The Blueprint in the Drawer
Uses a letter (usually 'A' for ferrous metals) followed by a sequential number (e.g., ASTM A36 for structural carbon steel). Title: The Blueprint in the Drawer What is
| Steel Category | Carbon Content | Key Property | Common Specifications | Typical Applications | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 0.05% – 0.25% | Ductile, Weldable | ASTM A36, AISI 1018 | Construction, Bridges, Car Bodies | | Medium Carbon | 0.25% – 0.60% | Strong, Wear Resistant | AISI 1045, 4140 | Railway tracks, Gears, Crankshafts | | High Carbon | 0.60% – 1.50% | Very Hard, Brittle | AISI 1080, 1095 | Springs, Knives, High-tensile wire | | Stainless | Low C + High Cr | Corrosion Resistant | AISI 304, 316 | Cutlery, Surgical tools, Chemical tanks | | Tool Steel | Varies | Extreme Hardness | ASTM A2, D2, O1 | Drills, Dies, Cutting tools | Dual-phase (DP): Soft ferrite + hard martensite →
Contain at least 10.5% chromium to provide superior durability in harsh environments. Applications in Industry ASTM International: Uses a letter (usually 'A' for
Because of its versatility, steel is the most important engineering and construction material globally: