Understanding the Different Types of Steel

Steel is the bedrock of Australia’s construction, manufacturing, and engineering industries. But not all steel is created equal. Each project or application demands a specific type of steel with particular properties and characteristics.

At Edcon Steel, we offer a wide range of steel products tailored to meet the specific demands of every project. Here, we examine five of our key categories of steel: mild steel, structural steel, stainless steel, engineering steel, and tool steel. Learn about their composition, strengths, and ideal uses so you can make an informed buying decision.

Mild steel: The workhorse of general fabrication

Mild steel, or low-carbon steel, is affordable and versatile. It is easy to work with and is used in everyday fabrication, with excellent weldability, high ductility, and formability.

Mild steel is generally more affordable than many other steel types, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious projects. However, it can be more susceptible to rust, so it often requires protective coatings or surface treatments to enhance its longevity and prevent corrosion.

Typical Applications

• Automotive panels
• Furniture and framing
• Fencing and gates
• General fabrication work

Structural Steel: Strength and Stability

Structural steel offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for buildings, bridges, and large frameworks. It provides structural integrity without excessive bulk and is highly ductile, perfect for withstanding dynamic forces like wind and earthquakes. Structural steel is highly durable and consistent under stress.

Typical applications

• Beams and columns
• Industrial platforms and walkways
• Bridges and heavy frameworks

Stainless steel: corrosion-resistant and visually appealing

Stainless steel stands out for its corrosion resistance and smooth, polished finish. It is ideal for environments exposed to moisture or where hygiene and appearance matter, like kitchens, hospitals, and marine settings. While there are several grades of stainless steel, 304 and 316 are the most commonly used.

Popular Uses

• Kitchen and food-grade equipment
• Handrails and balustrades
• Marine hardware
• Surgical and medical tools

Engineering Steel: For Precision and Performance

Engineering steel refers to a family of carbon and alloy steels with controlled chemical compositions for enhanced mechanical properties. These steels are used in manufacturing components that demand strength, fatigue resistance, or specific heat treatment capabilities.

Edcon Steel offers a wide range of engineering steels that meet the needs of diverse industries — from construction to automotive and heavy machinery.

Tool Steel: Designed for Tough Jobs

Tool steel is a type of engineering steel specially formulated to retain hardness and wear resistance even under extreme conditions. It is engineered specifically for tool-making applications and is used in tools, dies, moulds, and cutting applications where high precision and durability are required.

They offer exceptional hardness, abrasion resistance, and the ability to retain a cutting edge, which are essential for punching, forming, cutting, and moulding.

Buy online from Edcon Steel

At Edcon Steel, we pride ourselves on our level of customer service, our extensive product range, and the depth of our local market knowledge.

You can visit our stores to browse the range or pick up an online order. Our staff are on hand to answer any questions you have about our full range of products and services, so feel free to contact us for your steel or metal solution today.