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19 March 2026 at 18:12 • 6 mins read
Steel is the most used metal in the world; it is everywhere. Like oil and petroleum, steel is interwoven into the various products we rely on daily to sustain our chosen lifestyles. So, what is steel? How is steel manufactured? What type of steel alloys can be purchased? What are the properties and benefits of steel? These questions will be answered as we reveal the true nature of steel and discover the many alloys and products they generate.
Steel is a metal alloy comprised of natural elements found within
the crust of the Earth formed from iron and nonmetal carbon. When iron
and carbon are correctly combined, the result is steel, a purified
form of iron. By introducing other elements such as molybdenum,
nickel, silicon, nitrogen, and manganese, the alloying of the steel is
changed, creating different types of steel, such as stainless steel
and various other varieties. Nearly all steel grades are grouped into
the following classifications and grades:
Steel
Classifications
Steel Grades
Carbon steel contains trace alloying elements such as manganese, copper, and silicon. For 90% of the total steel production, carbon steels have a dull, matte-like appearance and are available in low-, medium-, and high-carbon steel varieties.
Alloy steels contain various elements, including aluminum, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, silicon, titanium, and more. The alloying elements change the steel’s properties, allowing for various features and beneficial properties, including enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, and ductility.
Containing between 10-20% chromium, stainless steel’s low carbon content provides increased strength and corrosion resistance for home appliances, food processing equipment, and much more.
Tool steels are primarily composed of cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, and vanadium, making them extremely hard, durable, and heat resistant. As its name indicates, tool steel is ideal for making tools used for drilling, stamping, cutting, and more.
Steel is typically manufactured in two ways. The first is the BOS
(basic oxygen furnace) method, which uses raw material inputs to
create steel. The BOS method uses iron smelted from ore in a blast
furnace and reprocessed by blowing oxygen through the heated iron. The
iron is converted to molten steel by lowering the carbon content
within the iron by lowering oxygen levels, which reduces the
impurities of the iron.
The EAF (electric arc furnace) method
utilizes a more modern approach using recycled steel rather than pure
iron ore. The recycled steel is converted into new steel by passing it
through compelling electrical arcs that burn away its impurities,
leaving only new steel ready for use.
Compared to other building materials, steel continues to be the go-to choice for building and new construction projects. Steel is also used in nearly every industry in the world. Steel provides the most bang for the proverbial buck, whether it’s automotive, aerospace, medical, food processing, technology, or infrastructure. Steel properties and advantages include the following:
The mix of elements within steel’s construct provides it with enhanced strength. When strength tested, steel routinely outperforms aluminum, titanium, iron, and other metals. Steel remains the metal of choice when high strength is necessary.
When it comes to corrosion resistance, stainless steel is the first grade that comes to mind. Due to its performance and cost advantages over other corrosion-resistant metals, stainless steel is the zenith and gold standard for corrosion-resistant metals. Standard steels also provide decent corrosion resistance, but nothing compared to stainless.
The melting points of steel and stainless steel are relatively high compared to other metals. Steel’s high melting point allows it to be used for various applications and environments that experience consistently high temperatures. Steel’s approximate melting point is 2500 F (1371 C), while stainless steel has an approximate melting point of 2750 F (1510 C), respectively.
Steel and its various alloys and grades are available in several formats to meet the specifications and needs of nearly any industrial project. Some of the many steel-shape options include:
Galvanized steel is standard steel coated with a sacrificial zinc finish that protects the steel substrate from corrosion and harmful environmental effects. Galvanized steel is produced through a hot-dip method where the steel is submerged in a zinc bath, offering an extended service life at moderate temperatures.
Corten, or weathered steel, is designed specifically for outdoor applications; it is engineered to withstand extreme environments and does not require painting. Within a few months of installation, corten steel will develop an aesthetically pleasing, rust-like patina that is perfect for various architectural applications.
Steel is a mixture of iron and carbon. When exposed to water or moist environments, steel will assuredly rust. However, stainless steel is comprised of the chromium element. Chromium forms a protective shield around the steel substrate, providing the metal with extended protection over standard steel.
What separates IMS from other steel suppliers? With an abundance
of metal options and customer service that is second to none, IMS
has you covered with the following metal stock advantages:
Looking for high-quality steel products? IMS is your trusted steel supplier and metal stock provider. As a local steel supplier and stainless steel depot, we have products in the sizes and styles you need. IMS also provides metal cutting services to make purchasing easy and convenient. Stop by one of our California or Arizona locations or request a quote today.