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What Are the Uses of Carbon Steel?

Terry Masters
Terry Masters

Carbon steel is a metal alloy that combines iron and carbon. The various uses of carbon steel depend on the amount of carbon added to the alloy; for instance, carbon steel with the lowest amount of carbon is called wrought iron and is used for things like fencing. Medium-carbon steel, also called mild steel, is the type of steel that is used for structural purposes in buildings and bridges. High-carbon steel is used for springs and steel wires, while ultra-high carbon steel is called cast iron and is often used to make pots.

There are two types of steel alloy that are typically familiar to the average person: carbon steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel combines iron with carbon, while stainless steel combines iron with chromium. It is easy for most people to identify stainless steel, because the chromium creates a shiny coating over the metal that is reflective and nonporous, making stainless steel simple to clean and decorative. One of the common definitions of carbon steel is any steel that is not stainless.

Carbon steel pipes.
Carbon steel pipes.

The carbon in carbon steel makes the metal harder and stronger than stainless steel, but it is also less malleable. Adding greater quantities of carbon to the alloy mixture results in carbon steel that is increasingly harder and more brittle. There are four categories of carbon steel that are distinguishable by the amount of carbon added to the alloy mixture. The uses of carbon steel depend on this category classification.

A carbon steel disc.
A carbon steel disc.

Carbon steel with the lowest carbon content is typically called wrought iron; the metal is hard, but not brittle. This type of carbon steel is used for fences, chain links, gates and railings. Its lower carbon content means that it has the flexibility to be “worked” into designs for ornamental purposes.

The most commonly used carbon steel has a medium carbon content; uses of carbon steel in this category include structural steel to build buildings and bridges. It is also used for parts in consumer products like automobiles, refrigerators and washing machines. Ships use medium-carbon steel as a structural component.

High-carbon steel is hard but brittle and less easily worked. The uses of carbon steel in this category are typically for manufacturing purposes. This type of carbon steel is often used to create springs and high-strength wires. The increased hardness makes this category of steel ideal for cutting tools, punches, dies and industrial knives.

Carbon steel with ultra-high carbon content is commonly referred to as cast iron. This type of cast iron is very hard but highly brittle. It has little to no malleability and cannot be easily welded or tooled. Often, it is used for cast iron pots, hot water radiators and certain types of lamp posts. Industrially, this type of carbon steel is used for castings, because the high carbon content lowers the melting point.

Discussion Comments

anon993686

Yes, just take a towel or paper towels and salt(dry)to rub out the pot. Just wipe the salt out and leave the clean and seasoned pot in pristine condition. By the way, I do wash and instantly dry by putting the cast iron on a hot cook top or in a warm oven till dry, then do the salt rub.

Markerrag

Cast iron is not only very hard, it's extremely durable. Ever have a cast iron skillet? One of those that is well taken care of can last a lifetime. How do you take care of one? Season it by coating it with cooking oil and heating it in an oven for about 30 minutes. That will develop a non-stick surface that will also protect the skillet and will build up as you fry things in it.

It is important to season a skillet again every now and again should you see rust start to develop.

Still, cast iron makes great cookware that requires very little maintenance. It doesn't do well in a dishwasher, however, as the seasoning can get washed off and rust can develop. Using a scouring pad on cast iron cookware is a bad idea, too.

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    • Carbon steel pipes.
      Carbon steel pipes.
    • A carbon steel disc.
      By: Nomad_Soul
      A carbon steel disc.