What Does
High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel (HSLA) Mean?
High strength low alloy steels (HSLA) are carbon steels that have had relatively small amounts of alloying elements added to their chemical composition. These alloying elements, which consist of other metals such as copper, nickel, chromium, titanium, etc., serve to improve the physical and mechanical properties of the steel. As a result, HSLA steels are typically stronger and more durable than their carbon steel counterparts are.
Corrosionpedia Explains High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel (HSLA)
High strength low alloy steel (HSLA) is manufactured in a similar fashion to other types of carbon steel. Iron and ore are combined in a furnace that melts the metal and removes impurities. However, unlike conventional carbon steel, various amounts of different alloying metals are added to the molten steel mixture during production.
Various properties of HSLA steel can be enhanced depending on which alloying elements are added to it. For example, metals such as tungsten, vanadium, molybdenum and manganese help prevent block dislocation movement in the carbon steel microstructure, thus increasing the strength and hardness of the HSLA steel.
Other alloying elements, such as nickel, copper and chromium are used to increase the corrosion resistance of the steel, allowing it to be used in challenging and aggressive environments.