This residual category encompasses all steel grades that contain specific alloying elements in amounts exceeding the limits for non-alloy steels but do not necessarily meet the chromium threshold for stainless steel. This includes high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels, tool steels, and other specialized materials.
Before categorizing steel, EN 10020 defines the material itself. Under this standard, steel is defined as a material containing iron as the predominant element, with a carbon content generally lower than 2% by weight, and containing other elements.
: This group includes stainless steels, high-speed tool steels, and engineering steels. They have precise chemical mixes and excellent strength. Why Do You Need the EN 10020 PDF? en 10020 pdf
For engineers, metallurgists, and quality control professionals, precise classification of steel is essential. EN 10020:2000 is the definitive European standard that establishes a common language for defining and categorizing steel grades. This detailed article explains everything you need to know about EN 10020, its classifications, and how to obtain the official PDF document.
Non-alloy steels (often referred to as carbon steels) are those where the percentage of each alloying element does not reach a specific limit defined by the standard. EN 10020 includes a strict table outlining these boundary lines. For example, a steel is considered non-alloy if it contains less than: 1.65% Silicon (Si): 0.60% Copper (Cu): 0.40% Chromium (Cr): 0.30% Nickel (Ni): 0.30% Stainless Steels This residual category encompasses all steel grades that
The core purpose of EN 10020 is to establish a clear, logical, and universally accepted nomenclature for different types of steel. Before this standard, the same steel could be called different names in different countries, leading to confusion, misordering, and potential safety risks. EN 10020 solves this by providing:
If you download a legitimate , you will find three major sections. Let’s break them down. Under this standard, steel is defined as a
This class includes high-performance steels characterized by precise chemical control and exceptional cleanlines. It covers: