WHAT IS MEANT BY

LOW , MEDIUM AND

HIGH CARBON STEEL.
WHAT IS LOW-CARBON STEEL?

• Low-carbon steel is characterized by a low ratio of carbon to iron.

By definition, low-carbon consists of less than 0.30% of carbon.
Also known as mild steel, it costs less to produce than both
medium-carbon and high-carbon steel. In addition to its low cost,
low-carbon steel is more pliable, which may improve its
effectiveness for certain applications while lowering its
effectiveness for other applications.
WHAT IS MEDIUM-CARBON STEEL?

• Medium-carbon steel has a higher ratio of carbon to iron than low-

carbon steel but still less than that of high-carbon steel. While low-
carbon steel consists of less than 0.30% carbon, medium-carbon
steel contains anywhere from 0.30% to 0.60% carbon. Many
automotive parts are made of medium-carbon steel. It’s stronger
and more durable than low-carbon steel but still offers at least
some ductilit
WHAT IS HIGH-CARBON STEEL?

High-carbon steel, of course, has the highest ratio of carbon to iron. It consists of
more than 0.60% carbon, thereby changing its physical properties. Also known as
carbon tool steel, it has around 0.61% to 1.5% carbon. With such a high carbon
content, high-carbon steel is stronger and harder but less ductile than low-carbon
and medium-carbon steel.
• It’s important to note that all types of steel, including low-carbon, medium
carbon and high-carbon, contain more than just iron and carbon. While steel is
characterized by these two main elements. It typically contains trace amounts of
other elements. For example, it’s not uncommon for steel to contain trace
amounts of chromium or nickel.|
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF CARBON
STEEL?

• Generally, carbon is the most important commercial steel

alloy. Increasing carbon content increases hardness and strength
and improves hardenability. But carbon also increases brittleness
and reduces weldability because of its tendency to form
martensite.
WHAT CAUSES THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
LOW,MEDIUM,AND HIGH CARBON STEEL?

• Low-carbon steel consists of less than 0.30% carbon. Medium-

carbon steel consists of 0.30% to 0.60% carbon. And high-carbon
steel contains more than 0.60% carbon. As the carbon content of
steel increases, it becomes stronger and harder.