More than 1.5 billion tons of steel are produced each year, which are used to make a variety of products, such as sewing needles and structural beams for skyscrapers. Carbon steel is the most commonly used alloy steel, accounting for about 85% of all U.S. production. The carbon content of the product is in the 0-2% range. This carbon affects the microstructure of steel, giving it its legendary strength and toughness. These alloys also contain small amounts of manganese, silicon and copper. Mild steel is the commercial term for mild steel with a carbon content in the range of 0.04-0.3%.
Carbon steel can be classified according to the chemical composition and properties of the product. Mild steel also falls into the mild steel category because it has a similar carbon content. Ordinary carbon steel does not contain alloys and can be divided into four categories:
1. Low carbon steel
Mild steel has a carbon content of 0.04-0.3% and is the most common grade of carbon steel. Mild steel is also considered mild steel as it is defined as having a low carbon content of 0.05-0.25%. Mild steel is ductile, highly malleable and can be used in automotive body parts, sheet and wire products. At the high end of the low carbon content range, plus up to 1.5% manganese, the mechanical properties are suitable for stampings, forgings, seamless tubes and boiler plates.
2. Medium carbon steel
Medium carbon steels have a carbon content in the range of 0.31-0.6% and a manganese content in the range of 0.6-1.65%. This steel can be heat treated and quenched to further tune the microstructure and mechanical properties. Popular applications include axles, axles, gears, rails and railroad wheels.
3. High carbon steel
High carbon steel has a carbon content of 0.6-1% and a manganese content of 0.3-0.9%. The properties of high carbon steel make it suitable for use as springs and high strength wire. These products cannot be welded unless a detailed heat treatment procedure is included in the welding procedure. High carbon steel is used for cutting tools, high strength wire and springs.
4. Ultra-high carbon steel
Ultra-high carbon steels have a carbon content of 1.25-2% and are known as experimental alloys. Tempering produces very hard steel, which is useful for applications such as knives, axles or punches.
Post time: Jul-31-2022