There are nearly as many modern steel alloys as there are applications for them. Steel is a remarkably versatile material, with the particular bill of additives in a given alloy being capable of greatly changing the properties of the finished product. Some steels lean toward economy above all else, while others do away with such concerns in the pursuit of the greatest possible performance in specialized applications. That can mean standing up to incredible heat without weakening or fracturing, enduring the most corrosive of environments with aplomb, or offering strength to weight ratios almost unheard of outside of the realm of exotic materials.
In practice, though, the steel alloys that are used most often are relatively limited in number. In fact, a handful of common alloys cover a wide range of the most common use cases, standing up well to a variety of possible applications and demands.
409 Stainless Steel Sheet, for example, is commonly used throughout the automotive industry, as well as in other industries where its particular mixture of favorable qualities make good sense. 409 is somewhat uncommon in the way it incorporates titanium into the alloy, with this rare metal not showing up in many other kinds of steel. At the same time, the amount of titanium included is meager enough that 409 remains a relatively economical choice, while also boasting some impressively attractive qualities, too.
Like virtually all stainless steels, 409 Stainless Steel Sheet also includes a healthy dose of chromium. This shiny substance is what allows the steel to resist corrosion so much more ably than steels of other kinds can do, as it causes potentially damaging substances to slough off without doing harm. Compared to common high-carbon steel, 409 is extremely resistant to corrosion of many types, something that often makes it an excellent choice.
As steel supplier Toma Metals Inc points out, for example, 409 is commonly found in automotive exhausts. The corrosion resistance of the steel allows it to stand up to exhaust fumes for years, while the incorporation of titanium keeps the steel even more stable in chemical terms. While that is only one application for what is, in fact, a very popular kind of steel, it is one of the most widespread. You can follow them on Twitter.
