CARBON STEEL GRADES
Choosing the type of carbon steel that matches your project’s requirements is vital, as it’s the only way to take full advantage of what this material has to offer. There are several different grades of carbon steel at your disposal.

LOW CARBON STEEL
This alloy has a composition of 0.05%-0.25% carbon content, making it softer and more malleable than other types; carburising can increase hardness if necessary. Low carbon steels offer a range of tensile properties via heat treatment and can be hardened to give high surface hardness with abrasion resistance and good core ductility.

This is more commonly used in the form of engineering steels for low and medium strength applications, like brackets, casings and links.

UTS 400 – 450N/mm2. Elongation 15%. HB 120-180

MEDIUM CARBON STEEL
The carbon content in this alloy ranges from approximately 0.29% to 0.54%. This composition allows it to be more durable, pliable, and strong. A range of tensile strengths are possible with good ductility and shock resistance, readily machined in the softened condition.

This carbon steel alloy is most used where ductility, good shock and fatigue strengths are required, such as with levers, air-frame parts and hydraulic machinery.

UTS 700 – 850N/mm2. Elongation 11%. HB 200-300

HIGH CARBON STEEL
With 0.55-0.95% carbon content, high carbon steel is strong and has a good shape memory, making it a particularly useful option for spring manufacturers. This alloy steel for high tensile applications withstands wear and abrasion and is suitable for heavy-duty applications as well, such as cranks and pins.

UTS 800 – 1000N/mm2. Elongation 5-8%. HB 250-400