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Steel is an extremely important commodity for most industries, especially the engineering and machinery industry. World crude steel production reached 1,950.5 million tonnes (Mt) in 2021, according to the World Steel Association. There are more than 3,500 different grades of steel with many different physical, chemical, and environmental properties. Steel once processed is rolled to form steel coils which are then sent as raw materials for different purposes. Uses of steel coils are countless. From cars to houses, uses of steel coil in manufacturing modern day commodities are many.
There are two main types of steel coils: hot rolled steel coil and cold rolled steel coil. Considering the variety of ways steel coils can be used across sectors, there is a significant rise in the demand for steel in India and worldwide.
In the following sections, let us have a look at the different uses of steel coil.
Steel Coils Uses
Many want insight into what steel coils can be used for to get solutions to various upgrades and solutions businesses are looking to achieve in their factory. The type of steel coil needed depends on the purpose it is being used for. For example, hot rolled steel coil uses include railway tracks and construction projects while cold rolled steel is used to build structures like beams, columns, and sections.
1.Manufacture of automobiles
Steel is a hard and strong metal with a high strength to weight ratio making it the perfect material for vehicle bodies.
Steel coils are a major element when it comes to manufacturing automobiles. Nearly every new vehicle design feature Advanced High-strength Steel (AHSS). 60% of today’s automobile body structures are made up of AHSS. AHSS has paved the way for lighter, optimised vehicle designs that enhance safety and fuel efficiency.
Based on total vehicle curb mass, steel used in a vehicle is distributed as follows:
- 40% in the body structure, panels, doors and trunk closures for high-strength and energy absorption in case of a crash
- 23% in the drive train, made of cast iron for the engine block and machinable carbon steel for wear resistant gears
- 12% in the suspension made of rolled high-strength steel strip.
- The remainder is used in wheels, tyres, fuel tank, steering and breaking systems.
2.Railway track manufacturing
Steel coils used in railroad making is hard wearing and resistant to cracking.
Steel has played a critical role in the development of railway tracks. These tracks were first made of wood and then iron but were soon replaced by steel. Hot rolled steel coils with a grade of 1084 or higher are used to make most modern railway tracks. This is a medium carbon steel created by rolling rail steel with natural iron ore. This creates a mix of steel that can handle more abuse than rolled steel alone.
Railroad tracks that carry additional weight or travel at faster speeds like goods carrier rail line will need a stronger steel rail. To these rail lines alloys such as titanium, chromium, tin, and vanadium are added to make it harder and stronger.
3.Making food industry equipment
The corrosion resistance of steel helps food industry equipment to be cleaned and sterilised without deterioration.
Steel coil used in different industries are of various types. The food industry depends on stainless steel coils to make its machinery and is one of the most important steel coil uses. . It is also used to make ice makers, mixers, hot and cold storage, cookware, etc. Food industry prefers stainless steel to make their equipment because it does not react with food and stay strong and durable for a lifetime.
Austenitic grade of stainless steel is used to manufacture cutlery, hollowware, kitchen utensils, brewing vessels and milk tankers. High alloy austenitic grades are used for storage and transportation of corrosive food and beverage products. Stainless steel grades containing Molybdenum are resistant to salt containing food.
4.Construction of building and bridges
Steel binds well to concrete, is strong and relatively cost-effective.
Steel bridges are widely used around the world in different structural formats such as highway bridges, railway bridges, and footbridges. The construction industry prefers steel coils over other construction materials because of its strength, ductility, easy fabrication, and rapid construction ability. It features relatively good strength to cost ratio and stiffness to weight ratio making it a better material for construction in terms of quality and profitability.
5.Pipelines
Steel pipes withstand high pressures and feature durability and long operating life cycle.
Steel pipelines have become a popular choice for oil and gas transmission over the last 50 years. Steel coils are used to make pipes that are normally used for pipelines operating at a pressure of 100 psig or more. Steel coils are used to make high-pressure pipelines because steel allows thinner wall pipes. This significantly reduces pipe costs as well as construction costs. The welding time and material shipping/handling costs are also reduced.
6.Defence equipment
Military-grade steel shows incredible resilience against weaponry like bullets and even blasts. Due to its corrosion resistance it is also used to transport military equipment.
All the military forces use military-grade steel in one form or the other. It is used both as a protective material and to manufacture combat products like submarines, aircraft, tanks, armour, and artillery. Not only is it high quality, but it is often a more economical choice. The two most important factors regarding military steel are its strength and ballistic limit.
7. Aviation
The corrosion resistance and higher temperature tolerance of aerospace components made from stainless steel coils can lead to longer life and performance.
Stainless steel coils are widely used in the manufacture of aircraft. The material can handle heavy loads and allow cleaning and finishing. This helps aerospace companies save time and money on their manufacturing processes. These coils also allow precision manufacturing which is critical for the aerospace industry.
Engine and exhaust components, landing gear components and key superstructure joints is where steel is used in aircraft. The high tensile strength of stainless steel helps the aircraft absorb impact stresses. Stainless steel coils improve durability and reduce the risk of failure during flight.
Steel in industries: The way forward
Steel used in different industries are manufactured in different grades by the steel coil production industry. Therefore, if steel is an important raw material for your production process procuring the correct steel grade with the best quality is vital. Steel coils can now be easily procured online with the added benefits of price comparison, faster delivery and quality. Buy steel from Tata nexarc to procure steel at reasonable prices.
Also Read: Aluminium Coil, Hot rolled steel coil, Colour coated steel coil, Stainless steel coil.
Priyanka is a seasoned content marketing professional with more than 6 years of experience crafting various forms of business and technology sector content. Her insightful writing tackles critical issues faced by small-scale manufacturing businesses. Priyanka’s clear and concise communication empowers businesses to make informed decisions and thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.