Carbon steel can be categorized depending on the chemical composition and characteristics of the product. Mild steel also falls under the low carbon steel category as it is comprised of similar carbon content. Plain carbon steel is free from alloys and can be placed in four categories:
1. Low carbon steel or mild steel
Low carbon steel has 0.04–0.3% carbon content and is the most common grade of carbon steel. Mild steel is also considered low carbon steel as it is defined as having a low carbon content of 0.05–0.25%. Mild steel is ductile, highly formable, and can be used for automobile body parts, plates, and wire products. At the higher end of the low carbon content range, and with the addition of manganese of up to 1.5%, mechanical properties are suitable for stampings, forgings, seamless tubes, and boiler plates.
2. Medium carbon steel
Medium carbon steel has a carbon range of 0.31–0.6% and a manganese range of 0.6–1.65%. This steel can be heat treated and quenched to further adjust the microstructure and mechanical properties. Popular applications include shafts, axles, gears, rails, and railway wheels.
3. High carbon steel
High carbon steel has a carbon range of 0.6–1% with a 0.3–0.9% manganese content. Properties of high carbon steels make them suitable for use as springs and high-strength wires. These products cannot be welded unless a detailed program of heat treatment is included in the welding procedure. High carbon steel is used for edged tools, high-strength wires, and springs.
4. Ultra-high carbon steels
Ultra-high carbon steel has a carbon range of 1.25–2%, and are known as an experimental alloy. Tempering can produce a steel with a great hardness level, which is useful for applications like knives, axles, or punches.
Post time: Mar-29-2022