Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Classifications
Steel classification tool that covers carbon steel and low-alloy steel compositions, manufacturing methods, finishing techniques, product forms, deoxidation practices, microstructure types, strength levels, heat treatments, and quality descriptors according to ASTM standards.
Steel Classification Overview
Steel is considered to be carbon steel when no minimum content is specified or required for chromium, cobalt, columbium (niobium), molybdenum, nickel, titanium, tungsten, vanadium or zirconium.
Classification Factors
- Composition: Carbon, low-alloy or stainless steel
- Manufacturing Methods: Open hearth, basic oxygen process, or electric furnace methods
- Finishing Method: Hot rolling or cold rolling
- Product Form: Bar, plate, sheet, strip, tubing or structural shape
- Deoxidation Practice: Killed, semi-killed, capped or rimmed steel
- Microstructure: Ferritic, pearlitic and martensitic
- Strength Level: As specified in ASTM standards
- Heat Treatment: Annealing, quenching and tempering, and thermomechanical processing
- Quality Descriptors: Forging quality and commercial quality
For more information, visit Key to Metals - Steel Classifications