alloy steel
Definition
Noun: A type of steel whose specific physical and mechanical properties are determined by the addition of one or more alloying elements (such as manganese, nickel, chromium, vanadium, or molybdenum) in addition to carbon.
Usage
"Alloy steel" is used to refer to a category of engineered steel designed for specific applications requiring particular characteristics like increased strength, hardness, toughness, or wear resistance. * The gears are made from a durable alloy steel to withstand high stress. * Alloy steels are essential in the construction of aircraft landing gear.
Examples
- High-strength alloy steel is often used in automotive axles and crankshafts.
- The properties of an alloy steel depend on both the elements added and the heat treatment applied.
- Compared to carbon steel, this alloy steel offers superior corrosion resistance.
Advanced Usage
- Specific Alloy Steel Types: The term is often modified to specify the primary alloying element(s), e.g., or .
- In metallurgy, the distinction between carbon steel and alloy steel is formally defined by the percentage content of specific alloying elements.
Variants and Related Words
- Alloy (noun/verb): As a noun, a metal made by combining two or more metallic elements. As a verb, to mix metals.
- Carbon Steel (noun): Steel in which the main alloying element is carbon, with other elements present in smaller quantities than in alloy steel.
- Stainless Steel (noun): A specific, well-known type of alloy steel containing a high percentage of chromium for corrosion resistance.
- Tool Steel (noun): A variety of carbon and alloy steels specifically formulated to make tools, often a subset of alloy steels.
Synonyms
- Special steel
- Engineering steel
Related Phrases
- Low-alloy steel: Alloy steel containing a low total percentage of alloying elements (typically less than 5-8%).
- High-alloy steel: Alloy steel containing a high total percentage of alloying elements (typically over 8%), such as stainless steel.
Noun
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steel who characteristics are determined by the addition of other elements in addition to carbon
