Carbon steel or stainless steel? Like life and death in Shakespeare’s, It’s an ultimate question that every manufacturer will face in their career.
This article will help you understand the differences between two broad categories in the entire family of metal alloys.
In a previous post, we in-depth analyzed can one type of mild steel (1018 steel). If you are interested in this material, you can click here.
What is Carbon Steel Alloy?
The Main Components make Carbon Steel
Iron: This metal constitutes the majority of its composition.
Carbon: Amount of carbon typically ranges from 0.02% to 2.0%. It significantly influences the steel’s properties, such as hardness and strength.
Micronutrients: Include other elements like Manganese, silicon, sulfur, copper, and phosphorus. Most micronutrients not exceeding 0.05%.
Nomenclature of Carbon Steel
The American Iron and Steel Institute(AISI) defined the vocabulary of steel.
Generally, carbon steel is classified by a unique code. It often consists of numbers that indicate the percentage of key elements present.
For instance, a common designation is 1018 Steel:
The “10”: Indicates Regular Carbon Steel without vulcanization.
The “18”: Signifies a carbon content of approximately 0.18%.
Different Categories of Carbon Steel in Manufacturing
In manufacturing, different types of carbon steel are utilized to meet specific requirements of various applications.
Low-carbon steel (also known as Mild Steel)
Steel alloy contains lower carbon content(0.02% to 0.3%) called low carbon steel. This is one of the most common carbon steel in manufacturing.
This type of steel has:
- Excellent ductility and formability
- Allows for easier shaping and welding
- Can create complex designs with minimal effort
These properties make it ideal for:
- Vehicle parts
- Structural components
- Household items
Medium Carbon Steel
Medium carbon steel has a carbon content between 0.3% and 0.6%. It strikes a balance between strength and malleability.
This type of steel is commonly used in components like:
- Gears
- Shafts
- Vehicle parts
- Mining conveyor rollers
CHINA HUACHENG’s mining conveyor rollers and drums are made from high-quality carbon steel, ensuring outstanding durability and performance in harsh environments.
High Carbon Steel
High-carbon steel with a higher carbon content from 0.6% to 2%. A high concentration of carbon offers:
- Superior hardness
- Higher strength and toughness
- Resistance to deformation and abrasion
However, high carbon content also makes it:
- Less ductile
- Brittleness
It is often used in:
- Cutting tool
- Springs
- Driller
Stainless Steel vs Carbon Steel: What is the Difference?
In this part, I’ll list the differences between stainless steel and carbon steel.
Key Differences in Composition
Stainless steel contains:
- At least 10.5 percent of chromium content
- A significant amount of nickel.
These elements enhance its corrosion resistance.
Carbon steel is an alloy of iron with:
- Higher iron content
- Higher concentration of carbon
These two materials make it more susceptible to rust and degradation.
Resistance to Corrosion and Rust
Stainless steel outperforms carbon steel in this area because:
- Chromium forms a protective layer that prevents the material reacts with oxygen
It makes stainless steel ideal for marine applications and environments exposed to moisture.
When it comes to carbon steel:
- Less durable
- Requires protective coatings or treatments to enhance its rust resistance.
- Need long-term maintenance
This weakness may add costs over time.
Cost-Effectiveness
Unlike stainless steel, carbon steel is generally less expensive.
It performs significantly in applications where budget constraints are a priority,
Mechanical Properties
Stainless steel typically has mechanical properties that outperform carbon steel.
Stainless steel can:
- Withstand harsh environments without deteriorating
- Wear-resistant
These properties make it ideal for:
- Food processing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Marine engineering
On the other hand, carbon steel boasts:
- High tensile strength
- Excellent toughness
These properties make it suitable for structural applications.
Machining and Welding
Stainless steel is:
- More challenging in weldability
- Tends to warp
- Requires specific techniques to ensure a strong joint
In contrast, carbon steel is:
- Generally an easily welded material
- Easier to reach the right weld temperature
- Easy to machine
- Allows for more straightforward fabrication processes
In Heat Treatment
Carbon steel can be heat-treated to enhance its hardness and strength.
Stainless steel often undergoes different heat treatment processes to achieve desired mechanical properties.
Carbon Steel Suited Manufacturing Field
As a whole, carbon steel is used in many different industry fields.
In this part, I summarized several areas in which carbon steel often plays a significant role.
Automotive
Carbon steel is widely utilized in the automotive industry due to its ability to withstand stress and impact.
It is used in:
- Automobile body
- Chassis
- Body panel
- Structural part
Construction
In construction, carbon steel provides the necessary machinability, support, and durability for buildings and infrastructure.
This material is a preferred choice for:
- Reinforcing bar and beam
- Manufacturing tool
- Gear
- Fastener
Machinery Manufacturing
Carbon steel is cost-effective and adaptive to various treatments and coatings. Manufacturers can produce high-quality products while maintaining competitive pricing.
Utilizing carbon steel, manufacturers provide various components, including:
- Gear
- Shaft
- Frames
In Cookware and Catering industry
Carbon steel has become a popular choice in the cookware and catering industry.
Unlike non-stick coatings that can wear off over time, this material:
- Reaches high temperatures quickly
- Allows for precise temperature control
- Develops a natural patina with use and enhances its non-stick qualities
- Relatively lightweight compared to cast iron
Conclusion
In conclusion, carbon steel and stainless steel are useful materials in manufacturing. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.
The choice of steel must based on the need of your project.
Where can I get Good Carbon Steel Processing?
Welcome to ask XMAKE for help! XMAKE is a leading digital manufacturing platform with advanced techniques and rich experiences. Tell us what you need, and you can wait for a pleasing answer.
FAQS
Q1: How does the yield strength of carbon steel compare to that of stainless steel?
A: Generally, carbon steel tends to have a higher yield strength than many kinds of stainless steel, meaning it can withstand greater stress before deforming. However, specific stainless steel grades can be engineered to have higher yield strengths as well.
Q2: What types of stainless steel exist and how do they differ from carbon steel?
A: There are several types of stainless steel, including austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, and duplex. Each type has a different chemical composition and structure, which affects its properties such as corrosion resistance and strength, distinguishing them from carbon steel.
Q3: What is the significance of the percent carbon present in carbon steel?
A: The percent carbon present in carbon steel plays a crucial role in determining its hardness, strength, and ductility. Higher carbon content typically results in steel that is harder and stronger, but also less ductile, which can affect its usability in certain applications.
Q4: What is carbon steel’s role in manufacturing industries?
A: Carbon steel is a special material in manufacturing industries due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and mechanical properties. It is widely used for producing tools, machinery parts, and structural components that require good strength and durability.
References
- How much do you know about the classification, grades, and uses of carbon steel? (n.d.). https://www.chinazbj.com/Article/tgdflphjyt.html
- What is carbon steel, and alloy steel? Can you tell the difference? – East Associates Technology Ltd. (2021, August 7). https://www.donjoypump.com/industry-news/1004
- The Difference Between High Carbon Steel and Aluminum Alloys – Motorola. (n.d.). Motor Home. https://www.autohome.com.cn/ask/1557157.html
