Steel Quality Control: What are the Types of Quality Inspections?

Quality steel is not a magical invention. Instead, it is the result of rigorous quality steel control and testing, which ensures that the steel produced after the long process is of top quality. Right from the moment iron is extracted to the moment it is sent to the manufacturing concerns, quality testing must start.

If you are wondering why steel quality testing is so crucial, you must understand that several industries require steel that meets stringent standards and specifications. Thus, it becomes a crucial part of the steel manufacturing process. In this blog, you will learn about multiple quality inspection types.

Raw Material Inspection

Steel is an alloy made of iron ore, scrap metal, and other alloys. So, this is where steel quality testing starts while choosing the raw material. It must be ensured that the raw materials meet the required standards.

Visual Inspection

Visual inspection refers to the detailed examination of stainless-steel products. It requires the staff to inspect each product and look for any surface imperfections, irregularities, and defects. This inspection ensures the steel’s appearance aligns with quality standards and customer expectations.

Dimensional Inspections

Industries require steel items of a specific size, length, width, and thickness. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to employ dimensional inspection wherein steel products are inspected for thickness, width, tend other critical measurements. This process ensures compliance with precise dimensional requirements specified for various applications and minimizes the wastage of time and resources. The aim is to detect any irregularities in time, which is crucial to avoid further deviation from the standard.

Chemical Composition Analysis

Carbon steel and stainless steel are both steel, so what is the difference?

It is the composition.

Carbon steel has a high carbon content, up to 2.1% of its mass, while stainless steel has only 0.5-0.10% of its mass. In addition, it also has chromium, nickel, tungsten, cobalt, and other corrosion-resistant materials.

It can be understood now that chemical composition is very crucial in manufacturing steel. Even the slightest deviation can change the steel type. Thus, chemical composition inspection is another crucial part of quality control in the steel industry.

This inspection ensures that the metal’s elemental composition meets the specified standards, verifying the presence and percentage of alloying elements.

Mechanical Property Testing

Stainless steel is known for its durability, strength, malleability, etc. So, when the manufacturing process is completed, the steel is tested for its mechanical properties to assess its strength, hardness, toughness, and other mechanical characteristics. Tensile, compression, and impact tests are conducted to validate the material’s mechanical properties.

Non-Destructive Testing

NDT involves certain testing techniques which test a material without altering the material permanently. The techniques include infrared testing, leak testing, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, etc. These tests detect internal flaws or inconsistencies in steel without causing damage and ensure structural integrity and reliability.

Heat Treatment Verification

Heat treatment verification is when the metal undergoes heat treatment to enhance its properties. The steel attains the desired metallurgical properties when it undergoes multiple heating and cooling processes.

Coating and Plating Inspection

Coating and plating lend steel its appearance. Be it carbon steel or stainless steel, coating, and plating ensure that the metal looks aesthetically appealing and protects it from wear and tear, rust, and other environmental impacts.

Final Words

When procuring steel for your home or industrial use, you must invest time searching for the best stainless-steel supplier in Albuquerque. While quality testing is a manufacturer’s job, it is the supplier’s job to procure the best steel and make it available to you.

At New Mexico Metals LLC, we understand the importance of quality testing and inspection and thus get you the best quality steel items. In addition, we also offer quality metal services to offer you the best.

Give us a call or visit anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions

Que: How do quality testing and inspections contribute to the reliability of steel products?

Ans: By identifying and rectifying defects, procuring quality raw materials, ensuring compliance standards, and verifying production at each stage, these inspections contribute to producing high-quality metal products used across industries.

Que: Who conducts quality inspections in steel manufacturing?

Ans: Quality inspectors, technicians, and other quality control professionals perform these inspection tasks. Manufacturers often employ testing laboratories to conduct such inspections using professional tools and equipment.

Que: What is ultrasonic testing?

Ans: Ultrasonic testing is a type of non-destructive testing which uses high-frequency sound waves to detect flaws. The waves travel through the material, and as they encounter a discontinuity or change in structure, they reflect back. It is a valuable technique to gain information about the condition of the steel.