Classifications Of Carbon Steel Types In 2025
Carbon steel types are very important in today’s industries. They are useful and not too expensive. Carbon steel is mostly made of iron and carbon, with small amounts of other materials. This mix makes it strong and resistant to damage. That’s why it is used a lot in building, cars, and factories.
The need for carbon steel keeps growing. In 2024, its market value was USD 1047.09 billion. By 2032, it is expected to grow to USD 1365.03 billion. There are four main carbon steel types: low-carbon, medium-carbon, high-carbon, and ultrahigh-carbon steel. Each type has special features for different uses. This helps industries pick the right kind of steel for their jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Carbon steel is important for building and car-making because it is strong and cheap.
- There are four main kinds of carbon steel: low, medium, high, and ultrahigh. Each type has special uses and features.
- Picking the right carbon steel is key for success. Think about strength, bending ability, and rust resistance.
- Low-carbon steel works well for bendable projects. High-carbon steel is best for strong tools and heavy jobs.
- Mixed carbon steel is tougher and works better. It is great for tough places and hard tasks.
Low Carbon Steel
Properties of Low Carbon Steel
Low-carbon steel, also called mild steel, has carbon between 0.05% and 0.25%. This small amount of carbon makes it softer and easier to shape. It is simple to weld, cut, and form into different shapes. This makes it very useful for many jobs. It is tough and does not crack easily under pressure.
Low-carbon steel is not as strong as medium or high-carbon steel. But, it can resist rust better if coated or galvanized. When flexibility and strength are needed, low-carbon steel is often the best choice.
📌 Did you know? Low-carbon steel is important in making green steel. In 2023, renewable-electric arc furnaces (R-EAF) made up 54.3% of the green steel market. This shows a big move toward eco-friendly production.
Common Grades of Low Carbon Steel
Low-carbon steel grades are grouped by their uses and strength. Here’s a table of some common grades:
| Standard | Grade | Application |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A36/A36M | A36 | Used in buildings, bridges, and equipment |
| ASTM A513/A513M | 1010 | Makes car parts and machine components |
| ASTM A53/A53M | B | Pipes for water and gas |
| ASTM A516/A516M | 70 | Used in boilers and pressure tanks |
| SAE J403 | 1006 | Makes wires and fasteners |
| SAE J403 | 1008 | Used for car parts and sheet metal |
| SAE J403 | 1010 | For cold heading and sheet metal work |
| ASTM A1011/A1011M | 33 | Used in construction and car parts |
These grades show how low-carbon steel fits many needs. For example, ASTM A36 is great for building because it is strong and flexible.
Applications of Low Carbon Steel
Low-carbon steel is used in many industries because it is cheap and useful. Some examples are:
- Automotive Industry: It is used for car bodies, frames, and parts. Its softness makes it easy to shape into complex designs.
- Construction Sector: It is found in building frames, roofs, and bars. Coated versions resist rust better.
- Machinery and Equipment: It is used to make gears, bolts, and screws because it is easy to machine.
- Pressure Vessels: Grades like ASTM A516 are used for tanks and boilers. These need to be tough and long-lasting.
- Sheet Metal Work: It is perfect for making panels, covers, and other products.
💡 Tip: Pick the right grade for your project. For example, ASTM A53 Grade B is good for pressure pipes, while SAE J403 1008 is great for car parts.
Low-carbon steel is affordable and very useful in manufacturing today. Even with higher costs for green steel, its use in building and cars keeps it in demand.
Medium Carbon Steel
Properties of Medium Carbon Steel
Medium-carbon steel has carbon between 0.25% and 0.60%. This makes it stronger and harder than low-carbon steel. It is tough but still flexible, so it can handle heavy loads. Heat treatments like quenching and tempering make it even better.
The strength and hardness of medium-carbon steel depend on heat treatment. The table below shows how different treatments change its properties:
| NaOH Concentration (%) | Hardness (HRC) | Tensile Strength (MPa) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 57 | 728.50 |
| 10 | 58.3 | 835.99 |
| 15 | 58.5 | 987.26 |
| 20 | 60 | 1035 |
| 25 | 57.5 | 855 |
This table shows how heat treatment improves medium-carbon steel. It becomes stronger and better for tough jobs.
Common Grades of Medium Carbon Steel
Medium-carbon steel comes in different grades for specific uses. Here are some common ones:
| Grade | Application |
|---|---|
| ASTM A283 | Used in bridges and structural parts |
| ASTM A572 | High-strength materials for construction |
| SAE 1045 | Makes gears, axles, and shafts |
| SAE 1050 | Used in cars and machinery |
| ASTM A516 | For boilers and pressure tanks |
Each grade has special features. For example, SAE 1045 is great for gears because it resists wear.
Applications of Medium Carbon Steel
Medium-carbon steel is useful in many industries. Some examples are:
- Construction: It is used for buildings, bridges, and heavy equipment.
- Automotive: It makes gears, axles, and connecting rods for vehicles.
- Machinery: Quenched and tempered steel is used for crane arms.
