High Carbon

Composition

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0.8-2% Carbon

Common Shapes

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High Carbon Steels are commonly available in:

​

• Sheets and Plates

• Welded & Seamless Tubes and Pipes 

• Structural profiles

• Wire

• Rods

• Bars

• Fittings

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(Not all alloys or tempers available in all shapes)

Characteristics

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• The strongest of the Carbon Steels

• The least ductile and cold-workable Carbon Steel

• High wear resistance

• Excellent strength gains from heat treatment

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Uses

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• Springs

• High tensile wire

Weldability

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High Carbon Steels are not suitable for welding, due to their high Carbon content.

Machinability

​

The high Carbon content of High Carbon Steel renders the metal too brittle to be successfully machined.

Commonly Used Alloys (SAE)

​

1055-1095 | 1137-1151 | 1561-1572

Medium Carbon

Composition

​

0.61%-1.5% Carbon

Common Shapes

​

Medium Carbon Steels are commonly available in:​

​

• Sheets and Plates

• Welded & Seamless Tubes and Pipes 

• Structural profiles

• Wire

• Rods

• Bars

• Fittings

​

(Not all alloys or tempers available in all shapes)

Characteristics

​​

• Stronger than mild steel

• Reduced ductility

• Good response to heat treatment for the purpose of increasing strength

Uses

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• Used for large parts

• Forgings

• Automotive products

Weldability

​

As the Carbon content of Carbon Steels increases, the weldability decreases, therefore Medium Carbon Steel is not best suited to welding.

Machinability

​

Medium Carbon Steels are machinable, as long as care is taken with machine cutting speeds and feeds.

Commonly Used Alloys (SAE)

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1040 | 1045 | 1141 | 1144