Step 1 of 12
Mining & Extraction
Ore extraction from open-pit or underground mines via drilling, blasting, and hauling
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Step 2 of 12
Comminution (Crushing & Grinding)
Size reduction of mined ore through crushing and grinding circuits
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Step 3 of 12
Beneficiation & Concentration
Separating valuable minerals from gangue via flotation, magnetic separation, and gravity methods
▼
Step 4 of 12
Smelting & Reduction
THERMAL
Reducing metal oxides to molten metal using blast furnaces, EAFs, or DRI processes
1,100 - 2,300 degC
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Step 5 of 12
Refining & Secondary Metallurgy
THERMAL
Purifying crude metal and adjusting composition through ladle treatment, degassing, and alloying
1,500 - 1,700 degC
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Step 6 of 12
Casting
THERMAL
Solidifying molten steel into slabs, billets, or blooms via continuous or ingot casting
1,500 - 1,600 degC
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Step 7 of 12
Hot & Cold Rolling
THERMAL
Shaping cast steel into plates, sheets, bars, and structural sections through rolling mills
900 - 1,250 degC (hot) | Ambient (cold)
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Step 8 of 12
Heat Treatment
THERMAL
Controlled heating and cooling to achieve desired mechanical properties and microstructure
150 - 1,100 degC
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Step 9 of 12
Surface Treatment & Coating
THERMAL
Applying protective or functional coatings through galvanizing, plating, painting, and thermal spray
250 - 700 degC (thermal spray / galvanizing)
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Step 10 of 12
Machining & Fabrication
Precision material removal and joining through cutting, welding, and forming operations
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Step 11 of 12
Final Assembly & Quality
Assembly of metal components into finished products with inspection and quality assurance
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Step 12 of 12
Scrap Recycling & Circular Supply
THERMAL
EAF-based remelting of ferrous scrap and BOF scrap charging — ~30-35% of global steel from scrap
1,600-1,700 degC (EAF melting)
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Reference Library
Common Alloys & Materials
REFERENCE
Designations, compositions and applications of the most-specified commercial alloys for this metal
Common Steel Alloys & Materials
Reference library of 58 commercial grades across 8 metallurgical categories — designations, compositions, and primary applications.
Commercial Grades
58
most frequently specified
Categories
8
metallurgical families
Global Coverage
~80%
of global tonnage
Key-Property Calls
58
distinctive grades
📓 Overview
Over 3,500 commercial steel grades exist globally. Shown here: ~55 of the most frequently specified carbon, low-alloy, stainless, tool and advanced high-strength steels, grouped by metallurgical family. Together they represent ~80% of global tonnage and ~95% of engineering applications.
📋 Material Families
Carbon & Free-Machining Steels 7
Low-Alloy Q&T Structural Steels 7
HSLA & Microalloyed Structural Steels 6
Stainless — Austenitic 7
Stainless — Ferritic, Martensitic, Duplex & PH 8
Tool Steels 9
Advanced High-Strength (AHSS) & Auto Steels 6
Specialty: Bearing, Spring, Wear, Maraging, Heat-Resistant 8
❖ Carbon & Free-Machining Steels 7 grades
Plain iron-carbon-manganese steels with minimal alloying (Cr/Mo/Ni < 0.3%). Classified by carbon level: low (<0.25%), medium (0.25-0.60%), high (>0.60%).
01
AISI 1008 / 1010
DC01 / St12 / Drawing Quality
Drawing-quality sheet
AISI 1008 / 1010
DC01 / St12 / Drawing Quality
Composition
C0.08-0.13%Mn0.30-0.60%
Applications & Properties
Deep-drawing cold-rolled sheet for automotive body panels (non-structural), appliance housings, furniture, containers. Max formability. Tensile 270-370 MPa.
02
AISI 1018
C15E / S15C / Mild Steel
Most common cold-drawn bar grade
AISI 1018
C15E / S15C / Mild Steel
Composition
C0.15-0.20%Mn0.60-0.90%P0.04 maxS0.05 max
Applications & Properties
Most-common cold-drawn bar — shafts, pins, fixtures, machinery parts, case-hardened components. Easily machined, welded and formed. Tensile 440 MPa.
