What is carbon steel and how is it different from other types of steel?

Carbon steel is an iron-carbon alloy with a carbon content of 0.0218% to 2.11%. It is also called carbon steel. It generally contains a small amount of silicon, manganese, sulfur, and phosphorus. Generally, the higher the carbon content in carbon steel, the greater the hardness and strength, but the lower the plasticity.

Differences between carbon steel and other types of steel

‌Differences from stainless steel:

Oxidation resistance: Stainless steel contains up to 11-12% chromium, which can form a protective layer on the surface and is not easy to rust; while carbon steel does not contain chromium and is easy to rust.

‌Performance‌: Stainless steel contains high nickel content, good ductility but low strength; carbon steel contains high carbon content, high strength but low plasticity.

‌Appearance‌: Stainless steel has a smooth surface and is not easy to rust, and it can maintain its gloss even without coating; carbon steel requires coating protection to prevent oxidation.

‌Price‌: Stainless steel has a higher cost because it contains a variety of alloying elements; carbon steel has a lower cost.

‌Difference from alloy steel‌:

Composition‌: Alloy steel contains other alloying elements (such as manganese, chromium, nickel, etc.), while carbon steel does not contain intentionally added alloying elements‌.

‌Performance‌: Alloy steel has specific physical and chemical properties, such as corrosion resistance, high strength, etc.; the performance of carbon steel mainly depends on its carbon content‌.