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A Comprehensive Guide to High-Carbon Steel
High-carbon steel is a popular choice for those needing a solid and durable material. It is an alloy made from iron combined with carbon, silicon, manganese, and sulfur elements. This type of steel is ideal for various uses, especially in automotive components and kitchen knives, due to its strength and durability. This article will explore the composition of high-carbon steel and its typical applications. Additionally, we’ll discuss the specific conditions in which high-carbon steel performs best and provide tips on working with materials containing high-carbon steel. Whether you want to learn about the capabilities of high-carbon steel or understand its benefits for your project, just keep reading!
What is High-Carbon Steel
High-carbon steel has a carbon content between 0.60% and 1.5%. Due to its high carbon content, it is the most corrosion-resistant type of steel. The increased carbon significantly improves the steel’s hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance, making it befitting for applications that requires wear resistance and high strength.
However, the higher carbon content in these steels makes them more brittle and less ductile, making them more susceptible to cracking under specific conditions. High-carbon steel is also more difficult to weld than lower-carbon-content steels because of the heat-affected zone’s risk of cracking and brittleness.
Making Process of High-Carbon Steel
Molten steel naturally absorbs carbon at high temperatures but typically releases it as it cools slowly. To make high-carbon steel, manufacturers must prevent the steel from releasing carbon as it cools. This is achieved by quenching the steel to increase the cooling rate from about 200°C to 1000°C per minute. By doing so, the carbon doesn’t have enough time to escape the metal’s lattice structure, resulting in retained internal stresses in the microstructure. Although internal stresses may sound negative, in this case, they improve the hardness and strength of the steel.
Chemical Composition of High-Carbon Steel
If you want to know the precise chemical composition of High-Carbon Steel, it is as follows:
Table 1: Chemical Composition of High-Carbon Steel
| Element | Percentage |
| Aluminum, Al | 0.0600 – 1.25 % |
| Boron, B | 0.000500 – 0.00300 % |
| Carbon, C | 0.100 – 3.40 % |
| Chromium, Cr | 0.150 – 14.0 % |
| Cobalt, Co | 0.250 – 14.0 % |
| Copper, Cu | 0.100 – 0.350 % |
| Iron, Fe | 66.5 – 99.2 % |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.100 – 13.0 % |
| Molybdenum, Mo | 0.0600 – 10.5 % |
| Nickel, Ni | 0.100 – 10.0 % |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.0120 – 0.0500 % |
| Silicon, Si | 0.100 – 2.20 % |
| Sulfur, S | 0.00100 – 0.270 % |
| Tungsten, W | 0.150 – 13.0 % |
| Vanadium, V | 0.0700 – 14.5 % |
The Properties of High-Carbon Steel
Table 2: Physical Properties of High-Carbon Steel
| Property | Value |
| Density | 0.451-8.26 g/cc (0.0163 – 0.298 lb/in³ ) |
| Particle Size | 6.70 – 12.0 µm |
Table 3: Mechanical Properties of High-Carbon Steel
| Property | Value |
| Hardness, Brinell | 163 – 600 |
| Hardness, Knoop | 195 – 769 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B | 43.0 – 100 |
| Hardness, Rockwell C | 10.0 – 70.0 |
| Hardness, Vickers | 182 – 748 |
| Tensile Strength, Ultimate | 161-3200 MPa |
| Tensile Strength, Yield | 275- 3340 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 0.500 – 30.0 % |
| Reduction of Area | 13.4 – 73.0 % |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 13.8 – 235 GPa |
| Flexural Yield Strength | 159 – 5130 MPa |
| Compressive Yield Strength | 1320 – 3100 MPa |
| Bulk Modulus | 160 GPa |
| Poissons Ratio | 0.280 – 0.313 |
| Fracture Toughness | 13.2 – 165 MPa-m½ |
| Machinability | 10.0 – 125 % |
| Shear Modulus | 78.0 – 82.7 GPa |
| Izod Impact | 3.00 – 18.0 J |
| Izod Impact Unnotched | 10.8 – 229 J |
| Charpy Impact | 1.36 – 99.0 J |
| Charpy Impact, Unnotched | 2.71 – 86.0 J |
Table 4: Thermal Properties of High-Carbon Steel
| Property | Value |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.00000200 – 0.0000300 ohm-cm |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 9.9 – 14.8 µm/m-ºC |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.410 – 0.669 J/g-°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 19.0 – 52.0 W/m-K |
| Maximum Service Temperature, Air | 120 – 482 °C |
| Transformation Temperature | 183 – 910 °C |
| Processing Temperature | 168 – 1550 °C |
| Annealing Temperature | 740 – 900 °C |
| Melting point | 1540 – 1590°C |
Characteristics of High-Carbon Steel
- High hardness: High-carbon steel contains a high level of carbon, which results in a strong binding ability between carbon and iron, forming numerous carbides in the steel. As a result, high-carbon steel exhibits high levels of hardness and strength.