03
AISI 1020
C22 / S20C / 1.0402
Standard case-carburizing grade
AISI 1020
C22 / S20C / 1.0402
Composition
C0.17-0.23%Mn0.30-0.60%
Applications & Properties
Carburizing-grade low-C steel — gears, camshafts, crankshafts, pinions carburized to 0.9% C case depth. Soft core, hard case. Tensile 395 MPa as-rolled.
04
AISI 1045
C45 / EN8 / S45C
Benchmark engineering steel
AISI 1045
C45 / EN8 / S45C
Composition
C0.43-0.50%Mn0.60-0.90%
Applications & Properties
Workhorse medium-C engineering steel — axles, gears, crankshafts, bolts, rollers, machine parts. Responds well to induction and flame hardening (50-55 HRC surface). Q&T tensile 570-700 MPa.
05
AISI 1060 / 1070
C60 / C70 / Spring Steel
Spring / edge-tool grade
AISI 1060 / 1070
C60 / C70 / Spring Steel
Composition
C0.55-0.75%Mn0.60-0.90%
Applications & Properties
High-C spring steels — leaf springs, chisels, hand tools, high-strength wire, saw blades, garden tools. Patent-drawn to 1,500-2,000 MPa. Edge-holding capability.
06
AISI 1095
C95 / C100 / 1.1274
Traditional blade carbon steel
AISI 1095
C95 / C100 / 1.1274
Composition
C0.90-1.03%Mn0.30-0.50%
Applications & Properties
Highest-C plain carbon steel — knife blades (entry-level kitchen, hunting), files, razor blades, taps. Hardens to 63-66 HRC. Easily sharpened but rust-prone.
07
AISI 12L14
Leaded free-machining
Screw-machine champion
AISI 12L14
Leaded free-machining
Composition
C0.15% maxMn0.85-1.15%Pb0.15-0.35%S0.26-0.35%
Applications & Properties
Highest machinability (160-170% of 1212) — screw-machine parts, bushings, studs, threaded fasteners, hardware. Cannot be carburized or welded (Pb). EU phased out Pb grades post-2021.
❖ Low-Alloy Q&T Structural Steels 7 grades
Quench-and-tempered alloy steels with Cr, Mo, Ni additions for deep hardenability. The backbone of heavy machinery, oil & gas, defense and aerospace non-rotating structure.
01
AISI 4130
25CrMo4 / Chromoly / AMS 6350
Weldable aerospace tubing
AISI 4130
25CrMo4 / Chromoly / AMS 6350
Composition
C0.28-0.33%Cr0.80-1.10%Mn0.40-0.60%Mo0.15-0.25%
Applications & Properties
Weldable Cr-Mo steel — aircraft welded structures (tubular fuselage, engine mounts), motorsport roll cages, aerospace fittings, pressure vessels, bicycle frames. Weldable without preheat in thin sections.
02
AISI 4140
42CrMo4 / SCM440 / 1.7225
Most-used alloy steel worldwide
AISI 4140
42CrMo4 / SCM440 / 1.7225
Composition
C0.38-0.43%Cr0.80-1.10%Mn0.75-1.00%Mo0.15-0.25%
Applications & Properties
The workhorse alloy steel — oil & gas drill collars, crankshafts, connecting rods, heavy-duty gears, shafts, aerospace fasteners, tooling. Through-hardens to 150 mm section. Q&T tensile 850-1,100 MPa.
03
AISI 4340
34CrNiMo6 / EN24 / 1.6582
Premium aerospace alloy
AISI 4340
34CrNiMo6 / EN24 / 1.6582
Composition
C0.38-0.43%Ni1.65-2.00%Cr0.70-0.90%Mo0.20-0.30%
Applications & Properties
Premium high-strength Ni-Cr-Mo — landing gear forgings, power transmission shafts, armor plate, high-torque rotors. Through-hardens to 60 HRC. Q&T tensile up to 1,900 MPa.
