Carbon steel is a steel with carbon content from about 0.05 up to 2.1 percent by weight. No minimum content is specified or required for chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, nickel, niobium, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zirconium, or any other element to be added to obtain a desired alloying effect; the specified minimum for copper does not exceed 0.40%; or the specified maximum for any of the following elements does not exceed the percentages noted: manganese 1.65%; silicon 0.60%; copper 0.60%. The term carbon steel may also be used in reference to steel which is not stainless steel; in this use carbon steel may include alloy steels. High carbon steel has many different uses such as milling machines, cutting tools (such as chisels) and high strength wires. These applications require a much finer microstructure, which improves the toughness. As the carbon content percentage rises, steel has the ability to become harder and stronger through heat treating; however, it becomes less ductile.
Advantages of Carbon Steel
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Green
Carbon steel is easy to recycle compared to many other materials, making it environmentally friendly.
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Economical
For many uses, such as piping, carbon steel can be made very thin compared to other metals. This makes it very cost effective. Carbon steel pipes, for example, are cheaper to make than copper pipes.
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Durable
Carbon steel is extremely strong and shock resistant. This makes it a popular choice for construction, piping and to support modern roads. This type of steel is also not prone to rotting as many other metals are.
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Safe
Compared to many other materials, steel is safe to handle and work with. It’s also a good material for building homes that are resistant to fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.
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Our factory - Qingdao RT Steel Structure Co.,Ltd is located in Huangdao district of Qingdao City, it covers an area of 20 thousand square meters which is specialized in designing, manufacturing and installation of steel structure products. The company has two professional production lines the annual output reaches 30 thousand tons.
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Types of Carbon Steel
Medium carbon steel
Contains 0.3% to 0.6% carbon content, making it stronger and harder than low-carbon steel but also more brittle. It is often used in applications that require both strength and ductility, such as machinery components, automotive parts and building frames.
Low carbon steel
There are several types of carbon steel, each with unique properties and applications. Also known as “mild steel,” this type of steel is more ductile and easier to shape, form and weld compared to other carbon steel types. This makes mild steel a popular choice over higher-carbon steels when it comes to construction and manufacturing applications.
High carbon steel
High carbon steel contains 0.6% to 1.5% carbon content and is known for its high strength and hardness, but high carbon steel is even more brittle than medium-carbon steel. High carbon steel is used in applications that require high strength such as knife blades, hand tools and springs.
Uses of Carbon Steel in Particular Industries
Shipbuilding industry
In shipbuilding, carbon steel is mainly used for its high tensile strength and its resistance to abrasion and corrosion by salt water. These properties make it ideal in the construction of ships and maritime equipment.
Mining industry
In mining, carbon steel can be found in structures, tools, transport cages, and in machinery for the extraction and processing of minerals. Crushers, mills and drills are also made of carbon steel due to the metal’s ability to withstand extreme loads and high temperatures.
Railway sector
In the railway world, carbon steel is also widely used. Not only for rails and crossties, but also for locomotives and cars. As with autos and trucks, trains and their components are also exposed to pressure and vibrations, which makes this material perfect.
Aerospace sector
Carbon steel is also used in aerospace. It can be found in airplanes, rockets and even in satellites and exploration robots, because it is highly resistant to corrosion and is durable over long periods of time.
Architecture and construction
In construction and architecture, carbon steel is used regularly. This is mainly because it can be easily shaped, while withstanding great weights and loads, making it perfect for high-rise buildings, bridges, and large structures, among other things.
Transportation
Carbon steel is also used in the manufacture and construction of different vehicles: engine parts, bodies or axles, among many other things. Since vehicles are exposed to high loads and vibration throughout their lives, materials such as carbon steel need to be used to allow them to withstand these without damage.
Strength requirements
Low carbon steels tend to fall behind in terms of tensile strengths, and these should be avoided if you need high strength. Look for grades with higher carbon in general.
Formability
If you’re looking for ductility, lower carbon grades like c1008 and c1010 are generally best. Use dq or dqak grade for sheet. Lower carbon steels are almost always easier to form than higher ones.
