Types of Carbon Steels
Carbon steels are steels that contain carbon as the main alloying component. Carbon steels are used in a variety of industrial and automotive applications, depending on the strength required. They are categorized as mild and low, medium, high or ultra high, based on their carbon content.
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Mild and Low
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Mild and low carbon steel is the most commonly used form of steel because it is low in cost but provides properties that are ideal for a variety of applications. Mild and low carbon steels contain up to 0.30 percent carbon content. Mild contains slightly more carbon than low. Low carbon steel is not brittle or flexible, but the surface strength of mild and low carbon steel can be increased through carburizing. Typically this type of carbon steel is used when large amounts are needed, such as in structural steel applications. Low carbon steels are typically manufactured in sheets or strips as cold-rolled or annealed steel and are used to make tin plates, wire and automotive panels.
Medium
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Medium carbon steels are used to make large parts, in forging and in automotives. Medium carbon steel contains 0.30 to 0.59 percent carbon and has a good balance between flexibility and strength. Typically, medium carbon steels are used in the manufacturing of couplings, crankshafts, rails, railway wheels and rail axles.
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High
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High carbon steels contain between 0.6 and 1.70 percent carbon and must be cold rolled or subjected to heat treatments such as quenching or annealing. High carbon steels also contain manganese in varying amounts and can endure heat treatment. This carbon steel is strong and typically used to make springs and high-strength wires but is also used to make mechanical parts such as saws, valves and clutches.
Ultra-High
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Ultra-high carbon steel contains between 1 and 2 percent carbon. Higher carbon steels are used for special applications such as non-industrial knives or axles. Typically, ultra-high carbon steels are tempered to extreme hardness and are often made using a process called powder metallurgy. This process is the compacting of metal powder, which is then placed in an oven where it is sintered at high temperatures. The metals then form a solid. Steels that contain a carbon content above 2 percent are classified as cast iron.
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References
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