What are the properties of carbon steel?

373 words | Last Updated: 2025-06-08 | By wear fever
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What are the properties of carbon steel?

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Chemical Composition of Carbon steel
  3. Mechanical Properties
  4. Thermal Properties
  5. Types and Classifications
  6. Applications of Carbon Steel
  7. LOBOEV Company Solutions
  8. References

Introduction

Carbon steel is a popular material in the manufacturing and construction industries due to its excellent properties. It is an alloy consisting primarily of iron and carbon, with varying amounts of other elements that define its characteristics.

Chemical Composition of Carbon Steel

The chemical composition of carbon steel typically includes:

  • Carbon: Generally up to 2.1% by weight
  • Iron: The predominant element
  • Manganese: Typically 0.30-1.70% to improve hardenability
  • Silicon: Up to 0.60% for deoxidation during manufacturing
  • Trace elements: Such as sulfur (≤0.05%) and phosphorus (≤0.04%)

Each of these elements contributes to the steel’s overall properties, including strength, ductility, and hardness.

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of carbon steel vary significantly with its composition and heat treatment processes. Key mechanical properties include:

  • Tensile Strength: Typically ranges from 400 MPa to 600 MPa
  • Yield Strength: Varies between 250 MPa to 350 MPa
  • Hardness: Measured in Brinell or Rockwell scales, typically between 120-190 HB
  • Ductility: Elongation ranges from 10% to 25% in 50mm

Thermal Properties

Understanding the thermal properties is crucial for applications involving heat exposure. The key thermal properties include:

  • Thermal Conductivity: Approximately 50 W/m·K at room temperature
  • Melting Point: Around 1425°C to 1540°C
  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 11-13 µm/m·K

Types and Classifications

Carbon steels are categorized based on their carbon content:

  • Low Carbon Steel: Up to 0.3% carbon content
  • Medium Carbon Steel: 0.3% to 0.6% carbon content
  • High Carbon Steel: 0.6% to 2.1% carbon content

Each type has distinct applications, advantages, and limitations, determined by their carbon content and other alloying elements.

Applications of Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is used in various domains due to its versatile nature:

  • Construction: Structural components like beams and girders
  • Automotive: Body panels and structural reinforcements
  • Manufacturing: Machinery parts and components
  • Infrastructure: Pipelines and bridges

LOBOEV Company Solutions

The LOBOEV company offers specialized solutions and products using carbon steel, catering to diverse industry needs. Their solutions include:

  • Precision Manufacturing: Custom components with stringent tolerances
  • Specialized Treatment: Heat treatments enhancing mechanical performance
  • Innovative Design: Engineering solutions for complex applications

References

  1. Callister, W.D., Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction.
  2. Degarmo, E. Paul, Materials and Processes in Manufacturing.
  3. LOBOEV Company Official Website.
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