Carbon steel is a special type of steel that has a higher concentration of carbon than other types of steel. Most types of steel have a relatively low carbon content of about 0.05% to 0.3%. In comparison, carbon steel has a carbon content of up to 2.5%. Two-and-a-half per cent carbon may sound insignificant, but it introduces several attractive benefits that aren’t found elsewhere.
As the carbon percentage content rises, steel has the ability to become harder and stronger through heat treating; however, it becomes less ductile. Regardless of the heat treatment, a higher carbon content reduces weldability. In carbon steels, the higher carbon content lowers the melting point.
Carbon Steel Advantages
There are several advantages to choosing carbon steel over traditional steel, one of which is increased strength. The use of carbon makes iron or steel stronger by shuffling around its crystal lattice. While carbon steel can still stress and break under pressure, it’s less likely to occur than with other types of steel.
This makes carbon steel particularly effective in applications where strength is needed. Japanese bladesmiths, for example, produced swords out of high-carbon steel known as tamahagane steel many centuries ago. Today, carbon steel is used to make everything from construction materials to tools, automotive components and more.
Carbon Steel Disadvantages
There are also some disadvantages to choosing carbon steel over traditional steel. Because it’s so strong, carbon steel is difficult to work with. It can’t be easily bent and moulded into different shapes, thus limiting its utility in certain applications. Carbon steel is also more susceptible to rust and corrosion than other types of steel.
To make steel “stainless,” manufacturers add chromium - usually about 10% to 12%. Chromium acts as a barrier of protection over the steel itself, thereby protecting it from moisture that could otherwise cause rusting. Carbon steel doesn’t contain chromium, however, so it may rust when exposed to moisture for long periods of time.
Credits: Sabitha
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