- High strength: High-carbon steel undergoes oil quenching, water quenching, and other heat treatment processes, increasing its hardness and tensile strength, making it a durable steel material.
- Better toughness: High-carbon steel is tougher than other high-hardness steels but is still not as good as low-carbon steel.
- Wear resistance: High-carbon steel is highly hard and relatively wear-resistant, and it is often utilized in the production of hammerheads, needles, blades, and other products.
- Easy to break: High-carbon steel with a high carbon content can increase brittleness. Therefore, measures should be taken during manufacturing and use to prevent breakage.
Equivalent Forms of High-Carbon Steel
Various high-carbon steel grades are distinguished by their carbon content. 1060 is an example of high-carbon steel, and some equivalents are listed below:
Table 5: Equivalent Grades of 1060 Steel
| Country | Equivalent Grade |
| EN | C60 |
| Germany | C60 |
| England | 070M60 |
| Japan | S58C |
| Italy | 1C60 |
| Russia | 60 |
| China | 60 |
Common Forms of High-Carbon Steel
High-carbon steel is available in various forms, each with a very similar chemical composition but differing in microstructure, characteristics, and applications. These different forms of high-carbon steel contain:
Hot-Rolled Steel
The hot-rolling process is conducted at temperatures close to the recrystallization point. Hot-rolling reduces the residual internal stresses in the steel structure, resulting in less hard steel than cold-rolled steel. As a result of the recrystallization process during hot-rolling, the steel’s microstructure contains finer grains, making hot-rolled steel less strong than its cold-rolled counterpart. The finer crystals in hot-rolled steel are more susceptible to dislocation.
The main point is that hot-rolled steel is less expensive due to a production process requiring less energy than cold-rolling. However, hot-rolled high-carbon steel may have less precise dimensions because the material shrinks as it cools, making it more difficult to control dimensions. Hot-rolled high-carbon steel is commonly used in construction and for railroad tracks where strict tolerances are unnecessary.
Cold-Rolled Steel
Cold rolling is a process carried out at room temperature. Cold-rolled high-carbon steel is harder, has a better surface finish, and is more dimensionally accurate than hot-rolled steel, although it is less ductile. The metal grains are elongated during cold rolling, which strain-hardens the material. This type of steel needs to be stress-relieved before being used, or it may begin to warp. Its uses include electric motors, water heaters, pressure vessels, and frying pans.
Tempered Steel
Tempering is a process that enhances the strength and hardness of high-carbon steels. It involves reheating the high-carbon steel to just below its eutectoid point, allowing the carbon to be dissolved in the lattice structure, and then quenching it, trapping the carbon in the structure. This modified crystal lattice, known as martensite, is harder and stronger than other steel microstructures. Tempered steel is typically used to produce swords, knives, tools, and construction equipment.
Types of High-Carbon Steel
1. Plain Carbon Steel
One commonly used type of high-carbon steel is plain carbon steel, which is notable for its affordability and versatility. It primarily comprises iron, with small amounts of manganese, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, and oxygen contributing to its strength. Because of its ability to withstand environmental factors, this type of steel is utilized in various applications, including construction projects such as bridges and buildings.
2. Alloyed Carbon Steel
Alloyed carbon steel differs from plain carbon steel by incorporating additional metals such as chromium or nickel, which impart enhanced strength and resistance to rust. This type of high-carbon steel is commonly used in crafting automotive components or tools that require exceptional durability and increased protection against corrosion.