- Pressure Vessels: It is perfect for oil and gas storage tanks.
The table below shows where medium-carbon steel is used:
| Type | Industry | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medium-carbon structural steel | Construction, Manufacturing | Buildings, bridges, heavy equipment |
| Medium-carbon sheet and strip steel | Sheet metal work | Machinery parts, automotive parts |
| Medium-carbon tubing and piping steel | Construction, automotive, heavy equipment | Mechanical tubes, pipes for fluid |
| Medium-carbon pressure vessel steel | Oil and gas, food and beverage, pharmaceutical | Pressure vessels |
| Medium-carbon alloy steel | Automotive, Heavy machinery | Gears, shafts, axles, connecting rods |
| Medium-carbon quenched and tempered steel | Automotive, Construction, Heavy machinery | Gears, axles, transmissions, crane booms, excavation arms |
Medium-carbon steel is strong and flexible. It works well in engineering and manufacturing. Its ability to handle stress makes it a top choice.
💡 Tip: Choose the right medium-carbon steel. Think about the strength and heat treatment needed for your project.
High Carbon Steel
Properties of High Carbon Steel
High-carbon steel has carbon between 0.60% and 1.25%. It also contains 0.30% to 0.90% manganese. This mix makes it the hardest and toughest type of carbon steel. But, it is also the least flexible. It is very strong but can break easily under certain conditions.
New studies show that advanced methods, like 3D printing, improve high-carbon steel. These methods make it both strong and flexible, similar to ultra-high-strength steels. 3D printing also helps avoid problems like cracking and shape changes. This makes high-carbon steel more dependable for tough jobs.
The strength of high-carbon steel depends on its carbon level and heat treatment. For example:
- A sample with 0.04% carbon changed from lath bainite to granular bainite with more heat.
- At 0.12% carbon, it shifted from lath martensite to granular bainite.
- High-carbon samples with more grain boundaries were less tough than low-carbon ones.
These features make high-carbon steel great for jobs needing extra strength and wear resistance.
Common Grades of High Carbon Steel
High-carbon steel grades are grouped by their makeup and uses. Here’s a table of common grades:
| Series | Description | Carbon Content |
|---|---|---|
| 10xx | Plain carbon steels | Max 1.00% Mn |
| 11xx | Resulfurized carbon steels | N/A |
| 12xx | Resulfurized and rephosphorized steels | N/A |
| 15xx | Non-resulfurized high-manganese steels | Up to 1.65% Mn |
These grades meet different industrial needs. For example, the 10xx series is great for tools and cutting items because it is very hard.
Applications of High Carbon Steel
High-carbon steel is used where strength and durability are key. Some examples are:
- Cutting Tools: It is used for knives, saws, and drills. Its hardness keeps edges sharp and long-lasting.
- Springs: It is found in heavy-duty springs because it is tough and elastic.
- Automotive Parts: It is used for crankshafts and gears that handle high stress.
- Construction: It works well for concrete wires and structural supports.
The table below shows its mechanical properties:
| Property | Value (MPa) | Value (psi) |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 600-700 | 87,000-101,500 |
| Tensile Strength | 800-1000 | 116,000-145,000 |
These strong values make high-carbon steel a top pick for tough tasks. But, its brittleness means it needs careful handling.
💡 Tip: Handle high-carbon steel carefully because it can break. Heat treatment can make it stronger and less likely to crack.
High-carbon steel is the strongest and hardest among carbon steel types. It is used in tools, car parts, and buildings, showing its importance in modern industries.
Ultrahigh Carbon Steel
Properties of Ultrahigh Carbon Steel
Ultrahigh-carbon steels have carbon between 1.25% and 2.0%. This makes them the hardest type of carbon steel. They are very strong and resist wear well. But, they are less flexible and can break more easily. These steels are best for jobs needing extreme hardness and strength.
Heat treatment is important for improving ultrahigh-carbon steel. Processes like annealing and quenching make them tougher and less likely to break. They also keep sharp edges for a long time, making them great for cutting tools.
💡 Tip: Ultrahigh-carbon steels can be brittle. Use heat treatment to balance their hardness and toughness.
Common Grades of Ultrahigh Carbon Steel
Ultrahigh-carbon steels come in grades for specific uses. Here are some examples:
| Grade | Carbon Content (%) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A485 | 1.30–1.80 | Bearings, cutting tools |
| SAE 1095 | 0.90–1.03 | Springs, knives, and blades |
| SAE 1080 | 0.75–0.88 | High-strength wires, tools |
| ASTM AISI 52100 | 1.00–1.10 | Ball bearings, rollers |
These grades show how versatile ultrahigh-carbon steels are. For example, SAE 1095 is popular for making knives because it stays sharp.
Applications of Ultrahigh Carbon Steel
Ultrahigh-carbon steels are used where strength and wear resistance are needed. Common uses include:
- Cutting Tools: Perfect for knives, blades, and chisels because they stay sharp.
- Bearings and Rollers: Used in machines that carry heavy loads.
