Understanding Steel Grades and Their Best Uses in Cutting and Machining

Selecting the correct steel grade is essential when it comes to cutting and machining, especially in industries that demand precision and durability. From large-scale infrastructure to bespoke engineering components, each application requires a specific balance of strength, machinability and resilience. At RMP Products, we work with a wide range of steels tailored to these needs, offering the flexibility to meet varied industrial demands.

Here’s a closer look at common applications across sectors and the steel grades best suited to each one, along with what is typically produced from these profiles.

1. Structural Steelwork: Preferred Grades: S275, S355

Structural steels such as S275 and S355 are widely used in frameworks, columns and support beams. S355 is especially popular for larger or load-bearing structures thanks to its higher yield strength. These grades are often selected for building frames, bridges and mezzanine floors. Before assembly, structural steel is typically profiled and shaped, often using plasma cuttingor flame cuttingdepending on the thickness and tolerances required.

2. Agricultural Parts and Heavy Machinery: Preferred Grades: 080M40 (EN8), S690QL

Medium carbon steels like EN8 are ideal for shafts, axles and components that must withstand repetitive motion and abrasion. For high-strength requirements, S690QL is often used in trailers, lifting arms and earth-moving equipment. These grades respond well to machining and can handle complex shaping for bespoke parts.

3. Oil, Gas and Offshore Engineering: Preferred Grades: 4130, API 5L

In high-pressure environments like the Oil & Gas& Offshore industries, alloy steels such as 4130 and pipeline-grade steels like API 5L are used to manufacture connectors, flanges and pressure vessel parts. These steels require both cutting precision and careful handling due to their higher alloy content and the risks of cracking during fabrication.

4. Rail and Transport Systems: Preferred Grades: R260, C45

From rail track to suspension components, rail & transportapplications demand durability and accuracy. R260 is used in rail construction for its toughness, while C45 is ideal for wear-prone parts like pins and shafts. These components are often profiled from flat steel and refined with CNC machiningto ensure consistent performance in high-impact environments.

5. Recycling and Waste Handling Equipment: Preferred Grades: Hardox 400, Hardox 500

Hard-wearing steels like Hardox are commonly used in skips, shredders and conveyor systems due to their resistance to impact and abrasion. These plates for recycling equipmentare often cut to shape using high-definition techniques to preserve edge quality, which helps extend the working life of the final product.

6. Renewable Energy Installations: Preferred Grades: S355G10, S460NL

Tidal, wind and solar structures require steels that can handle environmental stress while maintaining structural integrity. S355G10 is often used for offshore wind turbine foundations, with S460NL providing additional strength where weight needs to be reduced. These profiles for the renewable sectorare typically prepared using a combination of cutting and machining to match project specifications.

Conclusion

Each industry has its own demands and the steel grade chosen must meet them without compromise. Whether the priority is strength, wear resistance or ease of machining, there’s a material that fits the bill.

At RMP Products, we support businesses across multiple sectors with a range of steel profiling services, combining experience with specialist processes to help ensure each profile is fit for purpose.

To find out more about how we prepare and cut different steel grades, contact usfor tailored advice.