04
AISI 300M
Modified 4340 / AMS 6257
Ultra-HS landing gear steel
AISI 300M
Modified 4340 / AMS 6257
Composition
4340 + Si 1.6% + V 0.1%
Applications & Properties
Ultra-high-strength landing gear alloy — F-15/F-16/F-22 main gear, commercial aircraft (Boeing 737/747/777/787). Q&T to 1,950-2,070 MPa with KIC > 65 MPa-root-m. VIM-VAR melt.
05
AISI 8620
21NiCrMo2 / SNCM220 / 1.6523
Automotive gear alloy
AISI 8620
21NiCrMo2 / SNCM220 / 1.6523
Composition
C0.18-0.23%Ni0.40-0.70%Cr0.40-0.60%Mo0.15-0.25%
Applications & Properties
Carburizing gear steel — automotive differentials, transmission gears, ring & pinion sets, chain parts, camshafts. Deeper hardenability than 1020. Core 40-45 HRC, case 58-62 HRC.
06
AISI 9310
AMS 6265 / VASCO 9310
Aerospace gear premier grade
AISI 9310
AMS 6265 / VASCO 9310
Composition
C0.08-0.13%Ni3.00-3.50%Cr1.00-1.40%Mo0.08-0.15%
Applications & Properties
Premium aerospace carburizing alloy — helicopter transmission gears (Sikorsky, Bell), jet engine accessory gears, F1 gearbox internals, high-reliability turbine drive trains. Max core toughness at 40 HRC.
07
50CrV4 / 5160
Chrome-Vanadium / 1.8159
Premium auto spring steel
50CrV4 / 5160
Chrome-Vanadium / 1.8159
Composition
C0.47-0.55%Cr0.80-1.10%V0.10-0.25%
Applications & Properties
Engineering-grade spring and torsion steel — automotive coil and torsion springs (BMW, Mercedes), hand tools (wrenches, pliers), agricultural plow shares. V refines grain, Cr hardenability.
❖ HSLA & Microalloyed Structural Steels 6 grades
High-Strength Low-Alloy steels with Nb, V, Ti microalloying (<0.15% total) and TMCP rolling. Dominate pipeline, construction, shipbuilding, offshore, and auto structure.
01
ASTM A36
S235JR / 1.0038 / DIN St37-2
Universal structural steel
ASTM A36
S235JR / 1.0038 / DIN St37-2
Composition
C0.26% maxMn0.80-1.20%Si0.40 max
Applications & Properties
The dominant low-cost structural steel — building beams, bridges, general steel fabrications, plates. ~55% of US/EU mill structural output. Yield 250 MPa, tensile 400-550 MPa.
02
ASTM A572-50
S355J2 / 1.0577 / HSLA Gr 50
Default modern bridge steel
ASTM A572-50
S355J2 / 1.0577 / HSLA Gr 50
Composition
C0.23% maxMn1.35%Nb+V 0.15% max
Applications & Properties
Higher-strength structural — modern steel-frame buildings, bridge I-beams, road/rail infrastructure, offshore topsides. Yield 345 MPa, ~30% more strength than A36 for same price.
03
A588 / CORTEN
Weathering Steel / S355J2W
'Rust-resistant' architecture steel
A588 / CORTEN
Weathering Steel / S355J2W
Composition
C0.17%Cu0.25-0.40%Cr0.40-0.65%Ni0.40%
Applications & Properties
Atmospheric-corrosion-resistant — outdoor sculptures, bridge girders, shipping containers, unpainted architecture (Brutalist). Forms stable brown Cu-Cr oxide patina that resists further corrosion.
04
API 5L X65 / X70
L450 / L485 Line Pipe
Global pipeline standard
API 5L X65 / X70
L450 / L485 Line Pipe
Composition
C0.05-0.12%Mn1.5%Nb+V+Ti 0.15%
Applications & Properties
Microalloyed TMCP pipeline steel — oil & gas transmission (onshore, subsea, Arctic). Yield 450-550 MPa. Sour-service (H2S) variants add Ca treatment and low S (<0.002%).
