What is carbon steel?
Carbon steel is one of the most popular types of steel in the world. Common recurrently in the manufacture of steel sheets, it is the right element in civil construction and different areas of the economy. But in the end, what are the main characteristics of this cold rolled steel sheet’’? Where can they be common? What are your benefits? We answer that question for you.
Cold Rolled Steel Sheet’’
Pig iron is the base material for the manufacture of all types of steel. This process starts when alloying elements are added or deleted in it. In other words: it is from this that the great steel families are defined, ranging from the most rigid to the most malleable.
One of the main hardening elements in relation to iron is just carbon. The carbon steel manufacturing process is done in this way, thus creating the characteristics of the product.
Types of carbon steel cold roll sheet
Just as there are many types of steel, we also have different types of carbon steel. The difference between them is determined according to the amount of element that is added during the manufacturing process. They are divided like this:
- Low carbon: contains a maximum of 0.30% of the element;
- Medium carbon: contains between 0.30% and 0.60% of the element;
- High carbon: contains between 0.60% to 1.00% of the element.
- Applications of carbon steel types
Low carbon Steel Sheet:
This type has a lower strength and hardness, on the other hand, it has high tenacity and ductility (deformability). Normally, it does not receive heat treatment and therefore has a lower cost. The steel sheet with low carbon, for example, is common in the automotive industry, structural steel, pipe production, construction and bridges;
Medium carbon Steel Sheet:
In relation to the previous one, the medium has more strength and hardness, however, its tenacity and ductility are lower. Because of the amount of carbon common, it allows cold rolled steel sheet’’ to be heat treated and tempered. These plates are applied to wheels and railway equipment, gears and other machine parts;
High carbon Steel Sheet:
The most resistant type, but with the lowest ductility among the models. They are generally common in quenched or tempered formats. You can find these plates in chisels, saw blades, hammers, knives, among others.
The cold rolled steel sheet’’ is a fundamental part for different types of industrial projects, being adapted for each purpose. Some materials are mass-manufactured, however the final object can be custom produced. In this way, to guarantee the high performance of the sheet, a specific finish is applied: cutting and bending, until the structure corresponds to the demand of your project.
That is: this procedure is essential for the quality of any metal structure and part that you will manufacture.
Cold Rolled Steel Sheet’’ Cutting and Bending Process
The first step is to carry out the correct planning of the part. Thus, a plan based on the dimensions and bends of the future structure is created, facilitating the cutting and bending of the steel sheets. With this measure, it will be possible to define the order in which these folds should be made to speed up the finishing.
Traditional cuts and bends for sheet steel
The traditional way of cutting and bending sheets encompasses simpler mechanisms. However, it is important to have a professional who specializes in this type of activity. First, a cold cut is performed – by means of a guillotine or automatic tool. This is indicated because, in addition to consuming less energy and presenting less risk, cold cutting is done faster.
Subsequently, the cold rolled steel sheet bends can be made using the professional's own strength or during the heating of the material. This uses marks on the steel plate to guide the work. It is important to note that if done manually, the process will be subject to several errors. To avoid this, a turner is common to modify the shape of the part.
Complex Cutting and Bending for cold rolled steel sheet’’
While traditional cutting and folding is efficient, there are cases where more detail is good. In other words, it requires an almost surgical level of precision for the finishing of iron sheets. Therefore, in these situations specific equipment is common.
The most well-known machine for the job is the laser or plasma cutter, which has been the most common in recent years. Its main advantage is the fact that it allows the use of the project drawing as a basis for making precise cuts, ensuring the best fit for a complex part.
Then a computerized turner is also common. Here, you enter the coordinates of each bend in the machine and it manipulates cold rolled steel sheet’’ until the bends reach the correct angle.
The Steel Plates for Enhancing the Strength
The steel plates are one of the most important materials and common in industry and construction. After all, it is one of the main building elements and is responsible for enhancing the strength of reinforced concrete.
Thus, to ensure that the sheet corresponds to its functions and does not harm the work, it needs to be well stored and handled by professionals in the sector. Otherwise, the material can suffer from corrosion, damage and even compromise the structure of the building.
However, finding business owners, construction owners and even engineers making mistakes when storing cold rolled steel sheet’’ is quite common. With that in mind, we have separated some tips for preserving this material. Check out!
Steel sheet storage Tips
The first tip is: do not store sheet steel on the floor. The storage of this product must be done in shelves or on pallets, in order to avoid contact with other metals.
In addition, it is essential to store it in covered and moisture-free places and, if you need to place cold rolled steel sheet’’ in an open place temporarily, place them on gravel and cover them with tarpaulin. These measures aim to prevent damage and corrosion of carbon steel sheets.
Expanded Screen Storage
The storage of expanded screens must be done on stilts, and they must be separated by type and correctly identified. Like steel sheet, they must be stored without contact with the ground. Unlike plates, they can even be stored outdoors; however, a tarp or covering should be common for protection.
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