The difference between carbon and stainless steel

Our commonly used fasteners are usually made of carbon steel and stainless steel, and here we look at the difference between the two.

Carbon steel and stainless steel are two common types of steel, and they have significant differences in composition, properties and applications. Here are the main differences:

Composition And Definition
Carbon steel:
The main components are iron and carbon, the carbon content is usually between 0.0217% and 2.10%.
Contains small amounts of silicon, manganese and other impurities.
Stainless steel:
The main components are iron, chromium and nickel, and the chromium content is usually more than 10.5%.
The addition of chromium and nickel makes it have good corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance.
appearance

Carbon steel:
The appearance is grey and the surface is relatively rough.
Easy to oxidize and rust.
Stainless steel:
The appearance is silver bright color, the surface is smooth and glossy.
It has good corrosion resistance and is not easy to rust.
property
Wear resistance:
Carbon steel has higher hardness, so it has better wear resistance.
Stainless steel is relatively soft and does not wear as well as carbon steel.
Corrosion resistance:
Carbon steel is prone to oxidation and rust in the environment.
Because stainless steel contains chromium and nickel, it can form a chromium oxide layer to protect the steel from corrosion.
Ductility:
The ductility of stainless steel is better, mainly because it contains higher nickel.
Carbon steel has poor ductility, especially carbon steel with a high carbon content.

Price
Carbon steel: there is no need to add a large number of other alloys in the production process, so the cost is low and the price is relatively cheap.
Stainless steel: need to add chromium, nickel and other alloying elements, high production costs, the price is more expensive.
Apply
Carbon steel:
It is often used in the manufacture of tools, mechanical equipment and building structures.
Suitable for applications requiring high strength and wear resistance.
Stainless steel:
Widely used in kitchen utensils, medical equipment, chemical equipment and building decoration.
Suitable for occasions requiring corrosion resistance and aesthetics.
magnetism
Carbon steel: magnetic.
Stainless steel: Some types of stainless steel (such as austenitic stainless steel) are not magnetic, but may develop magnetic properties after cold working.
In summary, carbon steel and stainless steel have significant differences in composition, appearance, performance, price and application. The choice of steel depends on the specific application needs and budget considerations.


Post time: Dec-04-2024