Carbon Steel is a metallic alloy which is formed by
the combination of iron and carbon. Usually considered carbon steel, when the
total content of other alloying elements does not exceed a certain amount of
interest. Typically, for example, a maximum manganese content does not exceed
1.6%, silicon - 0.6% copper - 0.4%. If the steel contains higher amounts of
other elements such as nickel, chromium or vanadium, then it is considered an
alloy steel.
Manufacturers of steel carbon is added to iron to make
the structure more solid alloy and a steel stronger. Carbon is a cheap alloying
element in the steel and altering its contents can greatly control the
properties of the steel. Ordinary carbon steel is classified as a low-carbon,
medium-, high-carbon and high-carbon (ledeburitic) steel.
Low carbon steel
Steels with very low carbon content - 0.05 to 0.3% -
called mild steel. They are similar to iron, as it is very soft and plastic,
making them difficult machining. They are used in the form of sheets, strips,
wire. Mild steel is cheaper than other steels, but can not change their
properties through heat treatment.
Medium carbon steel
Increasing the carbon content of carbon steels makes them
firmer and stronger, but reduces their ductility and weldability, making steelы more
brittle. Steel producers are also added to the carbon, small amounts of other
alloying elements for improving properties of steel, for example, the viscous
properties.
Medium carbon steel has a carbon content of 0.3 to
0.6%. They are easier to machine. In some steel to improve the machinability is
further added manganese and silicon. These steels remain relatively cheap and
their use, including those responsible for such products, such as pipes and
rails.
High-carbon steel
High carbon steel is very difficult to weld since they
contain from 0.6 to 1.0% carbon. They also have a high content of manganese,
which was added to increase the hardenability of steel. These steels are
readily hardenable by thermal treatment. They have high strength and are used
for the manufacture of tools, cutting blades, wire and high-strength springs.
Ledeburitic steel
Ledeburitic steel containing carbon of 1.25 to 2.0%.
They are not subjected to cold working, since they are very fragile.
Ledeburitic steels are used for manufacturing parts that require very high
hardness, such as a blade, cutting tool and larger articles. Ledeburitic steel
is very sensitive to heat treatment have good machinability and have a very
high wear resistance.
