Steel Sales: Buying for the First Time

If you are looking to purchase steel for the first time, you may be feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the range and depth of the steel market. This article has been written to help you to understand your options when it comes to purchasing steel. Read on to find out more.

The different types of steel

There are four types of steel that are available to purchase. These are:

1. Low carbon steel

Low carbon steel is typically used to create very thin sheets of steel or steel wire.

2. Tool steel

As the name suggests, tool steel is ideal for use in the manufacturing of tools. It is a very tough, abrasive type of steel that is normally supplied in sheets.

3. Alloy steel

Alloy steel is metal that has had an additional alloy product added to it during the smelting process. Common alloys include nickel, boron and manganese. The alloy will typically make the steel more robust to corrosion or increase its toughness.

4. Stainless steel

Stainless steel has the alloy chromium added to it, which makes it highly resistant to corrosion and allows the metal to be polished to a very high shine.

The different forms

Steel can be manipulated to take many different shapes and sizes. For example, a steel manufacturer should be able to supply you with steel sheets, pipes, tubes, bars and balls. The form of steel you require will often be dictated by its use. For bridge building, steel bars and sheet metal would be required. For plumbing or pool building, steel pipes would be needed. 

The price

The price of steel can vary widely. Because steel is a commodity that is traded by speculators on the international market, its price is liable to change frequently. When countries such as China flood the market with cheap steel, this can cause prices to drop suddenly. You should always check the latest trading prices before committing to your steel purchase.

Any possible local restrictions

Depending on the location of your proposed project, you may be subjected to local restrictions that prohibit the use of certain steel products. This is often an attempt to stem the use of lower quality steel products shipping in from third-world countries. 

If you are interested in finding out more, you should get in touch with a local steel sales company today. A member of the sales team will be happy to offer you further help and advice.


Share