- Springs: Found in strong springs that need to bend and hold shape.
- High-Strength Wires: Used in piano wires and other strong wire products.
These steels are also used in advanced methods like 3D printing and powder metallurgy. These techniques improve their features and expand their uses in modern industries.
📌 Did you know? Ultrahigh-carbon steels are often used in airplanes for parts that face extreme conditions.
Alloyed Carbon Steel
Overview of Alloyed Carbon Steel
Alloyed carbon steel is a special kind of steel. It has extra elements like chromium, molybdenum, and nickel. These make it stronger, tougher, and less likely to wear out. It is much stronger than regular carbon steel. Its tensile strength can reach 960 MPa, while standard carbon steel only goes up to 450 MPa.
This steel can handle more force without bending. It is also easier to shape and mold, which is helpful for precise work. Its unique mix of materials makes it great for tough conditions. It works well in high heat or places with lots of corrosion.
💡 Tip: For projects in harsh conditions, alloyed carbon steel is a smart choice because it is strong and durable.
Subcategories of Alloyed Carbon Steel
Alloyed carbon steel is split into groups based on its carbon content and features. Each group is made for specific jobs.
| Category | Carbon Content Range | Performance Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Low-carbon steels | < 0.30% | Softer, easier to weld |
| Medium-carbon steels | 0.30% – 0.60% | Balanced strength and hardness |
| High-carbon steels | 0.60% – 1.50% | Harder, less easy to weld |
| Ultra-high-carbon | > 1.50% | Very hard but brittle |
For instance, low-carbon alloyed steel is great for car body panels because it welds easily. High-carbon alloyed steel is better for tools that need to be very hard.
Applications of Alloyed Carbon Steel
Alloyed carbon steel is used in many industries because it is strong and versatile. Some examples are:
- Automotive Industry: Used for gears, axles, and crankshafts because it is strong and lasts long.
- Construction: Perfect for beams and columns that carry heavy weights.
- Machinery: Found in tools, springs, and strong wires.
- Energy Sector: Used in pipelines and tanks that face high pressure and heat.
The table below shows where different types of steel are used:
| Steel Type | Carbon Content (%) | Manganese Content (%) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Carbon Steels | < 0.10 | Up to 0.4 | Car body panels, tin plates, wire products. |
| Medium-Carbon Steels | 0.30 – 0.60 | 0.60 – 1.65 | Shafts, axles, gears, crankshafts, rails, and wheels. |
| High-Carbon Steels | 0.60 – 1.00 | 0.30 – 0.90 | Springs and strong wires. |
| Ultrahigh-Carbon Steels | 1.25 – 2.0 | N/A | Experimental alloys for advanced processing. |
Alloyed carbon steel is a top choice for modern industries. Its strength and precision make it reliable for tough jobs.
📌 Did you know? Alloyed carbon steel is often used in airplanes because it handles extreme conditions well.
Knowing the types of carbon steel helps you pick the right one. The four types—low, medium, high, and ultrahigh—have different strengths and uses. For instance, low-carbon steel is soft and good for screws or pans. High-carbon steel is very strong and great for tools.
The amount of carbon in the steel is very important. It affects how hard, flexible, or heat-treatable the steel is. If rust is a concern, choose coated or alloyed steel to prevent corrosion.
Think about your project’s needs when choosing steel. Medium or high-carbon steel works well for heavy-duty jobs. Low-carbon steel is better for lighter or more flexible designs. Picking the right type ensures your project lasts and works well.
| Type of Carbon Steel | Carbon Content (%) | Properties and Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Low Carbon | 0.04% to 0.30% | Easy to shape, used for sheets, screws, and cookware. Not suitable for case hardening. |
| Medium Carbon | 0.31% to 0.60% | Stronger than low carbon, used for machine parts. Can be heat treated for additional hardness. |
| High Carbon | 0.60% to 1.4% | Strongest type, used for tools. Can be heat treated but may become brittle. |
💡 Tip: Think about the environment and stress your project will face. This helps you pick steel that performs well and resists rust.
FAQ
What are the main types of carbon steel?
Carbon steel has four types: low-carbon, medium-carbon, high-carbon, and ultrahigh-carbon. Each type is made for specific jobs. Low-carbon steel is soft and bendable. Ultrahigh-carbon steel is very hard and used for tough tasks.
How does carbon content affect steel properties?
The amount of carbon changes steel’s strength and flexibility. More carbon makes steel harder but less bendable. Less carbon makes it easier to shape and join.
Which industries use carbon steel the most?
Carbon steel is widely used in construction, cars, and factories. It builds strong structures, car parts, and machines because it is durable and useful.
Can carbon steel resist corrosion?
Carbon steel rusts easily unless it is coated or mixed with other metals. Galvanized or alloyed steel protects better in wet or outdoor places.
How do you choose the right type of carbon steel?
Think about what your project needs. Use low-carbon steel for bending. Pick medium or high-carbon steel for strength. For tough conditions, alloyed steel is the best choice.
See Also
How to Select the Perfect Galvanized Steel Coil for Your Business