PreQ ESD - 2.1 Ferrous Metals

Cast Iron Composition

Iron + 3.5% Carbon

Mild Steel Composition

Iron + 0.15-0.35% carbon

High Carbon Steel Composition

Iron + 0.8+1.5% carbon

HSS composition

Iron + tungsten + chromium + vanadium

Stainless Steel compostion

Iron + chromium + nickel + magnesium

Cast iron properties

Smooth skin with soft core, strong when compressed, self lubricating, cannot be bent or forged.

Mild steel properties

Ductile, malleable & tough, high tensile strength, poor resistance to corrosion, easily welded.

High carbon steel properties

Very hard, rather brittle, difficult to cut, poor resistance to corrosion.

HSS properties

Very hard, heat resistant, remains hard when red

Stainless Steel properties

Tough and hard, corrosion resistant, wears well, difficult to cut, bend and file.

Cast Iron Uses

Vices, lathe beds, garden bench ends, car brake drums

Mild steel uses

Car bodies, washing machine bodies, nuts & bolts, screws, nails, girders

HSS uses

Tool blades

High speed steel uses

Drills, lathe cutting tools, milling cutters, power hacksaw blades

Stainless steel uses

Cutlery, sinks, teapots, dishes, saucepans