Machined
Many types of carbon steel can be easily machined, but some types might also be difficult. Lower carbon steel grades like c1010 and c1018 have good machinability, and higher carbon steel grades like c1141 and c1144 can also be machined well due to sulfur in their composition. C1045, on the other hand, has higher carbon content but no added sulfur, so it’s a poor choice if machining is needed.
Welded
Many types of carbon steel are good for welding, but most of these are not great for machining – grades like c1141 are good examples here. Grades with low carbon are better choices, as they’re readily welded. Higher carbon grades like c1045 can work with preheat or post-weld heat treatment.
Heat-treatable
Any carbon steel with carbon amounts over 0.30 percent by weight can easily be heat-treated. Low carbon steels under 0.20 percent, however, are not capable of this – the lack of carbon stops steel crystalline structure martensite from forming, which provides hardness and strength.
Corrosion resistance
Carbon steels are often chosen for their corrosion resistance, as they’re mostly made of iron, which can rust easily. A galvanized or plated carbon steel is a good option to help prevent oxidization, as is adding oil or paint to the surface.
Making of Carbon Steel
Raw materials
The primary raw materials used in the production of carbon steel are iron ore, coal, and limestone. Iron ore is mined and then processed into iron, which is then melted in a blast furnace along with coke (a type of coal) and limestone. The coke acts as a reducing agent, reacting with the iron ore to remove oxygen and other impurities.
Steel making
Once the iron has been melted, it is then converted into steel through a process called steelmaking. There are two main methods of steelmaking: The basic oxygen process (bop) and the electric arc furnace (eaf) process.
Basic oxygen process (bop)
In the bop process, oxygen is blown into the molten iron to remove impurities such as carbon, silicon, and manganese. The resulting steel is then poured into molds and cooled, forming a solid steel billet.
Electric arc furnace (eaf) process
In the eaf process, scrap steel is melted in an electric arc furnace using electricity generated from natural gas or coal. The resulting molten steel is then poured into molds and cooled, forming a solid steel billet.
Rolling
Once the steel billet has cooled, it is then shaped into various forms such as plates, sheets, or bars through a process called rolling. The billet is passed through a series of rollers that gradually reduce its thickness and shape it into the desired form.
Annealing
After rolling, the steel may be subjected to a process called annealing, which involves heating the steel to a high temperature and then slowly cooling it to relieve internal stresses and improve its ductility and toughness.
Finishing
The finishing stage of carbon steel making involves several processes that refine the chemical composition and physical properties of the steel to meet specific requirements. The finishing stage of carbon steel making is crucial in ensuring the quality and consistency of the final product. The production involves finishing the steel to the desired surface finish, such as polishing, painting, or coating.
Finishing Processes of Carbon Steel
Product rolling
Solid cast ingots must be rolled into more usable shapes and sizes, similar to continuous casting ingots. The rolls rotate faster than the steel as it enters the machine, propelling it forward and compressing it.
Hot forming
To break up the as-cast microstructure, steel is heated above the recrystallization temperature. This results in a more uniform grain size and an even carbon distribution throughout the steel.
Cold forming
Cold forming is done at temperatures lower than the recrystallization temperature. This procedure improves the finish while increasing the strength by up to 20% through strain hardening. In a rolling mill, semi-finished materials are further processed into intermediate products. They are then ready for downstream industries to manufacture and process them.
Heat treatment
The goal of heat-treating steel is to change the distribution of carbon in the product and the interior microstructure which modifies its mechanical properties. When the mechanical qualities of steel are changed by heat treatments, an increase in ductility leads to a decrease in hardness and strength (and vice versa).
Normalizing
Steel is heated to approximately 55 °C (130 °F) over its top critical temperature. The upper critical temperature is maintained until the entire product has been uniformly heated, at which point it is air-cooled. This is the most frequent type of heat treatment, and it imparts exceptional strength and hardness to steel.
