An Introduction to Structural Carbon Steels and Low Alloy Structural Steels
Structural carbon steels and low alloy structural steels are both important components of the modern steel industry. These steels are commonly used in various industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace and manufacturing.
Structural Carbon Steels
Structural carbon steels are low carbon grades of steel, with a carbon content of 0.05–0.25 percent. These steels can be further divided into ultra-low-carbon steel (ULS), low-carbon steel (LCS) and medium-carbon steel (MCS). Structural carbon steels are divided into two groups, namely hot-rolled steels and cold-rolled steels. Hot-rolled steel is generally used in the production of sheet, strip, rod and bar. Cold-rolled steel generally has a smooth and uniform surface and is used to produce sheet and strip primarily in small thicknesses.
Low Alloy Structural Steel
Low alloy structural steel is an alloy steel that contains a limited amount of other elements (typically manganese, chromium, niobium, molybdenum, nickel and/or nitrogen) in addition to carbon. The low alloy steels are used for a variety of applications which require improved strength, toughness and weldability compared to conventional carbon steels. The most common steel grades used for low alloy applications are ASTM A572, ASTM A709, ASTM A514 and ASTM A588.
Applications of Structural Carbon Steel and Low Alloy Structural Steel
Structural carbon steels and low alloy steels are used in a variety of industries, ranging from construction to aerospace and manufacturing. In the automotive industry, structural carbon and low alloy steels are used to produce a variety of structural components, such as frames, suspension parts and engine cradles. In the aerospace industry, structural carbon and low alloy steels are used to produce parts for aircraft and spacecraft, such as fuselage frames and landing gear components. Structural carbon steels and low alloy steels are also used in the construction industry, primarily for the manufacture of columns and beams for bridge construction and commercial buildings.
Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and British Standards (BS)
In addition to the ASTM specifications mentioned above, there are also Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and British Standards (BS) for structural carbon and low alloy steels. The JIS standards are a set of industrial standards that are widely used in the Japanese manufacturing industry. The BS standards are a set of widely used industrial standards in the United Kingdom and are used for a wide variety of products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, structural carbon steels and low alloy structural steels are two important components of the modern steel industry. These steels are used in a variety of industries, from construction to aerospace and manufacturing. Structural carbon steels are used mainly for sheet and bar production, while low alloy structural steels are used primarily for applications which require improved strength and toughness. In addition to the ASTM specifications, both JIS and BS standards are widely used for structural carbon and low alloy steels.
