1. Properties

A distinction is made between two types of steel properties: those related to the end use of the product, i.e. service life, and those related to the processing of the products, since they can rarely be used without operations such as forming or joining. These two types of properties are sometimes contradictory: for example, high strength, which improves service life, is at odds with the high ductility required for forming. The trade-offs between these requirements form the basis for adapting grades to the application.