Many people who are not in the steel industry think that all steel is just the same, but that’s far from the truth. Steel is an alloy metal that is made up of iron and carbon plus other trace elements. It’s extremely strong and relatively inexpensive to produce, so it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most commonly used metals in manufacturing companies.
But as hinted above, there are different types of steel, all with their own set of unique characteristics. For instance, carbon steel is preferred by most companies over other types of steel. Why? What is carbon steel? More importantly, is it the right choice for your company, too?
Carbon steel plate is among the most versatile options you have. The range of its uses is primarily dictated by the classification of the plates, which could mean it’s either low carbon content or high carbon content. The uses of carbon steel are common in manufacturing, construction, and even the building of durable storage containers.
Carbon steel, as you can tell by its name, has a higher content of carbon compared to other types of steel, which have a significantly lower content of carbon – often between 0.05% to 0.3% only. Compared to that, carbon steel has up to 2.5% of carbon content.
Uses of Carbon Steel
In the manufacturing industry, carbon steel plates are often used as a base material for the building of components. It is because its durability makes it an ideal choice for manufacturing bolts, gears, and screws, among others. When a carbon steel plate is used for these components, machines operate for longer before needing replacement gears or screws.
In construction, you’ll usually find that carbon steel plates are used in the building of ships and bridges, as well as other types of commercial or industrial buildings. Due to their strength, the carbon steel plates can be used for different types of braces or brackets, which are integral to the overall construction. They may also be used for base plates that provide anchoring support.
Carbon steel plates are also used to make storage tanks. This type of metal responds to riveting really well, and it can be welded properly to create a tank that’s water-resistant and airtight. Additionally, it’s a more cost-effective option that allows you to make a tank for a cheaper cost without compromising quality.
Carbon steel plates may also be used for various tools, especially farming equipment like tillers. Scraping equipment, cutting machinery, blades, and knives also make use of carbon steel plates.
Carbon steel is indeed one of the most commonly used types of steel in various industries. The best thing about it is that it’s also one of the most recycled materials on the planet, which makes it an eco-friendly choice. So, whether you are in the construction or manufacturing industry or making storage tanks or some equipment and tools, carbon steel plates should be your top choice.
