One of the most popular and widely used construction materials in the world includes steel. Steel is available in different varieties and carbon steel is one among them. This specific form of steel has many unique qualities, advantages and disadvantages compared to other types of steel metals. Steel which contains over 0.8% of carbon can be categorized as high carbon steel. This particular steel is comparatively very hard and brittle. Therefore it is likely to break easily when it is used improperly.
Different Types and Its Significant Features
Steel which contains carbon as the main alloying constituent is known as carbon steel. Based on the content of its basic constituent, it can be classified as follows.
Low or mild steel
Medium steel
High content steel
And ultra-high carbon content steel
Low or mild steel: Mild or low steel contains 0.16-0.29% of carbon. This variety of steel is used for various applications as it is relatively cheap compared to the other types of steel. Mild steel has comparatively lower durability and strength as it contains lesser amount of the main constituent. Used in places when large amount of steel is required, this variety of steel is applicable for various construction purposes.
Medium steel: Another notable variety of steel which is quite strong and resistant to wear and tear. It is mainly used for automotive components and large metal structures.
High carbon steel: This variety of steel is very strong and is mainly used for manufacturing high-strength wires and springs.
Ultra-high steel: These steels are mostly used for non-industrial purposes as it is very hard and strong. It is used to manufacture axles, knives and other hard materials.
Basic Advantages and Disadvantages
This unique variety of steel has considerably many advantages compared to other types of metals. Its usage and features may vary according to individual purposes. Due to its immense strength and durability, it is used to make masonry nails and cutting tools. Steel with high content of carbon has huge hardness levels and can resist wear and tear. It is therefore used in many industries to manufacture metal cutting tools and other machinery. It is also used to manufacture drill bits, knives, wood cutting tools, saws and metal cutting tools.
Some of the greatest disadvantage of this variety of steel includes its brittleness. It cannot be used for any type of welding work as it may fracture or break easily. Steel with less content of the main constituent is more likely to break so it can seldom be used for all purposes.
However, carbon steel is used for the manufacture of pipes as it is highly durable. Different types of steel tubes and pipes are used in many industries as it can withstand pressure and seldom break or bend with increased pressure. These steel pipes can be used under water as it is resistant to corrosion. Thick steel pipes are quite tensile and durable with its ability to remain intact under huge pressure. These steel pipes are used in various industries as it can be manufactured according to custom requirements.