Things to consider when choosing carbon steel

Carbon steel is usually composed of 0.05% to about 2.0% carbon as well as iron and other elements, and is widely used in many industries. Its price is reasonable and affordable, and it has excellent mechanical properties.

Carbon steel with higher carbon content can also be easily processed, but sulfur must be added to the chemical composition, such as C1141 and C1144. C1045 has a higher carbon content, but no other elements contribute to its processing, so if processing is required, it is a relatively poor choice.

Certain types of carbon steel have very good weldability. However, there are many factors to consider when selecting the carbon steel to be welded. First of all, carbon steels suitable for processing such as C1141 and C1144 are usually not weldable. The addition of sulfur in these carbon steels can cause solidification cracks in the weld. Low-carbon steels such as C1018 and A36 would be a better choice because they are easy to weld. Higher carbon steel, such as C1045 can also be used, but may require preheating or post-weld heat treatment.

Compared with other carbon steels, low carbon steels often lack tensile strength. If high strength is required, these low carbon steels should be avoided.

Carbon steel with higher carbon content provides higher strength and hardness than carbon steel with lower carbon content. For example, the strength and hardness of C1045 is higher than that of C1008.

 

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