Many types of stainless steel are available to consumers including 304, 316 and 410 stainless steels. The most widely used stainless steel in America is 304 stainless steel. This type of steel is very resistant to corrosion, easy to weld and offers good formability. Type 304 steel is made up of 0.08 percent carbon, 2 percent manganese and between 18 and 20 percent chromium.
Type 316 steel is very similar to 304 steel but offers increased corrosion-resistance. This steel is ideal for marine applications. 316 steel contains 0.08 percent carbon, 2 percent manganese and between 16 and 18 percent chromium. Type 410 stainless steel is often employed in environments where corrosion is not a big threat. This steel contains 0.15 percent chromium, 1 percent manganese and between 11.5 and 13.5 percent chromium.
Carbon steels are a very malleable form of steel. This grade of steel is iron-based and contains less than 2 percent carbon. Most carbon steel however, is made up of less than 1 percent carbon as well as trace amounts of manganese and other elements. This grade of steel is relatively easy to cast into shape or wrought into form. Carbon steels can be easily machined, forged and stamped.
Alloys are created through the joining of different metals. Tungsten steel is a widely used and extremely durable steel alloy. Tungsten greatly increases the strength, heat-resistance and hardness of steel. Tungsten steel alloy can contain upwards of 20 percent tungsten. Tungsten steel is a high-speed steel, which is ideal for cutting and forming metal. This type of steel is engineered for use in hot, high-speed applications. Tungsten steel design can be found on drill bits, reamers, dies and saw blades. The corrosion-resistance and heat-resistance of tungsten steel makes it ideal for use in electronic devices and turbine engines. Alloy steels are often used to form tools out of tool steels.
Tool steels offer stability during heat treatment, toughness, resistance to wear and strength at high temperatures. Tool steels always undergo a heat-treatment hardening process to gain these properties. While type-S tool steels are shock-resistant, they are not as resistant to wear as other types of tool steels. O-type as well as A and D-type tool steels are very hard steels but are not designed for use at higher temperatures.