Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel
Steel is mainly composed of iron and about 2% carbon. If the carbon content exceeds 2%, it is called cast iron. Although cast iron does have useful applications, we usually don’t use it in metal manufacturing. When the carbon content is less than 1%, the resulting metal is carbon steel. This type of steel usually contains trace amounts of manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon and phosphorus. The lower carbon content makes the steel easier to machine, has better ductility and is easier to weld.
Stainless Steel
On a superficial level, stainless steel is an attractive metal with a lustrous and reflective finish easy on the eyes. This is due to the low percentage of carbon (less than 1.2%) and high percentage of chromium (over 10.5%) in the alloy, which changes its appearance and helps to prevent corrosion. Unlike carbon steel, stainless steel has a chromium oxide coating that protects against rust and stains. Some stainless steel alloys are even resistant to sulfuric or phosphoric acid.
Stainless Steel Applications
Stainless steel is generally used for applications that require high strength and advanced corrosion resistance. Unlike carbon steel, stainless steel isn’t prone to corrosion, rusting, or staining when exposed to water. These characteristics allow stainless steel to be used for a wide range of applications, including:
- Medical instruments
- Handrails
- Hot water tanks
- Surgical implants
- Architectural construction
- Appliance Finishes
- Food production & storage
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel products utilize the most basic form of steel available. The added carbon (up to 2.1%) to the alloy material increases hardness while decreasing ductility. Typically, the percentage of carbon in this steel is much higher than in stainless steel, mainly defining how the metal behaves. Any other alloying elements — such as manganese, tungsten, or chromium — have a more negligible effect on the carbon steel’s overall properties.
Carbon Steel Applications
Carbon steel makes up around 90% of today’s steel production, and the construction industry uses about a quarter of the world’s steel for manufacturing purposes. Since it’s susceptible to corrosion, carbon steel needs to be galvanized for outdoor use. It’s also not nearly as attractive as stainless steel, with a dull, uninspiring finish. Overall, the higher carbon content increases the metal’s durability, heat distribution, and malleability, lowering its melting point. Carbon steel is commonly used in the following applications:
- Construction (roads, railways, buildings, infrastructure)
- Playground equipment
- Automobile parts
- Structural beams
- Knives
- Steel wires
- Appliances
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