Low Carbon Steel Characteristics
Also called mild steel, low-carbon steel is a type of carbon steel with a low amount of carbon. Although ranges vary depending on the source, the amount of carbon is typically 0.05 to 0.25 percent by weight. It’s manufactured by melting together iron ore and coal in a blast furnace. Once melted, the mixture is moved to another furnace to burn off impurities and make chemical composition adjustments. Afterward, the steel solidifies into a rectangular shape and is brought down to the desired size using hot-rolling or cold-drawing processes.
Low-carbon steel is not an alloy and therefore does not contain large amounts of other elements. Characteristics of this steel type include:
- Low hardness
- Good toughness
- Superior ductility
- Easily machinable
- Good weldability
Mild steel has a relatively low tensile strength but is malleable. Its surface hardness can be increased through a secondary carburizing process. Corrosion resistance is enhanced with the application of paints and coatings.
A combination of affordability, durability, and formability makes low-carbon steel ideal for a wide range of applications. Examples include:
- Steel framing
- Automobile components
- Machinery parts
- Pipelines
- Metal gates and fencing
- Fasteners
While low-carbon steel is reputed to be an easy-to-fabricate material, finding a service provider capable of transforming this raw material to complex finished products is challenging. Inexperience or improper machining can lead to fit, form, and function issues.
Applications for Carbon Steel
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