05
API 5L X80 / X100
L555 / L690 Ultra-High Pipeline
Next-gen transmission pipeline
API 5L X80 / X100
L555 / L690 Ultra-High Pipeline
Composition
C0.06% maxMn1.7-2.0%Nb0.04-0.06%BTi
Applications & Properties
Ultra-high-strength line pipe — new-build arctic and deep-water pipelines (Nord Stream, TransCanada), lighter/thinner walls for cost. Yield 555-690 MPa. X120 (L830) in pilot.
06
ABS EH36 / DH36
Shipbuilding Grade / Nb-V HS
Global shipbuilding standard
ABS EH36 / DH36
Shipbuilding Grade / Nb-V HS
Composition
C0.18%Mn0.9-1.6%Nb+V+Ti 0.10%
Applications & Properties
Shipbuilding & offshore hull plate — cargo ships, tankers, offshore platforms. Classification society approved. -40 degC Charpy impact. Yield 355 MPa.
❖ Stainless — Austenitic 7 grades
Cr-Ni (or Cr-Ni-Mn) austenitic steels — non-magnetic, FCC crystal, not hardenable by heat treatment. ~65% of stainless tonnage.
01
AISI 201
1.4372 / X12CrMnNiN17-7-5
Low-Ni cost-reduced stainless
AISI 201
1.4372 / X12CrMnNiN17-7-5
Composition
Cr16-18%Mn5.5-7.5%Ni3.5-5.5%N0.25%
Applications & Properties
Nickel-replaced austenitic — cost-reduced sheet for cookware, appliances, low-spec automotive trim, mining equipment. Mn+N substitute for Ni; moderate corrosion (vs 304). Dominant in Chinese/Indian markets.
02
AISI 304 / 304L
1.4301 / X5CrNi18-10 / 18-8
Most-produced stainless (~50%)
AISI 304 / 304L
1.4301 / X5CrNi18-10 / 18-8
Composition
Cr18-20%Ni8-10.5%C0.08/0.03 max
Applications & Properties
Workhorse austenitic — architectural cladding (Chrysler Building, Gateway Arch), food processing, dairy, brewing, kitchenware, automotive trim, chemical tanks. Non-magnetic, cold-formable. Corrodes in chlorides.
03
AISI 316 / 316L
1.4404 / X2CrNiMo17-12-2
Marine/chemical/medical workhorse
AISI 316 / 316L
1.4404 / X2CrNiMo17-12-2
Composition
Cr16-18%Ni10-14%Mo2-3%C0.03 max (L)
Applications & Properties
Mo-bearing austenitic — marine hardware, pharmaceutical vessels, chemical piping, offshore oil & gas, biomedical instruments and implants. Superior pitting resistance to 304.
04
AISI 321 / 347
1.4541 / 1.4550 / Ti or Nb stabilized
Weld-stabilized high-temp grade
AISI 321 / 347
1.4541 / 1.4550 / Ti or Nb stabilized
Composition
18Cr-10Ni + Ti (321) or Nb (347)
Applications & Properties
Stabilized-grade austenitics for welded structures at 500-800 degC — jet engine exhaust manifolds, aircraft exhaust, automotive catalytic converter shells, chemical heat exchangers. Prevents Cr carbide precipitation (weld decay).
05
AISI 310 / 310S
1.4841 / 25Cr-20Ni
High-temperature heat-resistant grade
AISI 310 / 310S
1.4841 / 25Cr-20Ni
Composition
Cr24-26%Ni19-22%
Applications & Properties
High-Cr-Ni austenitic — high-temperature furnace components, radiant tubes, kilns, petrochemical heaters (service to 1,150 degC in air). Excellent creep and oxidation resistance, poor sulfidation.
06
AISI 904L
1.4539 / UNS N08904
Super-austenitic acid resistance
AISI 904L
1.4539 / UNS N08904
Composition
Cr20%Ni25%Mo4.5%Cu1.5%
Applications & Properties
Super-austenitic for severe corrosion — sulfuric acid service (phosphate fertilizer, chlorine dioxide bleaching), offshore/subsea components, Rolex Oystersteel watches. Resists pitting/SCC in hot Cl environments.