Annealing
Steel is heated to a solid solution temperature for one hour before cooling at a rate of 21 °C (70 °F) per hour. Internal tensions are eliminated, resulting in soft and ductile steel.
Quenching
This is similar to normalizing heat treatment, except that cooling is expedited by quenching the steel in water, brine or oil. The resulting material is extremely hard but extremely brittle, leaving it prone to breaking and cracking. As a result, for exact control of the steel’s properties, it is usually followed by a controlled cooling rate down to room temperature in a process known as tempering or stress relief.
Surface treatment
Approximately one-third of all steel manufactured is surface coated to prevent corrosion and increase weldability and paintability.
Hot dip galvanizing
Galvanizing is the application of a zinc surface layer to steel. The steel is heated before entering a zinc bath, where liquid zinc coats the product’s surface. Gas-knives are used to adjust the coating thickness. A small amount of aluminum is added to the zinc solution to prevent the zinc coating from breaking.
Electrolytic galvanizing and Downstream secondary processing
Electrolytic galvanizing is another method for putting a zinc layer on steel goods. By regulating the current in an electrolyte solution, zinc is deposited onto the surface of the steel. This approach allows for more precise control of coating thickness. Steel raw materials are further processed by downstream companies into the desired finished products. Various processing procedures, such as machining and joining, which include uniformly removing surface metal with machine tools and welding, are common.
Effective Methods to Prevent Rusting When Carbon Steel
Clean and dry the surface thoroughly
One of the basic steps in preventing rust is making sure that the carbon steel’s surface is clean and dry before storage. Any dirt, grease, or moisture present on the surface can catalyze rust formation. Use a mild detergent to clean the carbon steel and then dry it thoroughly with clean, lint-free cloths or compressed air. This initial cleaning removes contaminants, providing a clean slate for further rust prevention measures.
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Apply protective coatings
Protective coatings are a shield against rust-inducing elements. Applying coatings like paint, wax, or specialized anti-corrosion solutions creates a barrier that prevents direct contact between the carbon steel and moisture-laden air. Epoxy-based paints, for instance, offer excellent protection due to their ability to adhere tightly to the surface. Go for coatings designed to withstand harsh environments, especially if the carbon steel is stored outdoors or in high-historic areas.
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Use desiccants to control moisture
Desiccants are moisture-absorbing substances that can be placed near or within the stored carbon steel items. These materials help maintain a low-humidity environment, reducing the chances of rust formation. Silica gel packets, for example, are commonly used desiccants that can be strategically positioned in storage containers or cabinets. Be sure to monitor and replace desiccants regularly to ensure their effectiveness.
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Implement proper ventilation
Adequate ventilation prevents rust, as it helps regulate humidity levels. Poorly ventilated spaces can trap moist air, creating a conducive environment for rust to thrive. Try installing ventilation systems that facilitate air circulation if storing carbon steel in an enclosed area. This reduces humidity and prevents the buildup of stagnant air, which can increase the rusting process.
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Regular maintenance and inspection
Preventing rust doesn’t stop after implementing initial measures. Regular maintenance and inspection are necessary to detect any signs of corrosion early. Set up a schedule to inspect stored carbon steel items for any changes in appearance or the presence of rust spots. Promptly address any issues by reapplying protective coatings, cleaning the surfaces, and replacing desiccants if necessary.
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Our factory
Qingdao RT Steel Structure Co.,Ltd is located in Huangdao district of Qingdao City, it covers an area of 20 thousand square meters which is specialized in designing, manufacturing and installation of steel structure products. The company has two professional production lines the annual output reaches 30 thousand tons. Qingdao RT Steel Structure Co., Ltd. was established in 2016; joined the Steel Structure Association in 2017; expanded its production capacity to 1500 tons/month in 2018; introduced advanced equipment such as laser cutting and wire cutting in 2020 to further expand the company's processing scope; in 2021, the company was awarded as a high-tech enterprise in Shandong Province; After 8 years of steady development, it has become a professional and modernized steel structure processing enterprise integrating design, production and installation.
FAQ
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