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High-Carbon Steel_ Uses, Composition and Its Properties _ Xometr
High-Carbon Steel_ Uses, Composition and Its Properties _ Xometr
This article will discuss high-carbon steel, its uses, composition, and properties.
No, high-carbon steel and high-alloy steel are two different concepts. While carbon is
technically an alloying element and high-carbon steel has a significant amount of it, this is
not the same as high-alloy steel. The latter term gets applied to steel with high percentages
of other alloying elements such as chromium and molybdenum. An example of a high-alloy
steel is stainless steel which contains more than 10.5% chromium.
Alloyed carbon steels are produced by adding other alloying elements to high-carbon steel.
This is done to improve their properties but only when required since it also makes the
metal far more expensive. Alloyed carbon steels can include constituents like: chromium,
cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, tungsten, or vanadium. These elements can be
used to improve heat resistance, tensile strength, corrosion resistance, hardness,
toughness, and more. One common example of an alloyed carbon steel is stainless steel.
2. Spring Steel
Spring steel has a carbon content of 0.6-1%, and it may also have varying amounts of nickel,
manganese, chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum. Above all, though, spring steel must
contain silicon to earn the name. Silicon makes the steel flexible and gives it a high yield
strength.
Plain carbon steel has no other alloying elements of significance and therefore is the
cheapest form of high-carbon steel. Plain carbon steel is hard to weld, fails after minimal
elongation, and is sensitive to heat treatments,
4. Tool Steel
Tool steel gets alloyed with tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt, and vanadium to enhance its
durability and heat resistance. The heat resistance of tool steel prevents the metal from
tempering when heated since that would diminish the tool's strength. To learn more, see
our guide on Tool Steel Composition.
1. Cutting tools
2. Springs
3. Knives
4. Fasteners
5. Masonry nails
6. Gear wheels
7. Chains
8. Pneumatic drill bits
9. Shears
Element Iron
Element Manganese
Property Density
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Property Hardness (Rockwell B)
1. High strength
2. Resistance to wear
3. Hardness
4. Brittleness
In most contexts, yes, high-carbon steel is the strongest type of carbon steel you’ll usually
encounter. It’s notably stronger than stainless, medium-carbon, and low-carbon steel. The
greater number of carbon atoms in the lattice structure increases its hardness, strength,
and wear resistance. However, certain alloy steels that contain chromium and/or
manganese can surpass the strength of high-carbon steel.
No. High-carbon steel does not resist rust to a significant degree, though it does fare better
than its low-carbon counterparts. Rust can be prevented in high-carbon steel by proper
treatment and maintenance. For example, protective oil or paint coatings or regular
cleaning with water or a mild detergent can all help protect the surface from rust and make
it more durable.
The answer to this question depends on your perspective. High-carbon steel resists
corrosion better than its low- and medium-carbon counterparts. That’s a reason why it is so
often employed in pressure tanks and bridges. However, high-carbon steel has nowhere
near the degree of corrosion resistance seen in stainless steel. The latter owes its corrosion-
resistant properties primarily to its inclusion of at least 10.5% chromium. Although
resistance to corrosion does scale with the carbon content, it can’t compare to a high
chromium content. It is also important to note that high-carbon steel is particularly
vulnerable to corrosion from sulfuric acid or salt water.
Hot-Rolled Steel
The hot-rolling process is carried out near the recrystallization temperature. Hot-rolling
leaves fewer residual internal stresses in its structure. This makes for steel that is less hard
than its cold-rolled counterpart. Hot-rolled steel is not as strong as the cold-rolled version
because the hot-rolling process allows for recrystallization, which, in turn, creates finer
grains in the steel microstructure. These finer crystals are more prone to dislocation.
The upshot is that hot-rolled steel is cheaper since the production process demands less
energy than cold rolling. However, hot-rolled high-carbon steel is less dimensionally
accurate because the material shrinks as it cools, making dimensions more challenging to
control. Hot-rolled high-carbon steel is used in construction and railroad tracks where
tolerances aren’t overly strict.
Cold-Rolled Steel
Cold rolling is carried out at room temperature. Cold-rolled high-carbon steel is harder, has
a better surface finish, and is more dimensionally accurate than hot-rolled steel, though it’s
less ductile. During cold rolling, the grains of the metal are elongated which strain-hardens
the material. This steel must be stressed and relieved before being used because it may
otherwise begin to warp. Its uses include: electric motors, water heaters, frying pans, and
pressure vessels.
Tempered Steel
Tempering increases the strength and hardness of high-carbon steels. By reheating the
high-carbon steel to just below its eutectoid point, allowing the carbon to be dissolved in the
lattice structure, and then quenching it, the carbon is trapped in the structure. This altered
crystal lattice is called martensite, and it’s harder and stronger than other steel
microstructures. Tempered steel is used in swords, knives, tools, and construction
equipment.
Country EN
Country England
Country Italy
Country Japan
Country China
Equivalent Grade 60
Country Russia
Equivalent Grade 60
1. Susceptible to corrosion
2. Poor weldability
3. Low ductility and malleability
4. Difficult to cut and form
Yes, high-carbon steel is better than stainless steel for applications that require hardness.
However, stainless steel is the better choice in corrosive environments. High-carbon steel is
better for some knives, cutting tools, and gears, and stainless steel is better for applications
like: medical instruments, food processing equipment, and boat components.
Summary
This article presented high-carbon steel, explained it, and discussed its various uses and
properties. To learn more about high-carbon steel, contact a Xometry representative.
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Team Xometry
This article was written by various Xometry contributors. Xometry is a
leading resource on manufacturing with CNC machining, sheet metal
fabrication, 3D printing, injection molding, urethane casting, and more.
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