07
254 SMO
1.4547 / UNS S31254
6-Mo super austenitic
254 SMO
1.4547 / UNS S31254
Composition
Cr20%Ni18%Mo6%Cu0.7%N0.20%
Applications & Properties
6-moly super-austenitic — seawater heat exchangers, pulp & paper bleach plants, flue-gas desulfurization, offshore platform piping. PREN > 42. Excellent crevice corrosion resistance.
❖ Stainless — Ferritic, Martensitic, Duplex & PH 8 grades
Non-austenitic stainless families: Cr-only ferritics (non-Ni, magnetic), hardenable martensitics, 50/50 austenite+ferrite duplex, and precipitation-hardening grades.
01
AISI 409 / 430
1.4512 / 1.4016 / Ti-ferritic
Auto exhaust workhorse
AISI 409 / 430
1.4512 / 1.4016 / Ti-ferritic
Composition
Cr10.5-18%Ti6×C min (409)noNi
Applications & Properties
Ni-free ferritic — automotive exhaust systems (all modern cars, 409 hot-end, 439 cold-end), catalytic converter shells, appliance trim, architectural. Magnetic, good formability. Cost-driven vs 304.
02
AISI 410 / 420
1.4021 / X12Cr13 / X20Cr13
Cutlery + turbine-blade steel
AISI 410 / 420
1.4021 / X12Cr13 / X20Cr13
Composition
Cr12-14%C0.15-0.40%
Applications & Properties
Hardenable martensitic — cutlery, scissors, turbine blades (low-pressure stages), pump shafts, valve stems, surgical instruments (passivated 420). Heat-treats to 45-55 HRC. Magnetic.
03
AISI 440C
1.4125 / X105CrMo17
Corrosion-resistant bearing steel
AISI 440C
1.4125 / X105CrMo17
Composition
Cr16-18%Mo0.75%C0.95-1.20%
Applications & Properties
Premium knife/bearing martensitic — ball bearings (passivated), knife blades, valve parts, nozzles. Hardens to 58-62 HRC. Corrosion-resistant but brittle at max hardness.
04
AISI 2205
1.4462 / UNS S32205 / Duplex
Standard duplex (2nd-most used)
AISI 2205
1.4462 / UNS S32205 / Duplex
Composition
Cr22%Ni5%Mo3%N0.15%
Applications & Properties
50/50 ferrite-austenite duplex — oil & gas flow lines, seawater desalination, paper-pulp digesters, chemical tank trucks, bridges (Stonecutters Bridge HK). 2× strength of 316L at similar cost.
05
SAF 2507 / Zeron 100
1.4410 / S32750 / Super Duplex
Offshore super duplex
SAF 2507 / Zeron 100
1.4410 / S32750 / Super Duplex
Composition
Cr25%Ni7%Mo4%N0.28%Cu/W
Applications & Properties
Super-duplex for deep-water subsea flowlines, offshore umbilicals, chlorine cells, high-chloride flue gas scrubbers. PREN > 40. Used extensively by Statoil/Equinor in North Sea.
06
17-4 PH
1.4542 / UNS S17400 / 630
PH stainless standard
17-4 PH
1.4542 / UNS S17400 / 630
Composition
Cr15-17.5%Ni3-5%Cu3-5%Nb0.15-0.45%
Applications & Properties
Precipitation-hardening martensitic — aerospace structural fittings, nuclear valve stems, chemical/petrochemical valves, shafts, injection molding tooling. Aged to 1,100-1,400 MPa with good corrosion.
07
15-5 PH
1.4545 / UNS S15500
Aero-grade PH stainless
15-5 PH
1.4545 / UNS S15500
Composition
Cr14-15.5%Ni3.5-5.5%Cu2.5-4.5%Nb0.15-0.45%
Applications & Properties
Modified 17-4 PH with better transverse toughness — aerospace landing gear, high-integrity valve components, nuclear reactor internals. Higher cleanliness via re-melting. Same ageing.
08
Custom 465
UNS S46500 / Martensitic PH
Ultra-HS PH stainless
Custom 465
UNS S46500 / Martensitic PH
Composition
Cr11%Ni11%Mo1%Ti1.7%C0.01 max
Applications & Properties
Ultra-HS PH stainless — aerospace landing gear, F-35 structural components, high-end golf club faces, high-strength injection molds. Age to 1,700-1,930 MPa with improved KIC vs 17-4.
