While this may seem basic, EN 10020 establishes a clear, quantitative definition. According to its criteria, a material is classified as steel when the weight percentage of iron is higher than that of any other single element, with a carbon (C) content generally less than 2%. This threshold differentiates steel from cast iron, which contains higher carbon levels.
Understanding EN 10020: The Standard for Classifying Steel Choosing the right steel can be hard. There are thousands of different steel types. Engineers and builders need a clear way to sort them. en 10020 pdf
While a limited number of chromium steels may contain more than 2% carbon, 2% remains the general dividing line between steel and cast iron. The Classification Framework of EN 10020 While this may seem basic, EN 10020 establishes
If the carbon content exceeds 2.06%, the material is classified as cast iron (not covered by this standard). Understanding EN 10020: The Standard for Classifying Steel
This is the most referenced part of the standard. EN 10020 classifies steel into three main groups: