Steels are divided into carbon steel and alloy steel. Carbon steel offers low cost and can be hardened. A major disadvantage is the lack of resistance to corrosion.

Alloy steel is elements like stainless steel, and elements other than carbon. Steel gears offer high strength and a wide range of heat treatment properties. Steel gears provide highest strength and durability. Stainless steel may be stainless steel (austenitic) that is non-magnetic and has good corrosion resistance; they may be of stainless steel (martensitic) that can be easily hardened by heat, is magnetic and have reasonable corrosion resistance. Stainless steel (aust) can be used where low power ratings are there and the other stainless steel is used where low to medium power ratings is there. Alloy steels are used in industrial field.