Steel: Why It Is the Most Widely Used Material in the World (and What Makes It So Versatile)
When we look at an industrial object – a piece of machinery, a structure, a mechanical component – we are very often looking at steel.
It’s no coincidence: steel represents over 90% of the metallic materials used in human activities and is, for all intents and purposes, the backbone of modern industry.
But what makes this material so central?
Iron? No, Steel. And the Difference Matters
In everyday language, people often speak of “iron,” but in industrial reality, pure iron is rarely used. Taken in isolation, iron has modest mechanical characteristics and is not suitable for complex structural or functional uses.
What is commonly referred to as “iron” is actually low-carbon steel, also known as mild steel.
The Key Role of Alloys
The true strength of iron lies in its ability to form extremely diverse alloys.
By adding elements such as carbon, manganese, chromium, nickel, or molybdenum, it is possible to significantly modify:
- mechanical strength
- ductility
- toughness
- corrosion resistance
- workability
This makes steel an adaptable material, capable of meeting very different technical requirements, often with contained industrial costs.
It is precisely this versatility that allows engineering and mechanics to push boundaries ever further.
When Technique Meets Organization: The Zarri Approach to Steel
Zarri operates daily in this universe of materials, transforming approximately 1,200 tons of material every year into items made from cold-drawn round and flat bars.
In the B2B sector, however, material quality is only part of the answer. Speed, continuity, and reliability are just as decisive.
A Warehouse Designed to Reduce Lead Times
For this reason, Zarri has built its organization starting from the immediate availability of raw materials.
The raw material warehouse has been strategically defined to cover almost all the most recurring technical needs, allowing for:
- fast delivery times
- reduction of customers’ production downtime
- greater flexibility in order management
Certified Quality at the Source
Zarri purchases raw materials exclusively from leading Italian producers, ensuring high and consistent quality standards over time.
When a project requires an alloy not present in stock, Zarri manages ad hoc procurement, maintaining the same level of control and reliability.
Technical Insights: Available Alloys
Choosing the correct alloy is a crucial step for the success of any mechanical project.
For this reason, Zarri has selected high-performance and versatile materials, already available in stock, including:
- S275J2C+C (Fe 430)
- S355J2G3C+C (Fe 510)
- 19MnB4+C
- C45+C
- C35B+C
- C45+QT+C
- 22MnB5Ti+C
- 42CrMoS4+QT+C
- AISI 304L
- AISI 316L
Each alloy features specific mechanical and chemical properties, designed to meet different needs in terms of strength, workability, and durability.
Is the steel you are looking for not on the list? Zarri supports the customer in technical evaluation and in identifying the most suitable solution, and is available to source new materials not present in stock.
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