Steel and stainless steel are vastly used in the manufacturing and construction industries. Steel and stainless steel are alloys. A metal alloy is a mixture of metal and other elements. These other elements enhance the properties of the metal. Steel and stainless steel are metal alloys of iron. The main difference between these alloys is the resistance property against the corrosion. If we see corrosion parameters stainless steel is completely resistive to the corrosion. And steel is not completely resistive against corrosion.
Many think that steel and stainless steel are the same, but there are many differences between them. All the differences between steel and stainless steel we will discuss in this article. We will discuss their chemical properties, strength, and hardness. The elements which are used to make stainless steel are
Table of Contents
Steel Vs Stainless steel
| Parameters of comparison | Steel | Stainless steel |
| Definition | It is a hard alloy that is manufactured by a mixture of iron, carbon, and other elements. | It is an alloy that is manufactured by a mixture of iron-chromium and other elements. |
| Composition | Iron + carbon is less than 1.5% along with other elements. | Iron + chromium around 30% along with other elements |
| Corrosion | It is not resistant to corrosion. | Highly resistive to corrosion. |
| Rusting | Not safe from rusting. | It is Safe from rusting. |
| Hardness | It is hard than stainless steel. | It is also hard but easy to fabricate. |
| Heat resistance | Less heat resistant. | Highly heat resistant. |
| Magnetic | It is magnetic. | Only some grades are magnetic. |
What is steel
Steel is also known as a metal alloy. As we know metal alloys are the mixture of metal and other elements in a fixed proportion. Steel is a mixture of iron and carbon. Carbon is the main element in the steel which decides its properties of the steel. But the amount of the carbon in the steel is fixed. In steel, carbon is always less the 1.5%. Mostly carbon decides the properties of the steel but other elements like manganese, tungsten, vanadium, phosphorous, sulfur and other impurities in alloys also define the properties of the steel.
Steels have many properties like strength, Toughness, Ductility, Weldability, and Durability. These properties make steel good material to use in construction projects works as bridges, hydroelectric power plants, etc. The reinforcement that is used in the construction is steel. All major works these days are not possible without steel. The structures of the steel are erected very fast so steel is very useful where time is limited.
Steel is very good in tension sot steel reinforcement is used in concrete work to carry tensile loads. With the steel in the concrete the life of the structure increase. The structure also becomes earthquake resistant. Steel is also used in many other mega structures. There is only one problem with the steel which is corrosion or rusting of the steel. Steel is affected by rust which affects its strength. Some external treatments are necessary to protect the steel from rust. These important treatments are paints and other coatings of non-reactive elements.
Types of steel
Carbon steel
Alloy steel
Stainless steel
Tool steel
Of these type of steel carbon steel have three subcategories which are Low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, and High carbon steel. Alloys steel is the mixture of iron and other alloying elements like aluminum and silicon.
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel comes under the types of steel. It is a well-mannered mixture of iron and chromium. Stainless steel is also a metal alloy. In stainless steel, chromium content is 30% and stainless steel also contains some other elements like copper, titanium, and molybdenum. On the other side, we know normal steel contains only 2% carbon.
The most important property of Stainless steel is its non-corrosive nature. Stainless steel is not affected by rust or corrosion. Stainless is also very resistant to heat. With its rust-proof properties, stainless steel is used to make medical or surgical instruments. The finishing and look of the stainless steel equipment are very pleasant and attractive. Health and medical instruments are used in the high moisture areas. So stainless steel is the best option for such kinds of instruments.
Stainless steel is highly resistive against heat so stainless steel is used to make kitchen items like spoons pots etc. stainless steel provides a shining look to the kitchen items. Kitchen items are used in the high moisture area so there is a danger of rust. So stainless steel is the best option for kitchen items.
Types of Stainless steel
Duplex Stainless steel
Martensitic stainless steel
Ferritic stainless steel
Austenitic stainless steel
The main difference between Steel and Stainless steel
- Steel is the mixture of iron and carbon in less amount only 1.5%. while stainless steel is the mixture of iron and chromium which is 30% available in stainless steel and some other elements.
- Steel is very hard. Stainless steel is also very hard but it can easily be fabricated.
- Steel is not so much resistive against high heat. Stainless steel is very effective against heat.
- Steel undergoes the effect of corrosion. Stainless steel is completely safe from corrosion.
- Steel is not rust-free. On the other hand, stainless steel is rust-free.
- Steel is magnetic. While most of the stainless steel is non-magnetic.
- Steel is used in construction work like Building work, and other concrete or in mega structures work. Stainless steel is used to make kitchen and medical appliances.
Conclusion
Steel or Stainless steel are two metal alloys that are manufactured by the addition of some element in the iron. The main difference between steel and stainless steel is their composition and properties. Both are used at different places according to their properties. Iron becomes steel when carbon is added or mixed in it in a fixed proportion. And iron becomes stainless steel when chromium and other elements are mixed in the iron in a fixed proportion.
This is all about the difference between Steel and stainless steel we hope you understand the concept very well. If you have any doubt, please comment on us. If you want to read other interesting differences, please visit our website.
What is steel
Steel is also known as a metal alloy. As we know metal alloys are the mixture of metal and other elements in a fixed proportion. Steel is a mixture of iron and carbon.
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel comes under the types of steel. It is a well-mannered mixture of iron and chromium. Stainless steel is also a metal alloy. In stainless steel, chromium content is 30% and stainless steel also contains some other elements.
Difference between Steel and Stainless steel
Steel is not so much resistive against high heat. Stainless steel is very effective against heat.
Steel undergoes the effect of corrosion. Stainless steel is completely safe from corrosion.
Steel is not rust-free. On the other hand, stainless steel is rust-free.
Steel is magnetic. While most of the stainless steel is non-magnetic.