Steel
Read this article, which explains the history of steel production and the processes involved in its manufacture. Pay attention to the definitions and scientific descriptions.
Uses of steel
Historically
Steel was expensive and was only used where nothing else would do, particularly for the cutting edge of knives, razors, swords, and other tools where a hard sharp edge was needed. It was also used for springs, including those used in clocks and watches.
Since 1850
Steel has been easier to obtain and much cheaper, and it has replaced wrought iron for a multitude of purposes. Steel is often used in the production of fasteners, such as nuts and bolts; either zinc-plated or stainless steel are most common.
Steel continues to be widely-used, though the new availability of plastics during the twentieth century has meant that it has ceased to be used for some smaller applications that require less durability or demand a lower mass.
- Long steel
- Wires
- Railway tracks
- As girders in building modern skyscrapers, buildings and bridges
- Flat carbon steel
- For the inside and outside body of automobiles, trains
- Appliances
- Stainless steel
- Cutlery and flatware
- Rulers
- Surgical equipment
- Wristwatches