Copper alloys are highly versatile materials, valued for their excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ease of machinability. These alloys, which include pure copper and alloys with various metals such as zinc, tin, and aluminum, are used in a wide range of applications, from electrical cables to industrial valves to electronic components. Copper alloys are also ideal for applications that require corrosion resistance, such as in marine environments or the chemical industry. Their ability to withstand corrosion, combined with ease of forming and welding, makes them materials of choice in many industries.
Beryllium copper is a high-performance alloy that combines the exceptional properties of copper with the strength and hardness provided by beryllium. This alloy is particularly valued for its high mechanical strength, electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as resistance to fatigue and wear. It is primarily used in applications that require high performance, such as electrical connectors, aerospace tools, springs, and high-stress components.
Bronze alloys, primarily composed of copper and tin, are known for their corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and long-term durability. These alloys are used in applications requiring high corrosion resistance, such as gears, bearings, valves, and marine equipment, where humidity and salinity are issues. Bronze alloys are also widely used in the automotive industry, for energy sector components, and in precision equipment. Their combination of strength, machinability, and corrosion resistance makes them an ideal choice for components that need to operate in extreme environments.
Tungsten carbide is an alloy primarily composed of tungsten carbide (WC) and a metallic binder, typically cobalt. This material is highly valued for its hardness, wear resistance, and ability to withstand deformation even at high temperatures, making it ideal for applications requiring exceptional performance under high mechanical and thermal stress. Tungsten carbide is commonly used in the production of cutting tools, mills, drills, machine inserts, and in mining and oil industries, where abrasion resistance is crucial. Due to its extreme hardness and stability, tungsten carbide is the material of choice for precision operations and machining of hard and tough materials.
Thermal fatigue steels are alloys designed to withstand cyclic thermal stresses, such as those generated by rapid temperature changes or exposure to high temperatures. These steels are ideal for applications where materials are subjected to repeated thermal stress, such as in turbines, internal combustion engines, and the aerospace industry. The main characteristics of thermal fatigue steels include good resistance to oxidation and corrosion, along with resistance to plastic deformation under thermal load. They are primarily used in components that operate under high temperature conditions and thermal cycles, such as turbine blades, engine cylinder heads, and industrial plant parts, where maintaining dimensional stability and strength even in extreme temperatures is essential. Thanks to specialized heat treatments, these steels offer superior performance and long durability even in high-temperature environments.
Precipitation hardening steels are special alloys that, thanks to a heat treatment, develop exceptional properties, including high mechanical strength and significant hardness. The term “precipitation” refers to a metallurgical process in which certain alloying elements (such as copper, aluminum, or nickel) are dissolved within the metal matrix. During heat treatment, these elements separate and form small particles that “precipitate” within the material’s structure, thus improving its mechanical properties. This process enhances the steel’s strength and hardness, making it particularly useful for applications requiring high performance, such as engine components, cutting tools, and structures that operate in extreme environments. Precipitation hardening steels are used in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy industries, where the combination of strength, hardness, and toughness is crucial. These steels are also known for their dimensional stability and resistance to plastic deformation under high loads.
Steels for plastic material working are alloys designed to be used in the production of tools for processing and shaping plastics, such as injection molds, extrusion molds, and other components for plastic treatment. These steels must have good wear resistance, erosion resistance, and high-temperature strength, as molten plastic can reach high temperatures and cause significant mechanical stress on the molds. Furthermore, it is essential that steels for plastic working have good resistance to corrosion and fatigue, as molds are subject to repeated thermal and mechanical cycles. These steels are often heat-treated or nitrided to further enhance their surface hardness and wear resistance, ensuring long life and good finishing of the molded parts. They are used in various industrial sectors, such as automotive, electronics, packaging production, and the manufacture of plastic components for diverse applications, where high-performance tools and long tool life are crucial.
Steel alloys are key materials in a wide range of industries due to their versatility, strength and durability. Used since ancient times, steel saw a rapid evolution with the industrial revolution, when advanced techniques were developed to improve its properties. Today, steel alloys are used in construction, automotive, aerospace, medicine and many other fields, where the combination of mechanical strength, corrosion resistance and machinability is crucial. Thanks to special treatments and alloys, steel continues to be a reference material for technological innovation and the production of high-performance components.
Look around… what you see is either the work of nature or a piece of steel!
Cit. Antonio Bandelli
Steels used for stamping and chip removal are alloys specially designed to withstand severe working conditions during machining processes such as cutting, stamping, and milling. These steels are selected for their combination of wear resistance, hardness, and toughness, making them ideal for operations where material is removed in the form of chips, such as in metalworking and alloy machining. Stamping steels, in particular, must maintain their hardness even at high temperatures, as the friction generated during the cutting process can significantly heat the material. Steels for chip removal, on the other hand, must be resistant to abrasion and plastic deformation to ensure the long life of cutting tools. These steels are used in various industrial sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and precision mechanical component production, where it is crucial to have materials that can maintain high performance even in challenging operational conditions. Their composition and the heat treatments they undergo ensure maximum wear resistance and good machinability.
Cold working steels are alloys designed to withstand mechanical processes that occur without the application of heat, such as stamping, bending, forming, and deep drawing. These steels are characterized by high resistance to deformation, wear resistance, and good toughness, making them ideal for applications where the material must retain its mechanical properties without experiencing changes due to heating. Due to their hardness and ability to withstand high loads, cold working steels are used in the production of tools, dies, and components intended for shaping other materials. These steels are often subjected to heat treatments to further enhance their resistance and hardness, ensuring excellent performance even in high-pressure working environments. Cold working steels are widely used in industries such as automotive, tool production, and sheet metal processing, where the ability to maintain shape and resist wear and fatigue is essential.
Steels for plasticizing screws are specialized alloys used in the production of screws for plastic injection molding machines. Plasticizing screws are critical components in plastic processing, as they are responsible for melting, mixing, and plasticizing the plastic material inside the machine. These steels must be highly resistant to wear and corrosion, as they are subjected to high thermal and mechanical stresses during the plasticizing process. They must also ensure good machinability for the production of complex, durable screws with a smooth surface that reduces friction and improves process efficiency. Steels for plasticizing screws are also heat-treated to enhance surface hardness and fatigue resistance, ensuring long service life in high-temperature environments and at high rotational speeds. These steels are primarily used in the plastics industry, for the production of automotive components, household appliances, and packaging, where the quality of the plasticizing process is crucial for the final product’s quality.