2060 – 02 – The Importance of Classifying Metals

You typically cannot tell the composition of a metal just by looking at it. Two steels may look the same, but in practice they will react in different ways. If you are making a pipe, then you want a type of steel that can be shaped easily. If you are making tools, then you want strong steel. If you are working in construction then the steel needs to be even stronger. Steels are classified so that you can understand the metal’s strength before you buy.