Carbon Steel vs Alloy Steel vs Stainless Steel: What You Need to Know Before Making a Choice

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Carbon Steel vs Alloy Steel vs Stainless Steel: What You Need to Know Before Making a Choice

The types of steel available to consumers, builders, and manufacturers can be overwhelming. Among the primary categories are carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel. Each type comes with its own set of subcategories. Understanding these differences can help you choose the correct steel for your application. Let’s explore these to ensure you make the best selection for your next project.

Understanding Alloy Steel

All steel products qualify as alloys since an "alloy" is a substance made from two or more metals. Steel, being a mixture of iron and a small amount of carbon, falls into this category.

"Alloy steel," however, is enhanced with additional elements such as manganese, nickel, chromium, or boron. This type of steel is typically strong, hard, and tough, exhibiting better resistance to wear and damage than other steels.

Alloy steels are usually divided into two subcategories: low alloy and high alloy. Low alloy steels contain less than 8% of other elements and are often known for better hardness and wear resistance. High alloy steels, on the other hand, usually have superior tensile strength.

Common Applications for Alloy Steel

Different alloy steels serve different purposes. In most cases, they are selected for construction and architecture, especially when strength and corrosion resistance are essential. Alloys are used in various sectors ranging from massive structures to jewelry, cutlery, and cookware.

At Service Steel, we provide a chromium-molybdenum-nickel low alloy steel suitable for medium-strength parts, including automotive components. This steel is often used for camshafts, fasteners, and gears. Oil pumps, piston rods, and piston pins are also good candidates for alloy steel.

Exploring Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is an alloy that combines iron with a high content of carbon. While all steel is an iron-carbon alloy, "carbon steel" in the industry refers to steel with a higher carbon content than other types.

This category includes low-carbon steel and high-carbon steel. Low-carbon steel is strong and tough, and it can be case-hardened if needed. High-carbon steel can be heat-treated for increased hardness. However, heating makes it more brittle, which can limit its applications and make it harder to work with.

Common Applications for Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is favored for multiple reasons. It is ideal for tubes, plates, and bolts. It can be employed in signs and furniture, with many common metal parts made from low-carbon steel.

High-carbon steel is often used for kitchenware, such as knives, and plays a pivotal role in manufacturing and construction. It is the preferred choice for drill bits, saws, and masonry nails. Anchor bolts, rods, fasteners, and gears are frequently made from high-carbon steel.

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What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is a common and well-known type of steel. It is used in a wide range of applications. However, it is generally not as hard and therefore not used where strength and hardness are critical.

This material comprises steel mixed with chromium, which provides corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is ideal for parts and products that will consistently come in contact with water, offering longer durability compared to other metals.

Various stainless steel types exist, each with unique properties.

Common Applications for Stainless Steel

At Service Steel, we stock many top types of stainless steel. For instance, austenitic stainless steel, one of the most popular metals, is commonly used for dairy and food-processing equipment. Additionally, ferritic stainless steel is frequently used in the automotive industry for exhaust systems, axles, and shafts.

We also offer duplex stainless steel, which has a two-phase microstructure and is twice as strong. It is often used for transporting chemicals.

From the aerospace industry to kitchen knives, suitable stainless steel exists for nearly any purpose.

References:

https://www.bushwickmetals.com/difference-carbon-steel-vs-alloy-steel/

https://www.bushwickmetals.com/difference-carbon-steel-vs-alloy-steel/

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