2. Definition and classification of steel grades

Standard NF EN 10020 of September 2000 defines the term "steel" and establishes :

• classification into unalloyed and alloyed steels according to chemical composition;

• a classification of unalloyed and alloyed steels according to the main quality classes defined by their properties and applications.

The classification given by the standard applies automatically whatever the type of steel actually produced, as long as its chemical composition corresponds to the requirements of the quality standard in question.

• Steel

  Steel is a material containing by mass more iron than any other element, with a carbon content generally below 2%, and containing other elements....