High Carbon Steel
High carbon steel is a type of alloy steel that contains a relatively high amount of carbon, along with other alloying elements such as manganese and silicon. High carbon steel is commonly used in the manufacturing process of parts and components used in applications such as construction, automotive, heavy trucks and wind turbines.
As the name implies, high carbon steel is an alloy containing a higher amount of carbon than other types of steel. The amount of carbon in this steel can range from 0.60% to 0.95%, giving is a significantly increased strength when compared to other steel alloys. High carbon steel also features a higher wear and tear resistance, as well as better heat-tempering capabilities. This strength and durability make it an excellent choice for use in fabrication and construction, as it can withstand high levels of stress, making it an ideal option for the production of parts and components subjected to intensive use and wear.
When examining these qualities, a few key characteristics can be attributed to the higher carbon content present in these steels. Firstly, the higher carbon content increases the tensile strength of the steel, making it much more resistant to impact and able to withstand heavy loads or wear. In addition, the higher carbon also increases the melting point of the steel, making it much harder to bend or shape. This can be helpful in parts and components which may be exposed to high temperature environments, such as turbine blades and engine components.
Because of its high carbon content, high carbon steel is also more brittle during cold working. This makes it more difficult to shape, particularly when compared to lower carbon steels. Therefore, it is generally more common to find applications where it is used in highly-stressed areas where ultimate strength is required. For example, it is often used for blades and cutting tools where ultimate strength is required when exposed to repeated impacts.
High carbon steels can also be highly susceptible to corrosion, since the high amount of carbon makes it more vulnerable to oxidation. To reduce this likelihood, these steels are usually coated with oils or other waxes to reduce the risk of rust formation.
Overall, high carbon steel is an alloy steel that contains a high amount of carbon, along with other alloying elements. Properties of this type of steel make it an ideal choice for use in applications where strength, durability and heat resistance are paramount. At the same time, however, its high carbon content makes it harder to work with and more susceptible to corrosion.