What is steel density? A method of utilizing the density of steel in the process of material selection
BlogDate: 25-04-2024 by: Ngoc Cam
To understand the steel density fully and accurately, please refer to the article below from MRS Steel.
Steel is the most popular construction material and is widely used in residential, industrial and civil construction. In addition to hardness, tensile strength, yield strength,... the steel density is also a significant technical parameter.
Exploring the density of steel provides valuable insights into its structural integrity and performance across diverse industrial uses
What is steel density?
The steel density is a parameter about the density of matter per unit volume, measured by the ratio of steel mass to a specified volume. Since density varies depending on the steel composition, the current standard density of steel is conventionally set at 7850 kg/m3. Based on specific volume parameters, customers can calculate the required amount of steel to purchase.
Find out about steel density
Carbon steel density
Carbon steel is divided into four groups based on its carbon content from low to extremely high. The more carbon, the harder and more durable the steel, but brittle and difficult to weld and bend. The density of carbon steel affects its properties such as electrical conductivity, strength and thermal characteristics.
Low carbon steel, also known as mild steel, contains about 0.04 - 0.3% carbon so it is flexible and easy to shape. The density of mild steel is about 7860 kg/m3 (0.284lb/ln3).
Room Temperature Density of Carbon Steel | |||
Material | Density | ||
g/cm3 | kg/m3 | lb / in3 | |
ASTM A36 | 7.85 | 7850 | 0.284 |
AISI 1010 | 7.87 | 7870 | 0.284 |
AISI 1018 | 7.87 | 7870 | 0.284 |
AISI 1020 | 7.87 | 7870 | 0.284 |
AISI 1025 | 7.86 | 7860 | 0.284 |
AISI 1040 | 7.845 | 7845 | 0.2834 |
AISI 1045 | 7.87 | 7870 | 0.284 |
Considering the yield strength of mild steel, we can make informed decisions in material selection
Alloy steel density
Alloy steel is a combination of iron and many different elements such as manganese, chromium, nickel, silicon, boron, molybdenum and vanadium,... with content from 1-50%. Changing the metal content can improve the properties of steel such as strength, hardness, ductility, bearing capacity, corrosion resistance,...
Room Temperature Density of Alloy Steel | |||
Material | Density | ||
g/cm3 | kg/m3 | lb / in3 | |
AISI 4037 | 7.85 | 7850 | 0.284 |
AISI 4130 | 7.85 | 7850 | 0.284 |
AISI 4140 | 7.85 | 7850 | 0.284 |
AISI 4150 | 7.85 | 7850 | 0.284 |
AISI 4340 | 7.85 | 7850 | 0.2 |
Taking into account the density of alloy steel, we can effectively evaluate its suitability for our application
Stainless steel density
Stainless steel has a minimum chromium content of 10%, making it resistant to rust, corrosion and high strength.
Room Temperature Density of Stainless Steel | |||
Material | Density | ||
g/cm3 | kg/m3 | lb / in3 | |
Grade 304 | 8.00 | 8000 | 0.289 |
Grade 316 | 8.00 | 8000 | 0.289 |
Grade 405 | 7.80 | 7800 | 0.282 |
Grade 440C | 7.80 | 7800 | 0.282 |
PH 15-7 Mo | 7.804 | 7804 | 0.2819 |
17-4 PH | 7.80 | 7800 | 0.282 |
17-7 PH | 7.81 | 7810 | 0.282 |
Understanding the density of stainless steel is crucial for determining its performance characteristics in various applications
Tool steel density
Tool steels can contain up to 1.4% carbon and low S and P impurities (<0.025%). They are ideal materials for manufacturing tools and machinery thanks to their abrasion resistance and high hardness, and ability to hold a cutting edge at elevated temperatures. The density of tool steel ranges from 7720 - 8000 kg/m3.
Room Temperature Density of Tool Steel | |||
Material | Density | ||
g/cm3 | kg/m3 | lb / in3 | |
D2 tool steel | 7.695 | 7695 | 0.278 |
T1 tool steel | 8.67 | 8670 | 0.313 |
M2 tool steel | 8.16 | 8160 | 0.294 |
W1 tool steel | 7.83 | 7830 | 0.283 |
O1 tool steel | 7.81 | 7810 | 0.282 |
O6 tool steel | 7.67 | 7670 | 0.277 |
A2 tool steel | 7.86 | 7860 | 0.284 |
A6 tool steel | 8.03 | 8030 | 0.290 |
H13 tool steel | 7.80 | 7800 | 0.282 |
H22 tool steel | 8.36 | 8360 | 0.302 |
P20 tool steel | 7.85 | 7850 | 0.284 |
S7 tool steel | 7.83 | 7830 | 0.283 |
Differentiating the density of tool steel helps tailor material choices to precise tooling requirements
How much is the density of structural steel
Density of structural steel varies depending on the component content inside the steel but usually ranges from 7750 - 8050 kg/m3. Manufacturers can use techniques to adjust the density including lectroslag remelting and centrifugal casting with modification. Increasing the density of structural steel can improve the material's corrosion resistance.
Relationship between density of steel and product quality
Steel is very heavy so its density is higher than many other materials. Understanding the steel density helps customers accurately calculate the length and volume of steel needed for each specific requirement. This technical parameter also helps investors predict investment capital, amount of steel needed,...
With a density of up to 7850 kg/m3, steel has a significant mass per unit area. This parameter also contributes to explaining the hardness, strength of steel, and why steel is widely used.
Find the best Vietnamese steel product at MRS Steel
MRS Steel has more than 12 years of experience supporting international importers to access high-quality Vietnamese steel sources. MRS Steel's team of experts understands the market, quickly updates new procedures and regulations and has good relationships with a large network of factories in Vietnam. This has great significance in helping customers import Vietnamese steel easily and quickly at the best price.
Currently, Vietnam is in the top 12 countries with the largest crude steel output in the world, investing in modern and advanced systems and production lines to improve product quality and position in the market. Vietnam also participates in many international trade agreements and with favorable domestic and international political situations, there are many preferential tax rates when exporting. Importing Vietnamese steel has never been easier when MRS Steel supports consulting and processing from A-Z.
The steel density is an important technical parameter in selecting and evaluating steel quality. If you still have questions about the specific density of each specific type of steel, you can contact MRS Steel via Whatsapp: +84 28 3622 3358 or Email: vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn for the most dedicated support.
