Disadvantages are that it is mostly available as plate or sheet. These are used primarily for structural applications. Wide range of strengths available. High toughness and low impact transition temperature. High temperature strength and wear resistance.
Disadvantage is high cost, poor weldability and machinability with increasing alloy content.
Wear resistance combined with high core toughness and fatigue resistance. In case hardening, the surface of the steel is hardened but the hardness, maximized at the surface, grades into a softer, more ductile, core. Austenitic steels have excellent ductility at ambient and at low temperatures. Disadvantage is high cost and low strength. Available in sheet, strip, plate, bar, wire and tubing.