Stainless Steel Composition
Steel is made up primarily of iron and carbon. Steels with a higher carbon content tend to be hard and brittle, whereas steels with a lower carbon content tend to be ductile and robust.
Of course, things are rarely that straightforward. To improve corrosion resistance or provide a better balance between strength and toughness, alloying elements like chromium, molybdenum, nickel, manganese, or silicon can be added.
Carbon Steel
Carbon Steel IS 2062 Sheet Plate is made up of iron and 0.12–2.00 percent carbon. Alloy steels, which can contain up to 10.5 percent alloy content, fall into this category. There is a tremendous variation in physical qualities, especially hardness, even within the constraints of under two percentage points of carbon.
When people talk about carbon steel, they usually mean the high carbon steel that is utilized in blades and other instruments. High carbon steels are extremely hard, making them excellent at resisting abrasion and maintaining their shape. They can withstand a lot of force before they deform. Unfortunately, hard metals are also brittle; high carbon steels are more likely to break when subjected to excessive tensile stress, Because of
(1) lower production costs
(2) increased ductility
Low carbon steels are more commonly used in manufacturing than high carbon steels due to their ease of use.
Low carbon steels bend rather than break when stressed, and their ductility makes them simple to process and weld. Steel plates usually contain them.
Applications of Carbon Steel
Carbon steel accounts for around 90% of today’s steel production, and the building industry consumes nearly a quarter of all steel produced worldwide. Carbon steel must be galvanized for outdoor use since it is prone to corrosion. It also has a drab, uninteresting finish, which makes it less appealing than stainless steel. Overall, the increased carbon content improves the metal’s toughness, heat dispersion, and malleability, as well as lowers its melting point.
The following are some of the most prevalent uses for Carbon Steel:
- Building work (roads, railways, buildings, infrastructure)
- Playground apparatus
- Automobile components
- Beams for support.
- Knives
- Steel strands
- Appliances
Applications In Stainless Steel
On the surface, stainless steel is a beautiful metal with a shiny, reflective polish that is pleasing to the eye. This is due to the alloy’s low carbon content and high chromium content, which alter its look and aid in corrosion resistance. Stainless steel, unlike carbon steel, has a chromium oxide coating that protects it against rust and discoloration. Even sulfuric and phosphoric acids are resistant to some stainless steel alloys.
Stainless steel is typically utilized in applications that demand a high level of strength and corrosion resistance. When exposed to water, stainless steel, unlike carbon steel, does not corrode, rust, or discolor.
These properties enable stainless steel to be employed in a variety of applications.
- Handrails for medical instruments
- Hot water storage tanks
- Implants for surgery
- Construction of buildings
- Appliance Finishing
- Production and storage of food
Is It Better To Use Carbon Steel Or Stainless Steel?
Although carbon steel and stainless steel are distinct, neither is necessarily superior. It’s all about the setting. Each material has benefits and drawbacks; the trick is to match the steel to the work specifications.