Mild Steel is the most commonly used ferrous metal. As a “low carbon steel,” it contains a carbon content of .15% to .30%. The low carbon content makes it a tough steel with high tensile strength that must be case hardened in order to be molded or shaped. This steel is usually used in the manufacturing of nuts and bolts, plates, girders, and most general metal products. Despite its toughness, this metal rusts more easily than other types of steel.

Cast Iron is another commonly used ferrous metal that consist of carbon and Iron. The carbon content in carbon iron is high, making up 2% to 6 % of the alloy. Because of this high content, this metal is able to be hardened and tempered. Cast iron is also self lubricating, brittle, and cheap and can be classified as Whitecast iron, Grey cast iron, and Malleable cast iron depending on the variation of the percentage of carbon in the alloy. Because of its low melting point, good fluidity, and wear resistance, cast iron is widely used in manufacturing and engineering fields. As such, cast iron is an important metal for automotive pressing and parts, machine tool parts, manhole covers, and the manufacturing of crushing machinery.

Stainless Steel is a widely known ferrous metal that is comprised of generally 18 % chromium and 8% nickel. Unlike other types of ferrous metals, stainless steel is resilient to rust and stains, making it a pivotal metal in the construction of cutlery, medical instruments, pipes, and aircraft parts.

High Speed Steel, abbreviated HSS or HS, is a “medium carbon steel,” containing .30% to .70 % carbon and upwards of 7% of chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, and/or cobalt. Usually, these alloys can retain their hardness at high temperatures and, for the most part, are brittle metals that can be tempered and hardened. They are commonly used in the manufacturing of machine tool bits and cutters, like drill bits and saw blades; hence the name “High Speed” Steel