Steel

Steel

Steel is a metal composed of iron plus varying amounts of carbon as well as other elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, zirconium, vanadium, tungsten, and so on. Different types of steel - that is, steel with different properties and characteristics - are produced by adjusting the chemical composition and adapting any of the different stages of the steelmaking process, such as rolling, finishing and heat treatment. As each of these factors can be modified, there is potentially virtually no limit to the number of different steels that can be made. Currently there are over 3,000 catalogued grades available (chemical compositions) of steel, not counting those created to meet custom demand, ranging from basic grades (such as for railway tracks) to sophisticated high-alloy and stainless grades for specialized applications.

  • The steel industry today is vital to both economic competitiveness and national security.
  • Steel is the backbone of bridges, skyscrapers, railroads, automobiles, and appliances.
  • Most grades of steel in use today – particularly high-strength steels that are lighter and more versatile – were not available ten years ago.
  • Steel is the most recyclable and recycled material in North America, with an overall recycling rate of 68 percent.
  • The U.S. steel industry is a $50+ billion enterprise; additional downstream processing pushes this value closer to $75 billion.
  • There are more than 1,200 firms operating in all but a few states.
  • The industry employs approximately 154,000 people nationwide.
  • The steel industry (including iron production) is one of the largest energy consumers in the manufacturing sector and has invested more than $7 billion in environmental controls.

50 Fun Facts About Steel

  1. Millions of tons of iron and steel are diverted from the waste stream to the
    recycling stream due to steel’s magnetic properties that make it the easiest
    material to separate from the solid waste stream.
  2. Almost 69 percent of all steel is recycled in North America each year – more than
    paper, aluminum, plastic & glass combined. North America’s average recycling
    rate has been in excess of 60 percent since 1970.
  3. More than 80 million tons of steel are recycled each year in North America.
  4. For every ton of steel recycled, 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and
    120 pounds of limestone are conserved.
  5. Steel products can be recycled repeatedly without loss of strength.
  6. Recycling steel saves the equivalent energy to power about 18 million
    households for a year.
  7. When you buy steel, you’re always buying recycled.
  8. More than 95 percent of the water used for making steel in North America is now
    recycled.
  9. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, the steel companies in North America have
    invested more than $7.5 billion in capital equipment for the control of water and
    air pollution and the treatment of solid waste.
  10. Since World War II, the North American steel industry has reduced its energy
    intensity by 60 percent. This conservation of energy has also contributed to a
    significant reduction in the generation of carbon dioxide.
  11. The North American steel industry has achieved a 90 percent reduction in the
    discharge of air and water emissions versus 10 years ago.
  12. The amount of energy needed to produce a ton of steel has been reduced by 34
    percent since 1972.
  13. $10 billion has been invested to create a New Steel that is better for the
    environment.
  14. Steel parts are more dent-resistant and are up to 30 percent stronger than they
    were a decade ago.
  15. More than 14 million cars in North America were recycled in 2006.
  16. In 2006, the steel industry recycled enough steel from old cars to produce nearly
    13.5 million new ones.
  17. The first steel-made automobile was introduced in 1918.
  18. A steel beam is placed inside car doors to better protect passengers in sideimpact
    collisions.
  19. Steel door latches help keep your car’s doors closed during a crash.
  20. Your car’s safety buckles (seat belts) are made with steel.
  21. A car’s structure, the safety cage, is made from steel.
  22. An ULSAB Advanced Vehicle Concept is light yet safe, and it means better gas
    mileage and savings at the pump.
  23. Over half of all the types of steels present in today’s automobiles did not even
    exist 10 years ago.
  24. One scrapped car produces more than four steel utility poles.
  25. 95 percent of the steel taken from commercial construction demolition sites was
    recycled and made into new steel products in 2002.
  26. 100 percent of your steel roof can be recycled. Asphalt roofs – zero percent.
  27. It takes more than 40 trees to build a wood-framed home. A steel-framed
    home—eight recycled cars.
  28. Steel framing contains more than 28 percent recycled steel and is completely
    recyclable.
  29. Steel roofs provide your family with excellent protection against wind, water,
    snow, ice and fire and are even hail-resistant.
  30. Asphalt roofs actually weigh twice as much as steel roofs.
  31. Steel roofs can last over 50 years, while traditional roofs last only 17 years.
  32. Steel doors are fireproof.
  33. Steel doors can provide up to 10 times more protection against intruders than
    wood doors.
  34. Steel-framed homes won’t crack, warp, twist, rot, split or settle.
  35. Steel-framed homes are impervious to termites.
  36. 83,000 tons of steel was needed for the Golden Gate Bridge. Only half of that
    would be needed now.
  37. Steel was first used for skyscrapers in 1883.
  38. The New Steel makes it possible to build a high-rise building with at least 3
    percent less steel than 20 years ago.
  39. Steel food cans are the most recycled food package.
  40. 24,000 community recycling programs in North America collect steel cans.
  41. Canned food is as nutritious as its fresh and frozen counterparts upon
    preparation.
  42. Canned goods do not contain preservatives.
  43. Canned foods are the most tamper-resistant food packaging option available
    today.
  44. 600 steel cans or tin cans are recycled every second.
  45. More than 1,500 food items come in steel cans.
  46. 90 percent of retired appliances are driven to recycling centers in North America
    by steel.
  47. All 99 pounds of steel in the average major appliance can be recycled to make
    new steel products.
  48. Appliance motors are made from steel.
  49. Steel hinges on refrigerators can support more than 140 pounds of door weight
    without sagging.
  50. Steel comprises approximately 75 percent of all major appliances.

steel diagram