When we talk about steel and other tools in the industry, we must also talk about international standards. This creates a classification, which is governed by different criteria, with the aim of classifying alloys under certain characteristics.
On the one hand, we can find classifications by the type of steel, although there are industries that classify it by durability, others by the amount of finishing treatments that were given to them and in some cases, their malleability for transformation.
In this blog, Ulbrinox will talk to you about the international standards that exist to classify and standardize the different types of steel. Always reminding you, that we are the best stainless steel suppliers in Mexico.
What are the international steel standards?
The international standards are never the same in all countries. In fact, each country around the world has its own standards and specifications for each steel alloy. Likewise, there are commercial, professional, and state standards.
The standards share something in common and that is that they all include: classification, description, chemical compositions, resistance, welding, ductility, and heat treatment. Some of the most important ones are listed here.
By the way, if you want to know more about the international standards that apply in all countries, the regulatory body and updates, we recommend visiting the page of international standards of RGP Balls, a leading site in the industry.
AISI/SAE Standard
This standard earned its name from the acronyms of the organizations that constituted it. Within this standard, the use of nomenclature within the classification of steels is stipulated, this is done from the use of four digits.
The first digit indicates the main alloy, the second indicates the modification. Similarly, the last two represent the percentage of carbon that is present in the steel. And according to this standard, there are 9 main alloying elements.
Carbon
Nickel
Nickel-chrome
Molybdenum
Chrome
Chrome-vanadium
Tungsten-cobalt
Nickel-chrome-molybdenum
Manganese-silicon
SAE steel classification
This standard classifies steels into: carbon, medium alloy, alloyed, stainless, high strength, tool steel, etc. This allows them to be divided into very low carbon steels, low carbon steels, medium carbon steels and high carbon steels, learn more about the SAE Standards.
Very low carbon steels include standards. These start at SAE 1005 and go up to SAE 1015. Parts are selected under the strict requirement of having been cold formed. They have deformation and surface finish qualities.
Low carbon steels include another series of standards. Starting with SAE 1016 and going up to SAE 1030, they have wear resistance and greater hardness, which decreases deformability.
Medium carbon steels are those with acceptable percentages. It includes SAE standards, starting with 1035 and ending with 1053. These steels are selected in activities where high mechanical properties are needed.
High carbon steels are used in applications where wear resistance and high hardness are needed that cannot be easily achieved. Practically, all parts are heat treated before use.
ISO Standards
The International Organization for Standardization is an organization that is responsible for developing standards. These standards ensure the quality, efficiency, and safety of the development processes of different products and services in the world.
Management systems are what divide standards into actions. They can be classified in terms of: quality, environment, risk, safety, and social responsibility. There are a series of standards that must be complied with without exception (general) and others specific to sectors.
General ISO standards: ISO 90001, ISO 9004, ISO IEC 17025, ISO TS 16949.
Environmental ISO standards: ISO 14001, ISO 50001.
ISO risk and social security standards: ISO 45001, ISO 22001, ISO 22301, ISO 27001, ISO 28000, ISO 31000, ISO 39001, ISO 19600.
ISO social responsibility standards: SA 8000, ISO 26000.
The most important of all these is the ISO 26000 standard, as the issue of the environment is no joke. When working with low alloy steels, high alloy steels and unalloyed steels, it is essential to maintain awareness and support for the planet.
The types of steel in the industry
Finally, in the types of steels we can find a variety of steels. And although the most common of these is carbon steel, there are others that use combinations of iron and carbon or more elements, this is necessary to know about steel suppliers.
Self-patinable steel
Structural scared steel
Corrugated steel
Galvanized steel
Stainless steel
Rolled steel
Mild steel or high corrosion resistance
Effervescent steel
Cold drawn steel
Structural steel
Weathering steel
Mild steel
Black steel
At Ulbrinox we will be pleased to give you the best raw materials for all your manufacturing processes. Learn more about our products and ISO 9001 certificate by exploring our website.