Is alloy steel better than carbon steel?

Alloy steel and carbon steel both have very useful properties. Carbon steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, typically containing up to 2% carbon by weight. It is often utilized in the production of: machines, tools, steel buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Alloy steel, on the other hand, is a type that contains one or more alloying elements (usually other metals such as: manganese, chromium, and nickel) in addition to carbon. Alloy steel is often used in high-strength parts such as gears, shafts, and axles. 

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When choosing the right steel for a project, it is important to consider what properties the final product will need to have. For example, if strength and hardness are key requirements, alloy steel may be the better choice. If weldability is a key concern, carbon steel may be the better option. This article will take a detailed look at some of the key differences between alloy steel and carbon steel.

What is Alloy Steel?

Alloy steel is a type of steel that contains alloying elements (e.g. aluminum, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, silicon, and titanium) in addition to the carbon found in ordinary carbon steel. These alloying elements enhance the steel’s mechanical properties. Some alloys improve: strength, hardness, wear resistance, and/or corrosion obstruction. Alloy steel is widely used in a variety of applications, especially in the construction, automotive, and aerospace industries.

What is Carbon Steel?

Carbon steel is a type of steel that contains carbon as the main alloying element. It typically has a higher carbon content than alloy steel. Carbon steel can be used for a variety of applications including automotive parts, construction materials, and hand tools. It is known for its strength and durability and can be heat-treated to increase hardness. Carbon steel is also more susceptible to rust than other types of steel. Carbon steel parts may be manufactured by forging, casting, and machining. 

What Are the Properties of Alloy Steel?

Alloy steel can contain a wide variety of elements that enhance its properties. Table 1 highlights some physical and chemical properties of alloy steel:

Carbon steel, as its name suggests, is a steel variant that primarily uses different concentrations of carbon mixed with Iron to create a strong, robust, and versatile alloy. Generally, some variants also have trace amounts of elements like Manganese and Silicon, but carbon remains the most predominant in the mixture.

Things that make carbon steel great are its relative simplicity, versatility, and lower production costs. It doesn’t require any elaborate production process and can be quickly produced. However, that simplicity results in relatively lower strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance.

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Carbon Steel Types

The type of carbon steel depends on the concentration of carbon in the mixture. Generally, there are 4 categories based on the amount of carbon content.

Low-Carbon Steel

Contains about 0.3% carbon, and is also referred to as mild steel. It is characteristically ductile and is an excellent material for applications requiring a lot of flexibility and intricate profiles. Steel wires and fences are prime examples of mild steel materials.

Medium-Carbon Steel

Carbon content between 0.3% and 0.6% in the mixture. It is more durable than low-carbon steel and is often used in applications that require a balance of strength and ductility. Common applications include the manufacturing of axles, gears, and shafts.

High-Carbon Steel

Carbon Content is around 0.6% to 1.4%, making it much harder and stronger than low and medium-carbon steel. High-carbon steel is often used in applications that require high strength. For instance, cutting tools, knives, and springs are made from high-carbon steel.

Very High Carbon Steel

Contains between 1.4% and 2.0% carbon, and is also known as cast iron. It is very hard and brittle and is commonly used in applications that require extreme hardness and wear resistance.

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