Application suitability of silicon (electrical) steel Evaluate the statement: “Nuts and bolts are made from silicon steel.” Decide whether it is correct, considering the typical uses and properties of silicon (electrical) steels.

Introduction / Context:
Material selection for hardware such as nuts and bolts depends on tensile strength, toughness, and thread integrity. Silicon steels—often called electrical steels—are engineered for magnetic properties (low core loss, high permeability) rather than fastener performance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Nuts and bolts typically require medium to high tensile strength and good toughness (e.g., low/medium carbon steels heat-treated to grades like 8.8, 10.9).
• Silicon steels contain 1–3.5% Si to tailor magnetic behavior and are supplied as thin laminations.
• No requirement for magnetic optimization exists in fasteners.

Concept / Approach:
Fastener steels prioritize strength classes and fatigue resistance. Common choices include boron steel, medium carbon alloy steels (e.g., 35CrMo, 4140), or low-carbon steels for low-strength hardware. In contrast, silicon electrical steels are relatively brittle in thick sections and are processed as sheets for transformer and motor cores. Their property set (magnetic, not mechanical) makes them unsuitable for threaded fasteners.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify required properties for nuts/bolts: high tensile strength, ductility, fatigue resistance.Identify silicon steel properties: magnetic optimization, lamination-grade sheets, not designed for high thread strength.Match application to material: mismatch between needs and silicon steel capabilities.Therefore, the statement is incorrect.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standards for fasteners (e.g., ISO property classes) list mechanical properties aligned with carbon/low-alloy steels and heat treatments, not electrical steels.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Qualifiers suggesting special fastener types or coatings do not solve the fundamental mismatch in mechanical properties; coatings manage corrosion, not core strength/ductility.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming that the presence of silicon always improves strength; in electrical steels, silicon targets magnetics and can reduce formability in thick sections.

Final Answer:
Incorrect