Carbon steel is primarily composed of iron and carbon. Other elements may be present in small amounts, but the carbon content is the defining factor. It's a versatile material with a wide range of applications due to its varying properties depending on the carbon content.
- Strength: Varies based on carbon content and heat treatment.
- Hardness: Increases with carbon content and heat treatment.
- Cost: Generally low-cost compared to stainless and alloy steels.
- Corrosion Resistance: Prone to rust; can be protected with coatings.
Low Carbon Steel (Mild)
Contains up to .25% Carbon
Mild steel, commonly referred to as low-carbon steel
This carbon content gives mild steel a favorable combination of strength, flexibility, and weldability, making it suitable for various applications.
Grades: 1010 1015 1018 1020
Medium Carbon Steel
Contains 0.3% to 0.6% Carbon (approximately)
Medium-carbon steel effectively combines the ductility and formability of low-carbon steel with the strength and hardness typical of high-carbon steel. Consequently, medium-carbon steels possess greater strength and hardness than low-carbon steels.
Grades: 1040 1060 1141 1541 4140 1045
High Carbon Steel
Contains 0.6% and 1.7% Carbon
High carbon steel contains much more carbon than ordinary carbon steel and is, therefore, also called carbon tool steel. High carbon steel has high hardness, high strength, and low toughness and is easy to quench and temper, so it is widely used in manufacturing machine parts, tools, and blades that require high strength and hardness.
Grades 1060 1065 1070 1080 Tool Steel High Speed Steel
Iron
Cast iron is a strong material that's prone to cracking, while ductile iron is a type of cast iron that's more flexible and less likely to crack
Ductile and Cast Iron