Three Types of Steel
Steel comes in several different grades. Among them are Low-carbon steel fabricator, High-carbon steel, and Medium-carbon steel. Each has its own specific properties, and is used for various applications. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these three different types of steel. You’ll learn the pros and cons of each type and find out how to choose the right steel for your project.
High-carbon steel
Carbon steel has a carbon content between 0.05 and 2.1 percent by weight, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. It’s used to make structural and other metal products. Typically, this type of steel is used for automotive parts, such as car doors and axles. It’s also used to make aircraft parts.
Carbon is a key element in steel, giving it its hardening and strengthening properties. However, it also makes the metal less ductile, weldable, and brittle. Despite this, high-carbon steel is one of the hardest and most durable materials on the market. As a result, it is almost always hardened.
High-carbon steel has an extensive range of uses, from household appliances to industrial machinery. Most people have probably seen it in a refrigerator door, but you can find it in many different places. It is also used in dishwashers, freezers, and televisions. You may have also seen it in home and garden stores. High-carbon steel is used for virtually any application – and even in high-tech machines like aircraft engines.
High-carbon steel contains 0.61% to 1.50% carbon and is a popular material for tool making. It is hard, but brittle compared to lower carbon steel. This material is used for cutting tools, wire, and springs, but it is not recommended for high-wear situations. In addition, it is difficult to form and cut, which makes it one of the most expensive types of carbon steel.
Low-carbon steel
Low-carbon steel is commonly used in the automotive industry. As a result of this steel’s low carbon content, it has inherent properties that can cause built-up edges, or BUEs. To combat this problem, Iscar USA has developed several approaches to reduce the chance of BUEs. One method, called Sumo Tec, smoothes the top surface of the insert so that material can slide more easily over it. Another is the use of new chip formers, which allow for smoother and more consistent surface finishes.
Low-carbon steel has a high level of hardness (called Brinell hardness). Its Brinell hardness is about 120 MPa. Hardness is the capacity of a material to withstand scratching or indentation. It is an important property for engineering applications, as harder materials can resist wear better than softer materials.
Low-carbon steels have low carbon contents, usually around 0.005 wt%. These materials are used as inexpensive, low-grade magnetic core materials. Because they are relatively low-cost, they are often produced as relatively thick laminations. This results in considerable classical losses. The presence of carbon also yields important aging effects, such as a progressive loss of hysteresis with time. This is important for structure-sensitive and induction-sensitive properties.
Low-carbon steel can be used in a variety of applications. Typically, low-carbon steel is used in pipes, cookware, and fencing. It has a relatively low carbon content, which makes it a good choice for mass-production manufacturing.
Medium-carbon steel
Medium-carbon steel is one of three main types of steel. It is composed of carbon and a small amount of manganese. Unlike low-carbon steel, it is stronger, but still ductile. Moreover, medium-carbon steel can be enhanced through various heat treatments, including quenching and tempering. This process can improve the hardness and toughness of the steel, as well as its machinability.
Medium-carbon steel contains between 0.3 and 0.7 percent carbon. This steel is highly ductile and is a popular choice for suspension parts and thin shafts. Despite its high level of ductility, it is brittle, which makes it a poor choice for high-strength structures. However, it can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms, including teethed plates and thin shafts.
Medium-carbon steel is also used for aerospace applications. Because of its lower carbon content, it is prone to built-up edges (BUE). To minimize the effects of BUE, Iscar USA develops several approaches to prevent it. The company’s Sumo Tec surface treatment makes the top surface smooth, making it easier to slide materials across it. The company also develops new chip formers to help minimize the impact of BUE on steel machining.
The most common type of heat-treatment for medium carbon steel is quenching and tempering. This process involves repeatedly heating the steel to a temperature below 1,333degF and cooling it in a liquid state. This method allows the manufacturer to control the final properties of the steel without incurring large costs.