What is Low Carbon Steel?
by AMC
Posted on Novermber 10, 2024 at 03:30 PM
Steel is a highly versatile material, used in everything from wires to automobile parts, due to its wide range of types with varied compositions and properties. One popular type, low-carbon steel (also known as mild steel), has become essential across many industries. Its unique properties provide numerous benefits that make it suitable for diverse applications. But what exactly is low-carbon steel? Let’s explore this topic in our blog.
What is Low Carbon Steel?
Low-carbon steel, also known as mild steel, has a comparatively low ratio of carbon to iron compared to other steel types. Typically, its carbon content is within the range of 0.05% and 0.32% by weight. This gives low-carbon steel low strength while making it more malleable and ductile compared to high-carbon steel.
One of the major benefits of low-carbon steel is its cost-effectiveness. As it requires less carbon and other alloying elements, it's normally less expensive than other types of steel. Moreover, low-carbon steels are more readily available and simpler to work with than higher-carbon steels, which makes them a popular choice for a wide range of applications.
Properties of Low Carbon Steel
Each grade has slightly different properties, although the melting point of low-carbon steel is about the same. we can still give a range of values to give you an idea of this material’s overall properties.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.103 – 0.292 lb/in³ |
| Tensile Strength, Yield | 20300 - 347000 psi |
| Fracture Toughness | 30.0 – 105 ksi-in½ |
| Shear Modulus | 10200 – 11600 ksi |
| Melting Point | 2600°F |
| Thermal Conductivity | 176 – 645 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F |
Low Carbon Steel Composition
Low-carbon steels contain up to 0.30% carbon. A majority of this class of steel is flat-rolled products like sheets or strips; usually, they are in a cold-rolled and annealed condition. Low-carbon steels have high formability as they contain very low carbon, usually less than 0.10% C, with up to 0.4% Mn. Low carbon steel composition gives its characteristic ductility, machinability, and weldability.
|
Element |
Composition (%) |
|---|---|
|
Carbon (C) |
0.05 - 0.25 |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.4 - 1.5 |
|
Silicon (Si) |
up to 0.4 |
|
Sulfur (S) |
up to 0.05 |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
up to 0.04 |
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Types of low-carbon steel
There are different low-carbon steels with varying amounts of carbon. Below are examples of different types and their applications
| Type | Industry | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Low-carbon structural steel | Construction | Buildings, bridges |
| Low-carbon sheet and strip steel | Sheet metal work | Automotive body panels, appliances and other uses that require thin, flat material |
| Low-carbon tubing and piping steel | Construction, automotive, heavy equipment, oil and gas | Mechanical tubes, pipes for fluid transport, and structural tubing |
| Low-carbon pressure vessel steel | Heavy equipment, machinery manufacturing | Boilers, pressure vessels and other uses where material must withstand high internal pressures |
| Low-carbon galvanized steel | Construction, HVAC, automotive | Roofing, automotive body panels, ductwork |
| High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel | Construction | Building frames, bridges, support structures |
Low Carbon Steel Grades
Some of the most common low-carbon steel grades, all stocked by Amardeep Steel, include ASTM A36, A572 Grades 42 & 50, and A830-1020. Each of the low-carbon steel grades has moderate strength, high ductility, and lighter weight due to the low carbon content and addition of other alloys.
Some commonly used grades of low-carbon steel include:
- ASTM International: Formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials. An international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards.
- AISI: The American Iron and Steel Institute, who play a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology.
