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.
Types of Carbon Steel

Long carbon steel - Bars, Sections, Wire Rods, etc.
Long carbon steel refers to steel products that are produced in long shapes, such as bars, rods, and sections.
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Flat Carbon Steel Products - HR, CR, Steel Plates, Checkered Plates
Flat carbon steel refers to steel products produced in the form of flat sheets or coils through the rolling process.
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Carbon Steel Pipe & Tubes - Seamless, ERW/HFW, SSAW/SAWH, Galvanized Welded Steel Pipe(Z60~Z500)
Carbon steel pipes and tubes are hollow, cylindrical products used for transporting fluids (liquids, oil, gas) or as structural components in machinery and construction.
View More →Structural Steel
| KOREA (KS) | JAPAN (JIS) | EU (EN) | USA (ASTM) | CHINA (GB) | Features & Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS275 | SS400 | S235JR | A36 | Q235 | General structures (Bridges, Ships, Buildings) |
| SS400 | SS490 | S275JR | A572 Gr.42 | Q275 | Load-bearing structures requiring higher strength |
| SS490 | SS540 | S355JR | A572 Gr.50 | Q355 | High-strength large-scale structures and towers |
Machine Structural Steel
| KOREA (KS) | JAPAN (JIS) | EU (EN) | USA (ASTM) | CHINA (GB) | Carbon Content (Avg.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM20C | S20C | C22 / C22E | 1020 | 20 | approx. 0.20% (Low carbon, Carburizing) |
| SM35C | S35C | C35 / C35E | 1035 | 35 | approx. 0.35% (Medium carbon, Mechanical parts) |
| SM45C | S45C | C45 / C45E | 1045 | 45 | approx. 0.45% (General purpose shafts, Gears) |
| SM55C | S55C | C55 / C55E | 1055 | 55 | approx. 0.55% (High strength, Wear-resistant parts) |