Classification of Steels

according to EN 10020, this classification is based on microstructural cleanless

Steels

Non Alloy Steels Alloy Steels

Base Steels Quality Steels Special Steels Quality Steels Special Steels

Definition is based on: Definition is based on:

Mechanical Properties: Chemical Compositon:
• Tensile Strength (old standard) • Carbon Level
• Yield Strength (new standard) • Alloying Elements
• Elongation
• Impact Energy (new standard)
 Base Steels
• no special expectation
• No any request of heat treatment
• Limits:
– Rm<670 N/mm2
– Re <360 N/mm2
– C > 0.1%
 Elements in an Alloy I
1.Alloying elements: Elements which are
deliberately added to
alloy.(carbon is an essential element for
steel, therefore carbon is not considered as
alloying element in steel)

The Minimum Limits of Alloying Element in Steel. (Lower values can be

ignored «see By element»)
Al 0,10 Ta 0,05 Pb 0,40
Cu 0,40 Mn 1,60 Ti 0,05
Bi 0,10 Mo 0,08 Ni 0,30
B 0,0008 Nb 0,05 W 0,10
Co 0,10 Ce 0,10 Zr 0,05
Cr 0,30 Si 0,50 V 0,10
others (C, P, S, O, N) Te 0,10
 Elements in an Alloy II
2.By Elements: Elements which are left
in the alloy or come
from liquid processing.
They don’t have
negative effect on
properties.
The most important represantatives of this group are Si and Mn in plain
carbon steels (non alloyed steel). Si and Mn are added to a plain carbon steel
not for alloying but for liquid processing purposes during steel making, as
deoxidant.
 Elements in an Alloy III
3.Impurity elements: Elements which are
not desired in the
alloy.
They are left in an alloy
because of
technological and/or
economical reasons.
Impurities can be found in the microstructure in
two forms. 1- As Dissolved in solid solution or
2- As Inclussion (the worst form!!!)
 Elements in an Alloy III
Depending on Impurity levels:
Steels can be divided in to 3 sub groups
1. Base Steels (P, S>0,045%)
2. Quality Steels (0,035%<P, S <0,045%)
3. Special Steels (P, S<0,035%)

• Alloyed steels are always Quality or Special Steel

• Steels to be quenched (heat treatment) should
be Quality or preferentially Special steel!..
Standards about Inclusions

• EN 10247
• ASTM E45
• ISO 4967