❖ Tool Steels 9 grades
High-C, high-alloy steels for cutting, shaping and forming other materials. Classified by AISI letter: W (water), O (oil), A (air), D (high-Cr), S (shock), H (hot-work), M/T (high-speed), P (plastic-mold).
01
O1
1.2510 / 100MnCrW4 / Oil-Hardening
Classic oil-hardening tool steel
O1
1.2510 / 100MnCrW4 / Oil-Hardening
Composition
C0.95%Mn1.2%W0.5%Cr0.5%V0.1%
Applications & Properties
General-purpose cold-work tool steel — punches, dies, knife blades, taps, reamers, gauges. Oil-hardens to 58-63 HRC with minimal distortion. Entry-level knife maker's choice.
02
A2
1.2363 / X100CrMoV5 / Air-Hardening
Distortion-free cold-work tool
A2
1.2363 / X100CrMoV5 / Air-Hardening
Composition
C1.0%Cr5.25%Mo1.1%V0.3%
Applications & Properties
Air-hardening cold-work tool steel — punches, dies, blanking/forming tools, plastic injection gates, larger tooling where O1 would distort. Dimensional stability superior to O1. HRC 58-62.
03
D2
1.2379 / X153CrMoV12 / Cr12MoV
High-Cr high-wear cold-work
D2
1.2379 / X153CrMoV12 / Cr12MoV
Composition
C1.5%Cr12%Mo1%V0.9%
Applications & Properties
High-Cr cold-work tool steel — stamping dies, trim dies, cold-work punches, industrial knives, chopper blades, plastic molds. Excellent wear (M7C3 carbides). Borderline stainless. HRC 60-62.
04
S7
1.2355 / Shock-Resisting
Shock-resisting tool steel
S7
1.2355 / Shock-Resisting
Composition
C0.50%Cr3.25%Mo1.4%
Applications & Properties
High-toughness tool steel — chisels, pneumatic hammers, rivet sets, shear blades, punches for heavy tough-work. Tempered at 500 degC for highest toughness at HRC 55. Resists chipping.
05
H13
1.2344 / X40CrMoV5-1 / SKD61
Hot-work tooling standard
H13
1.2344 / X40CrMoV5-1 / SKD61
Composition
C0.40%Cr5.0%Mo1.5%V1.0%Si1.0%
Applications & Properties
Dominant hot-work tool steel — aluminum and magnesium die-cast dies, aluminum extrusion dies, hot forging dies, hot stamping press tools. Retains hardness at 500-600 degC. HRC 44-52.
06
H10 / H21
Ni-Cr-Mo hot-work (H10) / W-Cr (H21)
High-T forging/extrusion dies
H10 / H21
Ni-Cr-Mo hot-work (H10) / W-Cr (H21)
Composition
H10: C 0.40%Cr3.25%Mo2.5%V0.5%. H21: C 0.35%W9.0%Cr3.5%
Applications & Properties
Heavy-duty hot-work — brass/Cu extrusion tooling, hot forging press dies, hot shear blades, steel extrusion mandrels. W-based H21 for highest temperatures; Mo H10 better toughness.
07
M2
HS 6-5-2 / 1.3343 / SKH51
Most common HSS
M2
HS 6-5-2 / 1.3343 / SKH51
Composition
C0.85%W6%Mo5%Cr4%V2%
Applications & Properties
Most-produced high-speed steel — drills, taps, milling cutters, hobs, broaches, punch tooling. PM/HIP versions (ASP 2023) give better carbide uniformity. Retains 550 degC red hardness.
08
M42
HS 2-9-1-8 / 1.3247 / SKH59
Premium Co-enriched HSS
M42
HS 2-9-1-8 / 1.3247 / SKH59
Composition
C1.1%Mo9.5%Co8%W1.5%V1.1%
Applications & Properties
High-Co HSS for machining hardened steels, Ni/Ti alloys, superalloys — premium drills, milling cutters, gear-cutting hobs. Co raises red hardness to 650 degC. HRC 66-68 tempered.
