Carbon Steel Vs. Stainless Steel: The Differences

The fact that two objects are made of steel does not imply that they contain the same steel. The two most popular types of steel are carbon steel and stainless steel, though there are many others. Although both varieties may appear to be the same, several significant differences set one apart from the other.

CARBON STEEL

Carbon steel has a high carbon content that typically accounts for up to 2.1 percent of its weight. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (ASISI), carbon steel must also satisfy the following requirements.

• There is no minimum content required for metals that resist corrosion, such as vanadium, titanium, tungsten, cobalt, and chromium.
• Copper content requirements must not be less than 0.40 percent.
• Manganese cannot be present in concentrations more than 1.65%.
• Copper cannot be present in amounts more than 0.6 percent.
• A maximum of 0.6 percent silicon may be included.

Compared to stainless steel, carbon steel is more rigid, has a matte finish, and has a higher tensile strength. Knives and other bladed cutting tools that need to keep their cutting edge longer are made from this material. However, even modest amounts of moisture will cause this steel to oxidize. Carbon steel is not as ductile or straightforward to form as stainless steel.

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel, also known as inox steel, lives up to its name by highly resisting rust-related discoloration. Steel and other iron-based metals usually undergo a chemical process called oxidation when exposed to oxygen, which alters their characteristics. Iron oxidizes, transforming the previously metallic iron into a reddish-brown metal (iron oxide). The iron oxide will eventually oxidize to the point of complete disintegration.

Stainless steel has an oxidation-resistant coating. It has a chromium concentration of at least 10.5 per cent by mass. This is crucial because iron is prone to oxidation while chromium is not. In stainless steel, a layer of chromium serves as a barrier between the oxygen in the environment and the metal's iron content, preventing corrosion.

Equipment and utensils used in the food industry, medical equipment, automobile parts, and many other items are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel never oxidizes or rusts, unlike other iron and steel goods, which is its most crucial feature. Stainless steel is a preferred material for many applications due to its strength, corrosion resistance, visual appeal, and ease of maintenance. There are panels composed of a glossy metal material all around you whenever you enter a commercial kitchen or a hospital.

Read More: How to drill Stainless Steel

Carbon Steel Vs. Stainless Steel: The Differences

The following are some differences between carbon and stainless steel:

1. CORROSION RESISTANCE

The most noticeable distinction between carbon steel and stainless steel is their capacity to withstand corrosion. Stainless steels are typically more resistant to corrosion than carbon steels, as their name suggests. Iron is present in both carbon and stainless steel, where it oxidizes in the presence of oxygen to form rust. Compared to carbon steel, stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant due to the addition of chromium.

2. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Because there are so many different types and grades of each, it is challenging to generalize how carbon steels and stainless steels differ in terms of their mechanical properties. Due to their typically higher nickel content, stainless steel can be more malleable than carbon steel. However, other stainless steel grades are exceedingly brittle, like the martensitic grades.

Due to the alloying elements that many stainless steel grades include, which increase its strength, carbon steel with shallow carbon content may not be able to meet the tensile strengths of some stainless steel. However, carbon steel can be heat treated more quickly than austenitic stainless steel if it contains enough carbon (usually at least 0.30 per cent by weight).

3. APPEARANCE

The metal's appearance must be considered if the task demands aesthetic appeal. When aesthetic appearance is critical, stainless steel with specific treatments is typically used. Both materials can be sanded and polished to have a brilliant, shining appearance, but carbon steel needs paint or a clear finish straight away after the polishing procedure. The carbon steel will start to discolour and finally rust if it is not coated. Additionally, stainless steel will maintain its brilliance where it has been scratched, unlike painted carbon steel, which needs to be repainted or corroded.

4. COST

Stainless steels are often more expensive than carbon steels, though prices vary depending on the grade. This is mainly because stainless steel has several alloying metals, such as chromium, nickel, manganese, and others. All of these extra components result in a higher price compared to carbon steel. Contrarily, most of the ingredients of carbon steel are relatively inexpensive iron and carbon. Carbon steel can be ideal if you're on a tight budget for your next project.

How To Choose Between Carbon Steel And Stainless Steel

Consider these factors carefully when choosing between carbon steel and stainless steel for a specific application. Spending more money on stainless steel just for its beauty makes no sense if the metal will be hidden from view. However, stainless steel can be the ideal choice if it is out of sight but exposed to corrosive conditions. The decision will ultimately be based on the particulars of the task or project.