Carbon Steel grades at a glance with ASTM specification and equivalent chart
The characteristics of carbon steel are distinctive, marked by its cost-effectiveness and a composition that includes only four elements. The term “carbon steel” specifically refers to materials where manganese, silicon, copper, carbon, and iron are the sole composition elements. Carbon steel is subject to restrictions regarding the permissible amounts of these elements. Also known as plain carbon steel, the grades of carbon steel are differentiated based on variations in material composition. There are four primary types of carbon steel: mild or low carbon steel with a carbon content of up to 0.25%, medium carbon steel with 0.84% carbon, high carbon steel with 0.65% carbon, and very high carbon steel with up to 2.1% carbon. These distinctions influence the density of carbon steel, encompassing factors like weight, tensile strength, and other mechanical properties. The specific application of carbon steel types is determined by the addition of elements in precise quantities to the composition. Various applications include shipbuilding, wire production, vehicle bodies, fencing, gates, railings, and more. Each type of carbon steel finds utility in specific applications; for instance, medium carbon steel is suitable for gears, rails, shafts, axles, pipelines, fridges, car couplings, and bridge construction. High carbon steel is employed for high-strength cutlery and wires, while very high carbon steel is utilised in larger machine parts, industrial casting, cutting tools, hot water radiators, and other high-strength applications. Carbon steel manufacturers produce diverse grades of carbon steel, and the carbon steel price per kg varies among suppliers. Our carbon steel products offer competitive prices and high quality, and we provide affordable pricing upon inquiry.
Types of Carbon Steel
Carbon contents (wt.%) | Physical Properties | Common grades example | |
|---|---|---|---|
Low-carbon steel (Pearlite / Ferrite) | < 0.25 | Low cost / hardness. High machinability, ductility, toughness, and welding ability | AISI 304, ASTM A815/ SAA815, AISI 316L |
Medium-carbon steel (Martensite) | .25 to 0.60 | Low hardness, medium ductility, strength, and toughness | AISI 409, ASTM A29/ SA29, SCM435 |
High-carbon steel (Pearlite) | .60 to 1.25 | High strength and hardness but low ductility | EN 10088-3, AISI 440C |
Low Carbon Steel Grades
Grade | UNS Designation number |
|---|---|
1010 | G10100 |
1018 | G10180 |
1020 | G10200 |
1022 | G10220 |
Medium Carbon Steel Grades
Grade | UNS Designation number |
|---|---|
1030 | G10300 |
1040 | G10400 |
1045 | G10450 |
1060 | G10600 |
Carbon Steel ASTM Standard
Frequently used Carbon Steel ASTM grades:
| Pipes | |
|---|---|
| ASTM A53/A53M/ SA 53 | ASTM A106/A106M / SA 106 |
| ASTM A134 / SA 134 | ASTM A135/A135M / SA 135 |
| ASTM A139/A139M / SA 139 | ASTM A671 / S A671 |
| ASTM A672 / SA672 | ASTM A333 Grade 6 /3/ SA333 |
| Piping Connection | |
| A350 LF2/ SA 350 | A105 / SA105 |
| A694 / SA694 | A234 WPB / SA234 |
| A420 WPL6 / SA420 | A860 (WPHY) / SA860 |
Carbon Steel Temperature Range
- CS Temperature Range: 29 to 427 °C
- LTCS – Low Temperature Carbon steel Temperature Range : 45.5 to 427 ° C
Carbon Steel Composition
Low Carbon Steel Grade Chemical Formula
| Grade | UNS Number | S (max) | C (max) | P (max) | Mn (max) | Si | Cr | Ni | Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1010 | G10100 | .05% | .08-.13% | .04% | .30-.60% | – | – | – | – |
| 1018 | G10180 | .05% | .14-.20% | .04% | .60-.90% | – | – | – | – |
| 1020 | G10200 | .05% | .17-.23% | .04% | .30-.60% | – | – | – | – |
| 1022 | G10220 | .05% | .17-.23% | .04% | .70-1.00% | – | – | – | – |
Medium Carbon Steel Material Chemical Properties
| Grade | UNS Number | Mn (max) | S (max) | C (max) | P (max) | Si | Cr | Ni | Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1010 | G10100 | .30-.60% | .05% | .08-.13% | .04% | – | – | – | – |
| 1018 | G10180 | .60-.90% | .05% | .14-.20% | .04% | – | – | – | – |
| 1020 | G10200 | .30-.60% | .05% | .17-.23% | .04% | – | – | – | – |
| 1022 | G10220 | .70-1.00% | .05% | .17-.23% | .04% | – | – | – | – |
Carbon Steel Properties
Alloy Type | AISI | Carbon content (wt.%) | Yield strength (MPa) | Tensile strength (MPa) | Ductility (% elongation in 50 mm) | Common Uses |
Low | 1010 | .10 | 180 | 325 | 28 | Automobile panels, nails, wire |
Low | 1020 | .20 | 205 | 380 | 25 | structural steel, Pipe, sheet steel |
Low | A36 | .29 | 220 | 400 | 23 | Structural alloy |
Low | A516 Gr 70 | .31 | 260 | 485 | 21 | LTCS pressure vessels |
Medium | 1030 | .27 – .34 | 325 | 460 | 12 | Gears, machinery items, shifts, axles, bolts |
Medium | 1040 | .37 – .44 | 415 | 620 | 25 | coupling, crankshafts, cold headed parts. |
High | 1080 | .75 – .88 | 440 | 924 | 12 | Music wire |
High | 1095 | .90 – 1.04 | 380 | 665 | 10 | Cutting tool, Spring |