Guide to Carbon Steel Sheet Metal Grades

All steel contains the element carbon. When carbon is the primary alloying component, the alloy is referred to as carbon steel. Mild steel is often known as “low-carbon” steel. Other carbon steels with varying carbon percentages exist. Depending on the purpose for which the steel will be used, one is better than the other. The most widely utilized steel alloys, accounting for around 85% of US manufacturing, are carbon steels. Various Carbon Steel Sheet Metal Grades are also produced for varied applications.

The product has a carbon concentration of 0% to 2%. Due to the microstructure changes caused by this carbon, steel has unmatched strength and toughness. Additionally, these alloys have trace amounts of copper, silicon, and manganese. According to the product’s qualities and chemical makeup, carbon steel can be divided into different categories. Due to its equal carbon content, mild steel also belongs to the low-carbon steel category. Alloy-free plain carbon steel falls into one of four classifications.

Classification of Carbon Steel Sheet Metal Grades

• Low Carbon Steel: The most popular grade of carbon steel is low carbon steel, which has a carbon concentration of 0.04-0.3%. Since mild steel is characterized as having a low carbon content of 0.05-0.25%, it is often referred to as low carbon steel. Mild steel can be utilized for plates, wire products, and vehicle body parts since it is ductile and extremely formable. Mechanical properties are adequate for stampings, forgings, seamless tubes, and boilerplates at the higher end of the low carbon content range and with manganese additions of up to 1.5%.
• Medium Carbon Steel: The range of carbon in medium carbon steel is 0.31-0.6%, and the range of manganese is 0.6-1.65%. The microstructure and mechanical characteristics of this steel can be further modified through heat treatment and quenching. Rails, wheels, axles, shafts, and gears are a few common applications.
• High Carbon Steel: High carbon steel has a carbon content that ranges from 0.6 to 1% and contains 0.3-0.9% manganese. High carbon steels have characteristics that make them appropriate for use in high-strength wires and springs. These goods cannot be welded without a thorough heat treatment program being integrated into the welding process. High-strength wires, springs, and sharp tools are all made of high-carbon steel.
• Ultra High Carbon Steel: An experimental alloy, ultra-high carbon steel has a carbon content that ranges from 1.25 to 2%. Steel with a high level of hardness can be produced through tempering and used for things like blades, axles, and punches.

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