High-quality Carbon Structural Steels
High-quality carbon structural steels are widely used in various fields. These steels are divided into two types: high-carbon steels and low-carbon steels. Each type has its own special properties, chemical composition and performance.
The high-carbon steels have a carbon content ranging from 0.60% to 1.00%, which greatly enhances the strength and hardness of the steel. They are mainly used for making high-strength structural parts such as gears, shafts, and axles. Their advantages include excellent wear resistance, good machinability and high strength-to-weight ratio. As for their disadvantages, they are difficult to weld and often require pre-heating and post-heating.
Low-carbon steels have a carbon content of less than 0.60%. They are generally softer and more ductile than high-carbon steels, making them well-suited for welding and forming. Low-carbon steels are used for various products including pipes, automotive parts, sheets and so on. They are also economical to produce and relatively easy to work with.
The chemical compositions of high-quality carbon structural steels are often presented in tabular form. The table shows the maximum percentage of the most important elements in the steel. They include carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulphur, silicon, aluminum and chromium.
Carbon is the most important element in steels as it increases the strength and hardness of the material. Manganese is added to increase the hardenability and strength of the steel. Phosphorus and sulphur are generally present in low amounts as they have a detrimental effect on the properties of the steel. Silicon helps to increase ductility and machinability, but too much of it decreases hardness. Aluminum helps to reduce cracking and warping caused by severe temperature changes. Chromium can increase the strength, hardness and corrosion resistance of the steel.
High-quality carbon structural steels possess various great mechanical properties such as strength, hardness, toughness, ductility, machinability and so on. The heat-treated steels can be used for construction works in places with high loads. Hardening and tempering greatly increases the strength and hardness of the steel and reduces its ductility and toughness. Low-carbon steels have much lower hardness and strength compared to the high-carbon ones.
In conclusion, high-quality carbon structural steels can be used for a wide range of applications that require strong and durable materials. The choice of the steel used for an application will depend on the desired mechanical properties, heat treatment, cost and availability. The tables presented herein provide chemical compositions of some of the most popular carbon steels and their recommended performance characteristics.
