Alloys and special steel

 Alloy steel  is a type of steel that has been deliberately enhanced by adding one or more elements other than carbon to achieve specific physical properties or characteristics like ductility and formability, strength and hardness, weldability of steel, resistance to high temperatures etc.
Alloying elements include : chromium, nickel, copper, nitrogen, vanadium, silicon, boron and others. These alloying elements are added in different proportions toincreasestrength, hardness,  toughness and wear resistance, .The proportion of alloying elements may be between 1 and 50%. For alloy steels that have enough carbon content to be hardened, the temperature required to harden the alloy steel is usually between 760-1300 °C (depending on the carbon content). Just like with other types of steel, hardening of alloy steel involves controlled heating at critical temperatures followed by a controlled cooling step.

Alloy steel, depending on the amount of additives it contains, is divided into:

Steels are usually divided into the two main categories: low alloy steel and high alloy , but there is also medium alloy, see the difference below

– low alloy steel (content of alloying elements below 2.5%)

Low-alloy steel typically contains alloying elements in small percentage, usually less than percentage 5% of the total mass. These steels are engineered to improve mechanical properties like strength, toughness, and hardenability. They are often used in structural applications where a balance of strength and flexibility is needed, such as in the automotive and construction industries.
– medium alloy steel (from 2.5 to 10%)This type of alloy steel contains alloying elements in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10% of the total steel mass. These steels strike a balance between cost and performance, offering enhanced mechanical properties compared to low-alloy steels while being more economical than high-alloy steels. They are commonly used in applications requiring high strength and toughness, such as in pressure vessels, pipelines, and machinery components (machine parts) and metal structures.

– high alloy steel (from 10 to 50%)

High-alloy steel contains elements in concentrations greater than 10%  of the total composition of the steel. These elements, such as chromium, nickel, or molybdenum, enhance the steel’s properties, making it highly resistant to corrosion, heat, and wear. Common examples include stainless steels, which are known for their exceptional durability and ability to withstand extreme conditions.

According to the purpose, alloy steels are divided into:

– construction
– tool steel
– special

Heat Resistance: Alloy steel is known for its exceptional heat resistance, retaining high mechanical properties even when exposed to temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Celsius. This makes it an ideal material for applications that require strength and durability under extreme heat, such as in the aerospace, automotive, and power generation industries.

Corrosion Resistance: The addition of elements like chromium, nickel, and molybdenum enhances the corrosion resistance of alloy steel, protecting it from rust and oxidation. This property makes alloy steel suitable for use in harsh environments where exposure to moisture, chemicals, or other corrosive agents is common.

Improved Toughness and Strength: Alloying elements such as manganese, silicon, and vanadium improve the toughness and strength of steel. This results in a material that can withstand heavy loads, high impact, and stress without cracking or breaking, making it perfect for construction, mining, and heavy machinery applications.

Enhanced Hardness and Wear Resistance: Alloy steel can be heat-treated to achieve higher levels of hardness and wear resistance. This makes it particularly useful in the manufacture of tools, dies, and other components that require a hard surface to resist abrasion and wear over time.

Versatility: The ability to customize alloy steel by varying the types and amounts of alloying elements allows it to be tailored for specific applications. This versatility makes it a preferred material in industries ranging from automotive to oil and gas, where specialized performance characteristics are required.

The properties mentioned above differentiate alloy steel from stainless steel. While both materials have unique advantages, the specific attributes of alloy steel—such as its superior heat resistance, customizable strength, and enhanced hardness—set it apart from stainless steel. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is particularly known for its corrosion resistance due to its high chromium content, making it ideal for environments where rust prevention is crucial. In contrast, alloy steel offers a broader range of mechanical properties that can be fine-tuned for specialized applications, such as high heat resistance and wear resistance, which are not typically the primary focus in stainless steel.

We offer alloy and special steels in the form of bars and sheets. As a rule, it is high-quality steel from Ukrainian manufacturers.

Please contact us to specify the availability and terms of delivery of the material you are currently interested in.

Below are some of the alloy steel grades:

European standard (EN)		Polish standard (PN)	GOST
Heat-resistant steel
10CrMo9-10	1.7380		10 Х2 М
13CrMo4-4	1.7335		13 ХМ
14MoV6-3	1.7715		12 Х1МФ
14MoV6-3	1.7715		14 ХМФ
13CrMo4-5	1.7335		15 ХМ
15Mo3	1.5415		15 М
X20CrMoV12-1	1.4922		20 Х11 МНФ
Spring steel
38Si7	1.5023		38 С2 А
50CrV4	1.8159	50HF	50 ХГФА
51CrMoV4	1.7701	50HS	52 ХГМФА
54SICr6	1.7102		55 ХС2 А
55Cr3	1.7176		55 ХГА
60Si7	1.0961	60S2	60 С2
60SiCR7	1.7108		60 С2 ХГА
High-speed stel
S2-9-2	1.3348		Р2 М9-МП
S2-10-1-8	1.3247	SK8M	Р2 М10 К8-МП
S6-5-2	1.3343	SW7M	Р6 М5-МП
S6-5-2-5	1.3243	SK5M	Р6 М5 К5-МП
S6-5-3	1.3344		Р6 М5 Ф3-МП
S10-4-3-10	1.3207	SK10V	Р10 М4 Ф3 К10-МП
S12-1-4-5	1.3202	SK5V	Р12 Ф4 К5-МП
Structural steel
13Mn6	9MnSi5	09G2S	09Г2С
14 NiCrMo1-3-4	1.6657		14 ХН3 М
16 МnCr5	1.7131	16HG	16 ХГ
16Mn CrB5	1.7160		16XГР
16NiCr4	1.5714		16 ХГН
S235J2G4	1.0117		17 Г1 С
15NiCr13	1.5752		17 ХН3
18CrMo4	1.7243	18HGM	18 ХГМ
18CrNiMo7-6	1.6587		18 Х2 Н2 М
20MoCr3	1.7320		20 ХМ
20MoCr2-2	1.6523		20 ХГНМ
25CrMo4	1.7218		25 ХМ
34Cr4	1.7033		34 Х
34CrNiMo6	1.6582	34HNM	34 Х2 Н2 М
36CrNiMo4	1.6511	36HNM	36 ХНМ
36NiCrMo16	1.6773		36 Х2 Н4 МА
42CrMo4	1.7225		42 ХМ
50CrV4	1.8159	50HF	50 ХГФ

Alloy Steel Material Applications:

The application of alloy steelsare extensive and vary depending on the specific type. Certain alloy steels are used in the production of pipes, especially those used in energy sectors. Other steel alloys are widely used to create corrosion-resistant containers, silverware, cookware like pots and pans, as well as heating elements for toasters and various kitchen appliances.

Alloy steel is a well-known alloy that combines various elements to improve its properties, such as strength, hardness, and toughness. It is often used to manufacture components requiring resistance and high durability, such as tools, machinery parts, and structural applications. The addition of elements like chromium and molybdenum improves strength and machinability, making alloy steel versatile for different industries. High steel alloys, like stainless steel and tool steel, are common examples of alloy steel due to their excellent performance in demanding conditions.

We also offer the highest quality stainless steel products, more information You can find HERE.