Carbon steel v/s alloy steel

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Alloy Steels

Carbon steel v/s alloy steel

What is carbon steel?

Most people think that all the steels are the same, but this is not the case. Carbon steel is a type of steel that contains a higher carbon content compared to other steels. The increased value of carbon in the steel increases its strength and firmness. It is mostly used in the manufacturing of tools, machinery, automotive parts, and construction materials and buildings. Carbon steel is preferred over other steel because of its durability and affordability. For details, see Steel Dealers in Punjab.

Types of carbon steel

There are mainly 3 types of carbon steel with its unique properties and uses:

  • Low Carbon Steel: Low carbon steel is one of the most common and widely used steel with less than 0.25% carbon content in it. It is easily moldable and commonly used in industries such as construction, automotive, and general fabrication.
  • Medium Carbon Steel: Medium Carbon steel has higher carbon content compared to low carbon steel, ranging between 0.25% to 0.6% and manganese content 0.6% to 1.65%, which makes it strong and more durable. It is often used in machinery, tools, and structural components.
  • High Carbon Steel: High carbon steel has carbon content ranging between 0.6% to 1.25% and manganese content between 0.3% to 0.9%. It has the highest carbon content, which makes it extremely strong and hard. 

What is Alloy steel?

On the other side alloy steel is made by combining different elements with iron to get the desired properties in the steel and enhance its quality. The elements such as chromium, nickel, manganese, molybdenum, boron, vanadium, aluminum etc. Adding up these elements helps increase the strength, hardness, and wear resistance of the steel. Alloy steel is used in industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where high strength and durability are required. Also, check  Carbon Alloy Steel Suppliers in India.

Types of alloy steel:

Alloy steel comes in various types; each one has its unique properties and composition. Some common types of alloy steels are:

    • Stainless steel: Stainless steel contains a high percentage of chromium, which provides excellent corrosion resistance. It is mostly seen to be used in kitchenware, automotive parts, and construction.
    • Tool Steel: Tool steel is designed especially for making tools that have wear resistance, hardness and toughness. It is commonly used in the formation of cutting tools, molds, and dies.
    • Chromium-Molybdenum Steel: This alloy steel consists of chromium and molybdenum, which increases its strength and heat resistance. It is often used in high-temperature applications like boilers.
    • Nickel Chromium Molybdenum steel: This alloy steel has good strength and corrosion resistance and is used in the aerospace industry.
    • High-speed steel: High-speed steel is used for cutting tools such as drills, taps, and milling cutters due to its ability to retain hardness at higher temperatures.    

Carbon steel is generally less expensive and easier to use than alloy steel. On the other side alloy steel, with its added elements, offers improved properties with high strength and corrosion resistance. For more description can see  Carbon Alloy Steel Suppliers in India.