Technically, all steel is an alloy consisting of a combination of iron and carbon. However, to be deemed to be an alloy steel it must contain one or more other elements in addition to the two basics.
Alloy steel is typically alloyed with several elements such as aluminium, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and silicon. These elements are added to increase strength, hardness, wear resistance, and toughness.
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High Peak Steels stock an extensive range of alloy steel, ensuring we can fulfil orders on short lead times and maintain our enviable reputation for over 95% of orders delivered in full and on time.
Steel grades listed are available in either bright or black bar in square, round, flat and hexagonal cross section.
Typically, alloy steel falls into two categories…
Whilst carbon steel delivers greater strength, alloy steel has a far greater resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for applications where steel is exposed to the elements.
In addition, alloy steel is more weldable and greater ductility, making it far easier to work with than carbon steel. Whilst carbon steel is relatively inexpensive, alloy steel can be very expensive (depending on the content of the alloying elements).
Whilst not exhaustive, this list covers the key alloying elements of alloy steels, along with the properties they exhibit…
Technically, all steel is an alloy, combining iron and carbon. The term “alloy steel” generally refers to steels that contain additional elements, commonly molybdenum, cobalt or manganese. The purpose of these additional elements is to increase hardenability and toughness after heat treatment.
Alloy steel can be categorised as low alloy or high alloy steel, which (not surprisingly) refers to the amount of additional elements contained within the alloy.
The key differences between carbon steel and alloy steel can be summarised as follows.
605M36T | EN16 is a high tensile steel through hardening which has excellent ductility and good shock resistance, ideal for manufacturing pistons and high tensile nuts & bolts, as well as high load couplings.
709M40T | EN19 is a high quality alloy steel with tensile strength, good ductility and shock resistance, making it ideal for load bearing, such as engine gear boxes.
817M40T | EN24 is a very high strength steel alloy which is supplied hardened and tempered ideal for gears. The grade is a nickel chromium molybdenum combination.
826M40 | EN26 in round bar hot rolled and heat treated to ‘W’ condition. It is suitable for applications which require higher tensile and yield strength than 817M40 or 826M31 specifications.
722M24 | EN40B is a chromium-molybdenum nitriding steel characterised by its suitability for nitriding which promotes high wear resistance.
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