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Carbon Steel

Definition

"Supplying the Foundation of Industry."

The most versatile and essential material, serving as the backbone for construction, automotive, and heavy industries.

Carbon steel is an alloy consisting primarily of iron (Fe) and carbon (C). It is the most fundamental material in the steel industry, typically containing 0.02% to 2.11% carbon. The carbon content directly determines its strength, hardness, and ductility. Due to its cost-effectiveness, excellent machinability, and versatile heat treatment properties, it is the most widely used material in automotive, machinery, and construction industries.

Classification by Carbon Content

  • Low Carbon Steel (Mild Steel): (C: 0.02% – 0.30%) Known for excellent ductility and weldability. Common uses include steel plates, pipes, and wires.
  • Medium Carbon Steel: (C: 0.30% – 0.60%) Offers a balance of strength and toughness. Frequently used for gears, shafts, and mechanical components.
  • High Carbon Steel: (C: 0.60% or more) Characterized by extreme hardness and wear resistance. Ideal for blades, springs, and cutting tools.

Structural Steel

KOREA (KS)JAPAN (JIS)EU (EN)USA (ASTM)CHINA (GB)Features & Applications
SS275SS400S235JRA36Q235General structures (Bridges, Ships, Buildings)
SS400SS490S275JRA572 Gr.42Q275Load-bearing structures requiring higher strength
SS490SS540S355JRA572 Gr.50Q355High-strength large-scale structures and towers

Machine Structural Steel

KOREA (KS)JAPAN (JIS)EU (EN)USA (ASTM)CHINA (GB)Carbon Content (Avg.)
SM20CS20CC22 / C22E102020approx. 0.20% (Low carbon, Carburizing)
SM35CS35CC35 / C35E103535approx. 0.35% (Medium carbon, Mechanical parts)
SM45CS45CC45 / C45E104545approx. 0.45% (General purpose shafts, Gears)
SM55CS55CC55 / C55E105555approx. 0.55% (High strength, Wear-resistant parts)