Carbon steel is a metal alloy of iron and carbon, with uses depending on the amount of carbon added. Wrought iron is low carbon, mild steel is medium carbon, high carbon steel is used for springs and wires, and cast iron is ultra high carbon. Stainless steel, which combines iron with chromium, is distinguished by its shiny, non-porous surface. Carbon steel is harder and stronger than stainless steel, but less malleable. The uses of carbon steel depend on the amount of carbon added to the alloy mix.
Carbon steel is a metal alloy that combines iron and carbon. The various uses of carbon steel depend on the amount of carbon added to the alloy; for example, carbon steel with the least amount of carbon is called wrought iron and is used for things like fencing. Medium carbon steel, also called mild steel, is the type of steel used for structural purposes in buildings and bridges. High carbon steel is used for steel springs and wires, while high carbon steel is called cast iron and is often used to make cookware.
There are two types of steel alloys that are typically familiar to the average person: carbon steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel combines iron with carbon, while stainless steel combines iron with chromium. It’s easy for most people to identify stainless steel because chromium creates a shiny coating on the metal that is reflective and non-porous, making stainless steel easy to clean and decorative. One of the common definitions of carbon steel is any steel that is not stainless.
The carbon in carbon steel makes the metal harder and stronger than stainless steel, but it’s also less malleable. As more carbon is added to the alloy mix, the carbon steel becomes harder and more brittle. There are four categories of carbon steels which are distinguishable by the amount of carbon added to the alloy mix. The uses of carbon steel depend on this category classification.
Carbon steel with the lowest carbon content is typically called wrought iron; the metal is hard, but not brittle. This type of carbon steel is used for fences, chain links, gates and railings. Its lower carbon content means it has the flexibility to be ‘worked’ into designs for ornamental purposes.
The most commonly used carbon steel has a medium carbon content; Carbon steel uses in this category include structural steel for constructing buildings and bridges. It is also used for parts of consumer products such as cars, refrigerators and washing machines. The vessels use medium carbon steel as a structural component.
High carbon steel is hard but brittle and less easily machined. The uses of carbon steel in this category are typically for manufacturing purposes. This type of carbon steel is often used to make high strength springs and wires. The higher hardness makes this steel category ideal for cutting tools, punches, dies and industrial knives.
Ultra high carbon carbon steel is commonly referred to as cast iron. This type of cast iron is very hard but very brittle. It has little or no malleability and cannot be easily welded or machined. It is often used for cast iron cookware, hot water radiators and some types of street lights. Industrially, this type of carbon steel is used for castings because the high carbon content lowers the melting point.
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