When you are doing a steel fabrication job, one of the most common types of steel that you will find is carbon steel. So why do people use carbon steel when they’re doing metal fabrication? Carbon steel is used over other types because it’s durable, versatile, good to weld, and able to adapt to treatments and coatings.
One thing to know is that there are three different levels of carbon steel. When you’re trying to choose one, it’s helpful to know what their applications are. We’re going to look at the levels and what they’re used for.
- Low Carbon – This has a carbon content as high as 0.3% and is used due to its ductility and malleability. This is often used in structural components and auto body parts.
- Medium Carbon – This has a carbon content of between 0.3% – 0.6%. This provides a balance of ductility and strength. It’s commonly used in making axles, gears, and other components that are high-stress.
- High Carbon – This has a carbon content of between 0.6% – 1.0%. This steel is very strong and hard. It’s very often used to cut springs, tools, and other types of applications that need extreme durability.
These are three levels of carbon that are used in carbon steel fabrication. Think about what type of application you’re using your steel for, and you’ll be able to choose the right carbon steel for your needs. You can also ask a steel fabrication expert for advice on which you should use if you aren’t sure.