09
P20
1.2311 / 40CrMnMo7 / Plastic Mold
Pre-hardened plastic-mold standard
P20
1.2311 / 40CrMnMo7 / Plastic Mold
Composition
C0.40%Cr1.7%Mn1.4%Mo0.4%
Applications & Properties
Pre-hardened plastic injection mold steel — supplied at 28-32 HRC so molds can be machined without further heat treatment. Consumer electronics molds, automotive trim molds, PET bottle molds.
❖ Advanced High-Strength (AHSS) & Auto Steels 6 grades
Multi-phase and ultra-fine-grained automotive sheet steels combining high strength with formability. Driving force: CAFE fuel economy + crash regulation.
01
DP 600 / DP 800 / DP 1000
Dual-Phase AHSS (1st-Gen)
Auto lightweighting (1st-gen)
DP 600 / DP 800 / DP 1000
Dual-Phase AHSS (1st-Gen)
Composition
C0.08-0.17%Mn1.5-2.5%Cr/Si/Mo
Applications & Properties
First-generation AHSS — A/B-pillar reinforcements, bumpers, side impact beams, wheel rims, seat structure. Ferrite + martensite (10-30%) microstructure. 600-1,000 MPa tensile, 10-30% elongation.
02
TRIP 780 / TRIP 980
Transformation-Induced Plasticity
Highest energy absorption / mass
TRIP 780 / TRIP 980
Transformation-Induced Plasticity
Composition
C0.2%Mn1.5-2.5%Si1.0-1.5%Al0-1.5%
Applications & Properties
2nd-gen AHSS with retained austenite transforming to martensite during forming — floor pans, longitudinals, seat cross members. High work hardening, best energy absorption per mass.
03
22MnB5 (PHS)
USIBOR 1500 / BTR165 / 1.5528
Dominant auto-safety structural steel
22MnB5 (PHS)
USIBOR 1500 / BTR165 / 1.5528
Composition
C0.22%Mn1.2%B0.002-0.005%Cr0.2%
Applications & Properties
Press-hardened hot-stamped automotive structure — B-pillars, A-pillars, roof rails, bumper beams, door intrusion beams in essentially all modern cars. Hot-stamped 900 degC → quenched to 1,500 MPa tensile in-die.
04
TWIP Steels (X-IP)
High-Mn / Twinning-Induced Plasticity
Highest ductility-strength product
TWIP Steels (X-IP)
High-Mn / Twinning-Induced Plasticity
Composition
C0.6%Mn15-25%Al1-3%Si1-3%
Applications & Properties
3rd-generation AHSS with 100% austenite + mechanical twinning — very high tonnage EV battery trays, crash boxes. 1,000-1,200 MPa tensile with 50-80% elongation — formable AND strong.
05
QP 980 / QP 1180
Quenching & Partitioning
Best hole-expansion AHSS
QP 980 / QP 1180
Quenching & Partitioning
Composition
C0.2-0.3%Mn1.5-2.5%Si1.5-2.0%
Applications & Properties
3rd-generation AHSS with martensite + retained austenite microstructure — auto B-pillars, side-members, battery tray members. Superior hole expansion vs. TRIP, 1,000-1,200 MPa tensile, 15-20% elongation.
06
MS 1200 / MS 1500
Martensitic Sheet
Cold-stamped 1,500 MPa sheet
MS 1200 / MS 1500
Martensitic Sheet
Composition
C0.13-0.25%Mn0.8-2.0%Btrace
Applications & Properties
Fully-martensitic cold-stamped AHSS — door intrusion beams, seat tracks, roof-rail inner panels. Ultra-high strength 1,200-1,700 MPa, low elongation (3-5%). Competitor to PHS without hot stamping.
❖ Specialty: Bearing, Spring, Wear, Maraging, Heat-Resistant 8 grades
Narrow-application specialty steels optimized for a single dominant property — rolling contact fatigue, wear resistance, creep, ultra-high strength, or corrosion.