- SAE: Formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers, now known as SAE International.
| Standard | Grade | Application |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A36/A36M | A36 | Structural steel grade used in buildings, bridges, construction equipment |
| ASTM A513/A513M | 1010 | Automotive parts, machinery components |
| ASTM A53/A53M | B | Structural and pressure applications, such as water and gas transmission |
| ASTM A516/A516M | 70 | Boilers and pressure vessels |
| SAE J403 | 1006 | Wire products and fasteners |
| SAE J403 | 1008 | Sheet metal work, automotive components, and wire products |
| SAE J403 | 1010 | Cold heading, automotive components, and sheet metal work |
| ASTM A1011/A1011M | 33 | Sheet metal work, automotive components and construction materials |
Components made of low-carbon steel
Adjustable latch
Stud Mount Leveling Feet
Metal Pull Handle
Low Carbon Steel Melting Point
Steel with 0.05 to 0.15% of carbon content by weight is called mild or low carbon steel. It is also known as plain carbon steel. Apart from carbon, it also contains traces of copper (0.6%), manganese (1.65%), and silicon (0.6%). The melting point of low carbon steel is 1410°C (2570°F). This type is further classified into medium carbon steel, high carbon steel, and ultra-high carbon steel with melting temperatures ranging from 1425-1540°C (2600-2800°F). Steel with a 0.3 to 1.7% carbon content is called high-carbon steel.
How is Low-Carbon Steel Made?
The manufacturing process of low-carbon steel involves several complex steps, beginning with the melting of raw materials like iron ore and recycled material in a furnace. During the process, carbon monoxide gas is often introduced to reduce the iron ore to liquid steel. The carbon content in this molten steel is carefully controlled to ensure low-carbon levels. This liquid steel is then processed through a continuous casting machine.
These intermediate forms are further processed using methods like rolling and forging to produce the final low-carbon steel products. During these stages, precise temperature control is critical to achieve the desired mechanical properties. The steel may undergo various heat treatments, such as normalizing or controlled cooling, to refine its grain structure and improve properties like ductility and strength. This manufacturing process allows low-carbon steel to retain sufficient strength while also being malleable, setting it apart from higher-carbon steels.
What are the uses of low-carbon steel?
low-carbon steel is still strong enough for use in structural applications. Low-carbon steels are also used for machinery parts, as they help to reduce machining costs. Low-carbon steels are easy to shape, which speeds up production times and reduces the cost of machining compared to other materials, such as aluminum. Low-carbon steels are ideal for use in automobile manufacturing, construction, and various types of equipment due to their versatility and ease of fabrication. Furthermore, low-carbon steels are often used in the production of consumer goods and appliances, highlighting their wide range of applications.
Check Out Our Related Blog on - Low, Medium, and High-Carbon Steel: Everything You Need to Know
Conclusion
low-carbon steel is a cost-effective and versatile material used in various industries due to its flexibility, machinability, and weldability. Whether for automotive, construction, or machinery, it’s an ideal choice for many applications.
For top-quality low-carbon steel, Amardeep Steel offers grades like ASTM A36, A572, and A830-1020, providing strength and durability. The price of low-carbon steel varies depending on factors like quantity and grade, so for the best rates, explore our range and get in touch with us for a quote.
FAQs
1. Is low-carbon steel better than stainless steel?
When comparing stainless steel to carbon steel, the strength of each depends on its carbon content. Stainless steel is generally stronger and harder than low-carbon steel. However, high-carbon steels can match or even surpass the strength of stainless steels, offering comparable or higher durability.
2. Is low-carbon steel prone to rust?
Yes, low-carbon steel is susceptible to rust, as are all types of carbon steel. While low-carbon steels are weaker and softer, making them easier to machine and weld, they lack the corrosion resistance of other materials like stainless steel. This makes them unsuitable for certain applications where rust resistance is crucial.
3. Is low-carbon steel pure metal?
No, low-carbon steel is not pure metal. It is an alloy that contains a small percentage of carbon, typically ranging from 0.05% to 0.25%. This addition of carbon enhances the properties of pure iron, such as strength and hardness, while keeping the steel malleable and ductile. There are various grades of low-carbon steel, each with different carbon content based on the specific requirements of the application.
Sheet Metal Gauge Chart
When working with sheet metal, the term "gauge" is commonly used to describe the thickness or thickness range of the material.
