Alloy steel scrap consists of waste material or discarded products made from alloy steel,
which is steel mixed with other elements to enhance its mechanical properties like
strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance. These scraps are valuable
for recycling and repurposing in various industries. Below is a breakdown of its content
and significance:
Composition:
- Base Material: Iron (Fe) as the primary component.
- Alloying Elements (may vary based on type):
- Chromium (Cr): Improves corrosion and wear resistance.
- Nickel (Ni): Enhances toughness and resistance to
oxidation.
- Molybdenum (Mo): Increases strength and resistance to high
temperatures.
- Vanadium (V): Improves hardness and fatigue resistance.
- Tungsten (W): Adds heat resistance.
- Cobalt (Co): Enhances high-temperature strength.
- Manganese (Mn): Improves toughness and wear resistance.
- Carbon (C): Affects hardness and strength.
Sources of Alloy Steel Scrap:
- Manufacturing Waste: Offcuts and by-products from machining or
manufacturing.
- Obsolete Products: Worn-out or discarded tools, machinery,
automotive parts, or construction materials.
- Demolition Waste: Scrap from dismantled buildings, plants, or
infrastructure.
Types:
- High-Alloy Steel Scrap: Contains higher percentages of alloying
elements (e.g., stainless steel, tool steel).
- Low-Alloy Steel Scrap: Lower levels of alloying elements, often
used in structural applications.
Recycling Process:
- Collection and Sorting: Segregating based on alloy type and
quality.
- Shredding: Reducing scrap size for easier handling.
- Melting: Smelting in furnaces to extract and refine steel.
- Purification: Removing impurities to achieve desired alloy
composition.
- Recasting: Forming new steel products like bars, sheets, or other
forms.
Benefits of Recycling Alloy Steel Scrap:
- Environmental Impact: Reduces mining and conserves natural
resources.
- Energy Efficiency: Recycling requires less energy compared to
producing new steel from raw materials.
- Cost Savings: Saves costs in raw material procurement for
industries.
- Sustainability: Promotes a circular economy by reusing valuable
materials.
Applications of Recycled Alloy Steel:
- Construction: Beams, girders, and reinforcing bars.
- Automotive Industry: Engine components, frames, and parts.
- Tool Manufacturing: Cutting tools, molds, and dies.
- Aerospace and Energy: Turbines, heat exchangers, and critical
components.
Grades
- High Manganese steel scrap (Mn-11%, Mn-16%)
- High Chromium Steel Scrap (Cr-12%, cr-24%)
- Ni5Cr12Mo1