What is carbon steel?
Carbon steel is extremely versatile, and its uses and properties differs upon its carbon content. As their will be an increase in carbon content the steel will turn stronger and harder. But, it turn into less ductile, more brittle and tougher to weld.
Even the higher the carbon content the lower will be the melting point of steel. Carbon steel is been more divided into four categories depend on its carbon content i.e low/mild, medium, and high.
Carbon steel types
Low carbon steel: It is also known as mild steel which is one of the most common type of steel. It is a type of steel which has small amount of carbon, usually at 0.05% to 0.3% range. Its lower carbon amount makes it more tensile and ductile as compared to other type of steels.
It is ideal for applications in which accuracy is the prime due to its strengthened flexibility. It is less susceptible to corrosion as compared to other type of steel due to lesser amount of carbon.
Medium carbon steel: It has carbon amount in the range of 0.3-0.6%. It is frequently utilized in tempered condition which has microstructure of tempered martensite. It balances strength and ductility and provide good wear resistance.
It is mainly used for machine components, axles, shafts, gear, coupling, forging and other components which needs combination of high strength, toughness and wear resistance.
High Carbon Steel: It has carbon amount of 0.55% or above which is the highest carbon ratio. It is least ductile and has highest hardness, toughness and resistant to wear. It is popular choice for fastener but it can also be used in various industries such as automotive, manufacturing & construction, household toys & appliances.
Carbon Steel Application
Nowadays carbon steel represents 90% of steel production. The construction industry uses it about a quarter of the world’s steel for manufacturing. Since it is not resistant to corrosion it needs to be galvanized for using it in outdoor purpose. Higher carbon content increase durability, heat distribution, and malleability by lowering its melting point. It is usually used in the following application:
- Automobile elements
- Blade and cutter
- Device and machinery
- Steel Wire
- Structural steel material
Density of carbon steel grades
| Carbon Steel Grade (AISI) | Carbon Steel Type | Density, kg/m³ | Density, g/cm³ | Density, Ib/ft³ | |
| Low Carbon Steel | 7,850 | 7.85 | 490 | ||
| 1005 1006 1008 1010 1011 1012 1013 1015 1016 1017 1018 | 1019 1020 1021 1022 1023 1025 1026 1110 1117 1118 | Medium Carbon Steel | 7,830 | 7.83 | 489 |
| 1055 1059 1060 1064 1065 1069 1070 1074 1075 1078 1080 1084 | 1085 1086 1090 1095 1137 1139 1140 1141 1144 1145 1146 1151 | High Carbon Steel | 7,810 | 7.81 | 488 |
Author Introduction:
This blog is written by Priyanka who has extensive knowledge about steel and alloys. As she is working in the steel industry for last 7 years and has gained experience in the manufacturing, processing and application of steel products. In this blog Priyanka shares her expertise about the density of steel.