The Difference Between Carbon Steel And Stainless Steel-Sushang

Stainless steel is common in our lives. Stainless steel is deeply loved by everyone because of its high hardness, strength and corrosion resistance. However, there is another kind of steel called carbon steel, which is widely used in industry. Many people know little about carbon steel and stainless steel. Today, I will introduce the difference between the two, hoping to help everyone.

The concept of carbon steel and stainless steel

In simple terms, carbon steel is an iron-carbon alloy with a carbon content ranging from 0.0218% to 2.11%. In addition to carbon, carbon steel usually contains a small amount of silicon, manganese, sulfur and phosphorus, so it is also called carbon steel.

Stainless steel, also known as corrosion-resistant steel, refers to steel that can resist corrosion by weak corrosive media such as air, steam, water, and chemical substances such as acids, alkalis, and salts. Rusty steel is a high-alloy steel based on more than 60% iron, with alloy elements such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum added.

The difference between carbon steel and stainless steel

1. Compared with stainless steel, the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of carbon steel are far from enough.

The excellent performance of stainless steel in terms of wear resistance and corrosion resistance can be attributed to the addition of chromium to stainless steel. Generally speaking, when the chromium content is greater than 12%, a layer of oxide film will form on the surface of stainless steel, commonly known as a passivation film. With the protection of this oxide film, its corrosion resistance will be greatly enhanced.

2. Compared with stainless steel, the weight and hardness of carbon steel are much higher than stainless steel, but the high hardness is more prone to rust and has low toughness and is easy to break.

3. The composition of carbon steel and stainless steel is different

Stainless steel is the abbreviation of stainless acid-resistant steel. Steels that are resistant to weak corrosive media such as air, steam, and water or have stainless properties are called stainless steel; and steels that are resistant to chemical corrosive media (acids, alkalis, salts, etc.) are called acid-resistant steel. It generally also contains a small amount of silicon, manganese, sulfur, and phosphorus. Carbon steel is an iron-carbon alloy with a carbon content of 0.0218%~2.11%.

4. The cost of carbon steel and stainless steel is different. Different stainless steels have different prices, but in general, stainless steel is much more expensive than carbon steel because stainless steel contains a variety of alloy elements, such as chromium, nickel, manganese, etc. Carbon steel is mainly composed of relatively cheap iron and carbon elements.

C45 Carbon Steel Bar exporter
Jiangsu Sushang Steel Group Company is one of the biggest stainless steel, carbon steel, and Galvanized Steel products exporters in China. The company has a significant advantage in the production of C45 Carbon Steel Bar, and is highly recognized by customers, with almost no negative reviews. If you have any needs in this regard, please contact us, we will serve you wholeheartedly!