Steels are made with different alloy combinations and standards. They do have a wide range of physical as well as chemical properties. Thus, choosing the right steel grade is important. Commercial structural steel and industrial structural steel are used in numerous industries for various applications. However, these structural steel types are not interchangeable.
Here are some primary differences between industrial structural steel and commercial structural steel:
Commercial structural steel
Commercial structural steel is mild. It is soft, malleable, ductile, and easy to weld. It is so ductile that it can bend in any direction without cracking. It is easy to curve and cut commercial structural steel. These properties of commercial structural steel allow the designers to explore architectural properties with full freedom. The commercial structural steel weighs very less and can be framed easily. In applications where uniqueness and attractiveness are valuable, commercial structural steel is the best choice.
Commercial structural steel is commonly used to customize attractive building structures at a low cost, and low maintenance. The soft nature of commercial structural steel is not an issue for these buildings due to the protection provided by the exteriors. The buildings that are most commonly constructed using commercial structural steel are churches, banks, office buildings, and retail buildings.
Industrial structural steel
The industrial structural steel is two times stronger than commercial structural steel. It is used in applications where environmental factors like heat can degrade the less durable materials. Industrial structural steel is less likely to dent. Being heavy, industrial structural steel is more expensive than commercial structural steel. However, it is not that easy to weld industrial structural steel. It is heavy and thick so the chances of it cracking are more. To weld and shape industrial structural steel, expensive tooling technologies should be used. Although welding is more difficult, industrial structural steel can withstand exposure while maintaining structural integrity.
Industrial structural steel is used in heavy and complex applications. Oil platforms and other industrial settings require metals that can withstand high temperatures, pressure, chemicals, rust, and erosion. Industrial structural steel is commonly found in vessels and aircraft, construction sites, wind turbines, and pipelines.
Knowing the differences between industrial structural steel and commercial structural steel, you will be able to decide which one is right for you. Based on your application needs, you can select from the two structural steel types. If you are confused and cannot make a decision on your own, you can get in touch with professional metal fabricators, they will help you determine the ideal material for your needs.
Image Source: maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com
