What is the difference between steel and special steel?

Steel is one of the most widely used materials in modern industry due to its versatility, durability, and strength. But not all steel is created equal. Special steel refers to steel that has been specially designed and processed to possess unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at what special steel is, how it's made, and some of its most common uses.

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What is special steel?

Special steel refers to any steel that has been modified or processed to have unique physical, chemical, or mechanical properties that differ from conventional steel. The term "special steel" is often used to describe alloy steels, which are made by adding other elements to the steel to enhance its properties. Common alloying elements include nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten, among others.

How is special steel made?

The process of making special steel depends on the specific properties that are desired. One common method is to add alloying elements to the molten steel during the refining process. Another method is to use a special heat treatment process that modifies the microstructure of the steel, which can affect its strength, ductility, and other properties.

Types of special steel

There are many different types of special steel, each with its own unique properties and applications. Here are a few of the most common types:

Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a type of special steel that contains at least 10.5% chromium, which gives it excellent corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in applications where corrosion resistance is important, such as in food processing equipment, medical devices, and architectural structures.

Tool steel: Tool steel is a type of special steel that is designed to be used in cutting, drilling, and shaping tools. It is typically very hard and wear-resistant, and may also contain other elements such as tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium to enhance its properties

High-speed steel: High-speed steel is a type of special steel that is designed to be used in high-speed cutting tools, such as drills and saw blades. It is highly wear-resistant and can maintain its hardness and toughness at high temperatures, making it ideal for cutting applications.

Alloy steel: Alloy steel is a type of special steel that contains other elements besides iron and carbon. The addition of these elements can improve the steel's strength, toughness, and other properties. Alloy steel is commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as in structural applications such as bridges and buildings.

Uses of special steel

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Special steel is used in a wide range of applications, from medical devices to construction equipment. Some of the most common uses include:

Automotive industry: Special steel is used extensively in the automotive industry, where it is used to make parts such as engine components, suspension systems, and drive train components.

Aerospace industry: Special steel is also used in the aerospace industry, where it is used to make parts such as landing gear, engine components, and structural members.

Construction industry: Special steel is commonly used in the construction industry to make structural members, reinforcing bars, and other components that require high strength and durability.

Medical industry: Special steel is used in the medical industry to make surgical instruments, implants, and other devices that require high corrosion resistance and biocompatibility.

Special steel is a critical material in modern industry, with a wide range of applications across multiple industries. From stainless steel to tool steel to high-speed steel, there are many different types of special steel that possess unique properties that make them suitable for specific applications. With its exceptional strength, durability, and versatility, special steel is likely to continue playing an important role in modern industry for many years to come.

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As so often in life, when it comes to special steel it is the intrinsic values that count. Including those which are absent. What makes these steel grades special is their purity. That means an exceptionally low sulfur and phosphorus content: no more than 0.025%, or 25 parts in a thousand. That is comparable to two tiny pinches of salt in a liter of water, which is why extreme precision is required to achieve the chemical compositions of special steel grades. It is the same level of precision as demanded in their subsequent processing.

The exceptional properties of special steel, such as resistance to corrosion and heat, strength, wear resistance, workability, and polishability, all depend on its composition and the care with which it is produced. This is where special additives, so-called alloys, come into play. The manufacturers’ “recipe books” include a variety of ingredients:

• Chrome: for resistance to corrosion and heat
• Tungsten and cobalt: increase wear resistance which is important for milling tools and drills
• Chrome and nickel: increase weld strength
• Molybdenum: increases heat resistance and makes steel rust-proof
• Titanium, niobium: creates resistance to intergranular corrosion
• Manganese: increases tensile strength

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