LezoMetal | Steel grades: types and interpretation

Types and marking of steel

Although steel is compared to iron, it is actually an alloy in which, in addition to iron itself, there are many other metals and substances in the form of impurities. As a result, steel has different types and markings, which we will talk about later.

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So, by what features do we classify and mark steel? There are several such signs:

by the degree of doping;
by steel quality;
by appointment;
according to the method of deoxidation.

According to the degree of alloying (the content of alloying elements), steel is divided into:

Low-alloyed (the share of alloying elements in the composition is no more than 2.5%).
Medium-alloyed with a share of alloying elements from 2.5 to 10%).
Highly alloyed (more than 10% - alloying additives).

Such elements make steel stronger, and resistant to corrosion, magnetic field, etc.

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According to the quality of steel, we distinguish:

Quality steel;
High-quality steel;
Especially high-quality steel.

Quality characteristics of steel include hardness, strength, corrosion resistance, durability, and heat resistance. Quality also means the minimum percentage of phosphorus impurities (maximum 0.02%) and sulfur (maximum 0.015% for the higher index), which negatively affect the strength and heat resistance of steel.

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By purpose (functions), steel is divided into:

Structural (0.07-0.8% carbon);
Instrumental (0.7-1.3% carbon);
Precision (over 1.3% carbon)

Structural steel can carry loads as support. It is often used as part of the frame of buildings.

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Tool steel has increased hardness and strength, it can be used to make tools for processing wood, metal, stone, etc.

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Precision steel has special properties: heat resistance, wear resistance, stainless steel, and steel with special magnetic or thermal properties. This is a steel of increased hardness, used for the production of high-precision tools, including surgical

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According to the method of deoxidation, steel is:

killed steel deoxidation;
semi-killed deoxidation steel;
rimmed deoxidation steel;
capped deoxidation steel.

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What are the markings of steel?

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Marking can include letters and numbers. Numbers usually indicate the content of alloying additives or specific elements in the composition of alloy steel. You can also specify the quality category of the material. The letters denote the abbreviations of the steel brand, purpose, quality, and other indicators

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What are the grades of steel and their generally accepted designations? Let's figure it out further.

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The first digit of the steel grade indicates the carbon content in hundredths of a percent. One number before the first letter of the marking indicates the carbon content in tenths of a percent. If the carbon content exceeds 1%, numbers are not placed before the letters.

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The marking is followed by a letter indicating the presence of the appropriate alloying element in the steel. The number after the letter indicates the average content of the alloying element, and if the content of the element is less than 1.0-1.5%, then the number is not indicated. In some cases, the content of alloying elements can be specified.

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For example, steel 32X06L contains an average of 0.32% carbon and about 0.6% chromium. The letter "L" at the end indicates that the steel is a foundry.

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The letter "A" is added at the end of the marking to indicate that this is a high-quality alloy steel. High-quality steel contains less sulfur and phosphorus than high-quality steel.

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Alloyed tool steels are marked according to the same system as structural steels, with the difference that the first number indicates the carbon content in tenths of a percent, not in hundredths. For example, 9KHVG steel contains 0.85-0.95%, 0.5-0.8% Cr, 0.5-0.8% W, and 0.9-1.2% Mn.

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Some special-purpose steels are separated into separate groups and have special markings. Each group is given its own letter and placed in front of it:

Ж – chrome-plated stainless steel.
I - chrome-nickel stainless steel;
P - high-speed steel;
Ш - ball bearing steel;
E - electrical steel.

For example, steel ShKHN15, Zh1, P18.

What types of metals and alloys do we work with?

The thesis that each of our clients will confirm: in our work, we use only high-quality metals and alloys that meet global industry standards. For the manufacture of your order, we will select the materials specified in the specification for your product.

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What materials do we work with?

In most cases, we use the following materials for work:

Steel;
Stainless Steel;
Aluminum;
Bronze;
Copper;
Special alloys;
Plastic.

Metal milling: features and technology

Processing on milling machines: a multifunctional method of metal processing - this is exactly what we will talk about next. Our specialists have more than 10 years of experience in milling work, so they are happy to share their insights with the readers of our blog. Let's start with the basics!

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Types of milling works

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Milling works on metal are classified by:

by the fixing method of the processed workpiece;
direction of rotation of the cutting element.

Milling according to the method of fixing the processed workpiece on the machine is divided into vertical, horizontal, and corner. According to the rotation of the milling cutter (cutting element), the milling of metal is opposite and parallel.

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Counter milling involves the movement of the cutting edge towards the workpiece (on the tooth of the cutter). This is the fastest processing method. The accompanying milling process consists of the movement of the cutter from top to bottom (under the teeth of the cutter). This type of metalworking guarantees a clean cut.

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Both of these methods can be combined, which will ensure a much smaller number of defective blanks. For example, large workpieces should be processed first by the opposite method, and later apply the parallel method.

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The type of metal surface being processed also affects the method of metal milling. Different types of milling cutters are used for surfaces that differ in the type of fastening, construction, tooth shape, and other characteristics:

terminal, used in the processing of large parts;
end ones, which are used when necessary to drill a "well" or a window in the part, to make a groove on it;
shaped - suitable for milling metal profiles;
peripheral, the feature of which is a metal chip in the form of a comma sign that remains after milling.

Types and methods of metal processing

Metal processing in Lviv is our main specialization. Therefore, it is necessary to reveal this topic in more detail. What is metal processing? This is a process that consists in influencing metal or metal alloys with the help of manual labor or special equipment, in order to achieve certain forms, characteristics, dimensions, etc.

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What are the main metal processing methods? There are four of them:

Mechanical processing (cutting).
Processing of metals under pressure.
Welding.
Casting.

All of them can be used both individually and in a complex and various combinations with each other. Let's look at each of them further.

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Mechanical (milling) processing or cutting is a technology that is a mechanical effect on materials with the help of tools that, cutting, remove excess. As a result of this process, the metal acquires the required shape.

Advantages and features of laser cutting of sheet metal

Laser metal cutting or laser cutting is a method of cutting and cutting metal using a powerful laser. Thanks to this processing method, the cut parts are extremely neat and with clear contours without errors. Also, laser cutting of metal allows you to produce parts of complex, unusual shapes, which are difficult to implement using other methods of metalworking.

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The principle of operation is simple: cutting takes place thanks to the action of a powerful laser controlled by a computer. Under the influence of the laser beam, the area on which it is directed ignites and melts. In the process of work, there is no mechanical impact on the metal. Laser cutting is also safe for soft alloys and easily deformable metals.

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What metals are suitable for laser cutting? The ideal option is metals with low thermal conductivity. There are several of them:

Black (carbon) steel (thickness 0.2mm - 30mm);
Stainless steel (thickness 0.2mm - 12mm);
Brass (thickness 0.2mm - 12mm);
Aluminum, aluminum alloys (thickness 0.2 mm - 20 mm);
Copper, copper alloys (thickness 0.2 mm - 15 mm);
Titanium.

Types and marking of steel

What materials do we work with?

Types of milling works

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