Steel is an alloy essentially composed of iron and carbon, which is extracted from lead mines. The carbon content influences the characteristics of the desired alloy. It should also be noted that there are two main families of steel: alloy steels and non-alloy steels. There is an alloy when chemical elements other than carbon are added to iron. The main addition elements that can be found are manganese, chromium, nickel and molybdenum, thus producing more than 3000 varieties of steel in addition to custom-designed special steels.
Because of its high ductility, many steel companies and firms have come to value cast iron. By subjecting it to strong cold compression, steel can be formed into the shape desired. Thus steel is found in several application areas, each with their requirements regarding bending, stamping, machining; noble element content and level of purity; dimensions (flatness, thickness, weight…) and many others.
Steel: a metal increasingly in demand
Steel is almost entirely made of iron, since carbon and silicon are only present in minute quantities. They are, however, very important, because without these two materials it is impossible to harden iron.
To optimize the welding capabilities of steel, manganese is also added to the alloy. The price of all elements composed of iron is not very high if one refers to their rates on the metals market. One would think that the price of steel should depend on these materials, but that is not the case. This is why steel is a market that prospers.
History of changes in steel prices
The price of steel experienced a dizzying rise between 2003 and 2008. In 6 years, the tonne rose from 205 to 1000 dollars. Nothing seemed to explain this record increase, apart from the rise in demand from emerging countries and the increase in imports from China.
The 2008 crisis, however, ended this ascent. Demand fell, and the same was true for the price of steel. A tonne of steel is currently sold starting from 635 dollars. Many industries were forced to cease their activities as a result of this crisis.
Making a living from steel recycling
The number of people who aspire to recycle steel is constantly being revised upwards, since it has become easy to find this material. Unlike other metals, steel is eternally recyclable. Its quality never deteriorates, no matter how many times it is recycled.
If you want to collect steel, you are advised to prospect at deconstruction sites. These sites throw away tons of steel every day. Once your stock is assembled, you must either sell it or continue to store it. If of good quality, your steel sells easily between 4 and 6 euros per kilogram. Note that steel recycling supplies almost half of world demand.
Never forget to recycle the steel products and accessories you find at home, because by doing so, you protect your environment.