3. Tool Steel
Tool steels are designed with higher levels of alloying elements, such as molybdenum or tungsten, exceeding the content of other high-carbon steels. They are carefully engineered for specific tool applications, such as drill bits or saw blades. This type of tool steel stands out because it has greater hardness than plain or alloyed steel. This increased hardness allows it to withstand more wear and tear, ensuring sustained performance without rapid deterioration.
4. Spring Steel
Spring steels are specifically designed to perform well in spring applications because of their exceptional combination of high tensile strength and flexibility. This unique attribute makes them well-suited for use in products such as automotive suspension systems. Spring steels are ideal when flexibility and durability are crucial for long-term performance.
Applications of High-Carbon Steel
High-carbon steel is used for high strength, hardness, and wear resistance applications. These include worn components, knives, saw blades, springs, gear wheels, chains, brackets, cold chisels, wrenches, pneumatic drill bits, vice-grip jaws, wire for structural work, shear blades, and hacksaws.
Household toys and appliances
The back of the refrigerator door is held in place by fasteners which are made of high-carbon steel, instead of utilizing screws on the front. Steel fasteners can also be seen in televisions, refrigerators, and dishwashers. The television face is also secured by steel bolts, like the refrigerator so that no screws or trim clips are visible.
High-carbon steel washers and pipe hangers can be purchased at local home and garden stores. Valve covers, fasteners, and gaskets made of high-carbon steel are used in a variety of products, ranging from toy wagons and cars to golf carts and lawn and garden equipment.
Automotive
Clamps for fuel rail systems are made of high-carbon steel and are frequently used in the automotive sector. These clamps secure the gasoline rail to the engine block and facilitate the transfer of body fluids.
Furthermore, high-carbon steel and copper are used in the terminals for electrical connections and in the car’s backup sensor. The side bumpers will also feature a small high-carbon steel clip to hold them in place, aiding in the park assist functions.
Manufacturing and construction
For the manufacturing sector, high-carbon steel is used for various cutting tools, springs, coils, and a range of washers and fasteners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a customer of One Three D Metals used high-carbon steel to produce small washers for their COVID-testing medical equipment.
Retail
Check out the pant hanger at our house. It is made of high-carbon steel, used to make the squeeze tabs that secure the pants to the hanger. Alternatively, at a gas station, look at the selection of chips with high-carbon steel.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
High-carbon steel has many advantages over other options, depending on the user’s specific needs. This type of steel is outstanding for making cutting tools or masonry nails. It has high levels of hardness and metal wear resistance. As a result, many manufacturers prefer to create metal-cutting tools or press machinery that must bend and form metal.
Disadvantages
Several disadvantages are associated with the use of high-carbon steel. This steel type is unsuitable for welding due to its high brittleness, making it more likely to fracture or break. Additionally, it does not hold up well to wear compared to other types of specialty steel.
Comparison Between High Carbon Steel and Low Carbon Steel
Let’s start by comparing high-carbon steel to low-carbon steel. High-carbon steel has a higher carbon content (more than 0.6%) than low-carbon steel, which has a lower carbon content (less than 0.2%). The higher carbon concentration in high-carbon steel makes it harder, stronger, and more resilient, but it is also more difficult to shape. On the other hand, low-carbon steel, with its lower carbon content, is more flexible and more accessible to shape but not as strong as high-carbon steel.
High-carbon steel is composed primarily of iron and carbon, with a higher carbon content than low-carbon steel. As a result, it is much harder but also more brittle than low-carbon steel. High-carbon steel is commonly used in applications that require strength and durability, particularly in cutting tools and similar contexts.
Low-carbon steel is composed primarily of iron and carbon, with a lower carbon content than high-carbon steel. This lower carbon content makes low-carbon steel softer than high-carbon steel and gives it more excellent ductility. Low-carbon steel is commonly used in situations where malleability and weldability are essential.
Summary
This article presents high-carbon steel, explains it, and discusses its various uses and properties. For more information about high-carbon steel, please contact Enze.