01
AISI 52100
100Cr6 / 1.3505 / SUJ2
Dominant bearing steel
AISI 52100
100Cr6 / 1.3505 / SUJ2
Composition
C0.98-1.10%Cr1.30-1.60%
Applications & Properties
The bearing steel — ball bearings, roller bearings, rolling-element races, needle bearings (SKF, Timken, NSK, NTN). Carbide-rich microstructure hardens to 62-66 HRC. ~2 million t/yr globally.
02
EN 19 / 9260
SUP7 / 55Si7 / Silicon Spring
Premium auto spring
EN 19 / 9260
SUP7 / 55Si7 / Silicon Spring
Composition
C0.56-0.64%Si1.80-2.20%Mn0.70-1.00%
Applications & Properties
Premium auto spring steel — coil springs (McPherson struts), torsion bars, leaf springs. High Si raises proportional limit. Fatigue limit 750 MPa after shot peening. Widely used by Mercedes/BMW.
03
Hadfield Mn Steel
X120Mn12 / 1.3401 / Austenitic Mn
Work-hardening wear steel
Hadfield Mn Steel
X120Mn12 / 1.3401 / Austenitic Mn
Composition
C1.05-1.35%Mn11-14%
Applications & Properties
Work-hardening wear steel — rail crossing frogs, rock-crusher mantles, earthmoving buckets, mining ore-shute liners, crusher jaws. Austenitic at RT; surface hardens under impact from 200 HB to 550 HB.
04
AR400 / AR500
Brinell Quench-Plate / Hardox 450/500
Dominant wear plate
AR400 / AR500
Brinell Quench-Plate / Hardox 450/500
Composition
C0.2-0.3%BMnCrNi(proprietary)
Applications & Properties
Direct-quenched wear-resistant plate — dump truck beds, excavator bucket liners, concrete mixer drums, ballistic armor. Through-hardened to 370-500 HB. Hardox by SSAB dominates market.
05
Maraging 250 / C250
1.2709 / VascoMax 250 / 18Ni(250)
Baseline maraging grade
Maraging 250 / C250
1.2709 / VascoMax 250 / 18Ni(250)
Composition
Ni18%Co8%Mo5%Ti0.4%
Applications & Properties
Baseline maraging steel — rocket motor casings, centrifuge tubes, aerospace forgings, missile components, die-casting die inserts. Simple 480 degC ageing gives 1,750-1,900 MPa with KIC 120 MPa-root-m.
06
Maraging 300 / C300
1.6358 / VascoMax C300 / AM 300
Premier AM maraging steel
Maraging 300 / C300
1.6358 / VascoMax C300 / AM 300
Composition
Ni18%Co9%Mo4.8%Ti0.6%
Applications & Properties
Ultra-high-strength for aerospace structures (rocket casings, aircraft forgings), tooling (die-casting dies, AM print plates), sports (fencing blades, Olympic epees). AM-printed C300 is premier AM steel.
07
Maraging 350 / C350
VascoMax C350 / 18Ni(350)
Highest maraging strength
Maraging 350 / C350
VascoMax C350 / 18Ni(350)
Composition
Ni18%Co12%Mo4.2%Ti1.6%
Applications & Properties
Highest commercial maraging strength — Peacekeeper missile casings, high-stress rocket parts, aircraft landing gear (F-14), high-end tooling. Ages to 2,350-2,450 MPa. Lower KIC than 300.
08
T22 / P91 / P92
Creep-Resistant Cr-Mo Steel
Supercritical power-plant steel
T22 / P91 / P92
Creep-Resistant Cr-Mo Steel
Composition
T22: 2.25Cr-1Mo / P91: 9Cr-1Mo-V-Nb / P92: 9Cr-1.8W-Mo-V
Applications & Properties
Creep-resistant tube/pipe/forging for supercritical power boilers and steam turbines — fossil-fuel generation (coal, gas), petrochemical reformers, nuclear steam generators. P91/P92 service to 625 degC.
ⓘ About this Reference
Links open external data providers (MatWeb, search). Values are nominal — always confirm against the current specification for your application. Compositions and property ranges are indicative of the most common heat-treat conditions.