Non-alloy structural steels are iron-based materials with a low carbon content. Thanks to their low cost and good mechanical properties, they are widely used, especially in the steel and mechanical engineering industries. These types of steel account for over 90% of the sector’s total production, demonstrating their industrial importance.
They are commonly sold in the form of bars or profiles, obtained by hot rolling or cold drawing. In terms of properties, they are ductile, easy to work with, flexible and strong. However, they cannot be hardened. Interestingly, as the carbon content increases, so do the hardness and strength of the material.
Thanks to their low cost and characteristics that are more than adequate for numerous applications, non-alloy steels are often used in the manufacture of components for machinery and metal structures, provided that no special heat treatments are required. These are simple materials, but nevertheless reliable for many common uses.
Steel is made from cast iron, an alloy containing up to 4% carbon along with other unwanted or excess elements such as silicon, manganese, sulphur and phosphorus. Cast iron is transformed into steel through a process called “refining”, during which the carbon content is reduced and impurities are almost completely eliminated. This process is followed by further treatment to improve the final quality of the material.
Liquid painting has long been one of the most widely used anti-corrosion systems, appreciated for its apparent ease of application and the high flexibility in the choice of products available on the market.
The corrosion protection obtained with this method is mainly based on the barrier action of the film that forms on the metal surface. In some situations, this protective layer can be enhanced by adding a zinc-based primer, which can also generate a cathodic effect.
As environmental conditions become more severe, the thickness of the coatings applied also increases, but this makes the film more susceptible to damage during handling and installation. It is therefore essential to carry out thorough checks once the application is complete.
Finally, liquid painting requires a maintenance and periodic cleaning programme, to be established according to environmental conditions. This plan must be drawn up in collaboration with the paint manufacturer and the company responsible for application.
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