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Carbon Steel

Carbon Steels are a category of steel alloys that primarily consist of iron and carbon. They are among the most widely used and versatile types of steels, and their properties can be varied by adjusting the carbon content and adding other alloying elements.

We stock these grades of (Low) Carbon Steels:

1018 Cold Finished (Bars)
1045 Cold Finished, Hot Rolled (Bars, TG&P)
A36 Hot Rolled (Bars, Angles, Plates)
Tubing (DOM, ERW, HRS)
Pipe

CARBON STEEL AT A GLANCE

Properties

Strength: Carbon steels can exhibit a wide range of strength levels depending on the carbon content and heat treatment.
Ductility: Lower carbon content generally results in increased ductility, while higher carbon content may reduce ductility.
Machinability: Carbon steels are generally machinable, and their machinability can be influenced by factors like alloying elements and heat treatment.
Weldability: Carbon steels are generally weldable, but the weldability can be affected by factors such as carbon content and the presence of impurities.

Carbon Content

Low Carbon Steels: These steels typically contain up to 0.25% carbon. They are characterized by good formability, weldability, and relatively low strength. Common applications include sheet metal, structural components, and automotive parts.
Medium Carbon Steels: With carbon content ranging from 0.25% to 0.60%, medium carbon steels offer a balance between strength and ductility. They are used in applications such as forging, axles, and machinery parts.
High Carbon Steels: Carbon content in high carbon steels can exceed 0.60%, providing high hardness and wear resistance. These steels are used in applications like cutting tools, springs, and high-strength wires.

Heat Treatment

Annealing: Heat treatment processes like annealing can be applied to improve the machinability and formability of carbon steels.
Quenching and Tempering: Heat treatment involving quenching followed by tempering can be used to achieve specific combinations of hardness and toughness.

Alloying Elements

Manganese: Often added to improve strength and toughness.
Silicon: Enhances strength and deoxidizes the steel.
Sulfur and Phosphorus: Impurities that, in excess, can affect the machinability and weldability.

Applications

Construction: Carbon steels are widely used in construction for structural components like beams, columns, and reinforcing bars.
Automotive: Many automotive components, such as chassis parts and panels, are made from carbon steels.
Machinery and Equipment: Carbon steels find applications in the manufacturing of machinery, tools, and equipment.
Pipelines: Low carbon steels are often used in the construction of pipelines for conveying fluids.
Cutting Tools: High carbon steels are used for cutting tools and blades due to their hardness.

Classification

Plain Carbon Steels: Mainly composed of iron and carbon, with minimal alloying elements.
High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steels: Contain small amounts of alloying elements to enhance strength without sacrificing formability.