Alloy Steel refers to steel that intentionally adds one or more alloying elements (such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, titanium, etc.) to carbon steel to improve and enhance its performance. These alloying elements can significantly improve the strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, high temperature stability and other special properties of steel, making it suitable for various harsh working environments and complex applications.

Classification

According to the content and type of alloying elements, alloy steel can be divided into the following categories:

Low Alloy Steel

The total content of alloying elements usually does not exceed 5%.

Representative alloying elements include manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), etc.

Features: Compared with carbon steel, it has higher strength and better toughness and corrosion resistance.

Application: Widely used in building structures, bridges, vehicle manufacturing and other fields.

Medium Alloy Steel

The total content of alloying elements is generally between 5% and 10%.

Common alloying elements include chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), etc.

Features: high strength, high hardness, good hardenability and heat resistance.

Application: suitable for manufacturing mechanical parts such as gears, shafts, springs, and parts that need to withstand greater stress.

High Alloy Steel

The total content of alloy elements exceeds 10%.

Including stainless steel, heat-resistant steel, high-speed steel and other types.

Features: excellent corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance and high-temperature strength.

Application: widely used in chemical equipment, aerospace, medical equipment, knives and molds and other industries.

Performance advantages

Strength and hardness: By adding specific alloying elements, alloy steel can obtain higher strength and hardness than carbon steel, so as to adapt to more complex and harsh working conditions.

Toughness and ductility: Certain alloying elements can improve the toughness and ductility of steel and reduce the risk of brittle fracture, especially in low temperature environments.

Corrosion resistance: For example, chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) can form a dense oxide film, which effectively prevents corrosion and prolongs service life.

Wear resistance: Elements such as molybdenum (Mo) and vanadium (V) can significantly improve the wear resistance of steel, making it suitable for manufacturing wear-resistant parts.

High temperature stability: Elements such as molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W) give alloy steel good high temperature strength and creep resistance, enabling it to work stably in high temperature environments.