespread in India. In the period IV - V centuries A.D. marked the production of steel in Western Europe. The use of steel in melee weapons made it possible to switch from a piercing chopping to a cutting accent. The famous Damascus steel was made in the Middle East. Japan of the XI-XIII centuries is known for the durability of katana blades. The use of steel in Europe in the 15th century made it possible to lengthen and lighten swords, which evolved into rapier and epee. For the first time cast steel was applied on a technological scale by the engineer Gentsman, and thanks to the Krupp factories it has been used in Europe (since the beginning of the 19th century). This period was marked by the appearance of artillery pieces. In the XX century. steel has found application in the production of tank armor.
Ordering
There are various criteria by which its systematization is carried out:
1) Chemical properties:
A) carbon (carbon concentration in the alloy):
- low carbon (up to 0.25%),
- medium carbon (from 0.3% to 0.55%),
- high carbon (from 0.6% to 2%);
B) doped (amounts of elements that improve the properties):
- low-alloyed (up to 4%),
- medium alloyed (up to 11%),
- highly alloyed (over 11%).
2) Quality (the content of impurities is taken into account):
- ordinary,
- high quality,
- high quality,
- especially high quality.
3) Structure:
- high temperature,
- ferritic,
- martensite,
- bainite,
- perlite.
4) Purpose:
- constructional,
- stainless (corrosion-resistant),
- cryogenic,
- heat-resistant,
- instrumental.
Benefits
Huge use of this alloy, which has excellent elasticity, is found in mechanical engineering (springs) and instrumentation (stretch marks, suspensions, various membranes and plates in relays). All these parts have different shapes and sizes and are used in different conditions. Thanks to the special
