Leeco Steel – High Carbon Steel Plate
Leeco Steel keeps a large inventory of carbon steel plate in each of its 11 strategically-located distribution centers. Get a quote today!
Carbon steels provide a balance between strength and ductility. They are often used to make tanks and storage containers that are water-resistant and airtight. This steel also responds very well to riveting and welding.
Corrosion Resistance
Carbon steels are prone to corrosion and can be affected by a wide high carbon steel plate range of chemicals. The corrosion of carbon steel plate depends on the environment in which it is placed, and can be a result of dry, wet, chemical or electrochemical corrosion. This type of corrosion can cause damage such as rust spots, pitting or cracking and loss of gloss. Adding alloys like chromium or manganese can increase its corrosion resistance.
High carbon steels are the strongest and hardest of all grades of steel, however they are less ductile than lower-carbon steels. They can be strengthened by heat treating and adding other materials like chromium to increase its corrosion resistance, making it suitable for many applications where strength is needed in conjunction with the ability to deform under stress.
High-carbon steel is more prone to weld-related cracking than medium- or low-carbon steel, and can be affected by hydrogen attack, in which it forms graphite, primarily in weld heat-affected zones. However, this can be avoided by following the proper weld practices and heating it to a uniform temperature both before and after welding. These precautions can also be taken with coated carbon steel, in which case the coating can improve the corrosion resistance. This is because the number and thickness of coating layers, as well as its composition and uniformity, can all significantly increase its corrosive resistance.
Strength
Carbon steel plate is a strong, durable material that has a high tensile strength. This strength, along with a good capacity to resist shock and impact, makes it an excellent choice for construction and industrial applications. In addition, it is cost-effective compared to aluminum and stainless steel.
There are different grades of carbon steel, with each offering a unique combination of strengths. Low carbon steel, for example, has a lower tensile strength but provides exceptional resistance to wear. Medium carbon plate, which Leeco stocks in grades A516 and A830-1045, offers a better balance of strength and hardness compared to low-carbon steels. These plate grades also have a higher ductility than low-carbon varieties.
For structural projects that need a high level of strength but not at the expense of weldability, choose high-carbon steel plates. These plates have a low-alloy content but are tough and incredibly strong. They are suitable for welding and forming, even in cold temperatures. Some plates have added benefits like a lower sensitivity to hydrogen embrittlement, which allows them to be welded at different speeds without worrying about hydrogen formation. This type of plate can be welded using manual or automatic modern equipment. However, you should always follow strict procedures to prevent hydrogen embrittlement. The use of a shield or an inert gas can help to avoid it.
Weldability
High carbon steels are very difficult to weld because of their increased hardness and reduced ductility. They also tend to be more prone to weld-related cracking than low or medium carbon steels. The risk of cracking can be reduced by thoroughly preheating the material and by using proper welding procedures. It may also be necessary to use special welding filler metals to avoid cracking.
In general, carbon steels that contain higher amounts of sulfur and phosphorus are more prone to cracking than those with lower concentrations. It is also important to pay attention to the Galvanized Coil/Sheet thickness of the weld bead when welding high carbon steels. Thin bead welds are more prone to cracking than thick ones.
It is recommended to use an appropriate preheat temperature when welding high carbon steels. This will reduce the cooling rate of the weld fusion zone and prevent delayed cracking. It is also essential to carefully select the appropriate welding process and parameters to slow down the cooling rate for sound welds with good mechanical properties.
Leeco stocks a broad range of high carbon steel plate in a wide variety of grades and sizes. We keep our inventory well stocked throughout our 11 strategically-located distribution centers for fast dispatch. To learn more about our plate solutions, contact us today or request a quote online.
Ease of Machining
Depending on the carbon content, carbon steel plate can be hard or easy to machine. It is easier to machine if it has a lower carbon content, but that also decreases its strength and weldability.
Mild steel has a low carbon content and is easy to machine, shape and weld. It is used in construction and manufacturing applications that require both strength and ductility, like machinery components and car parts.
The higher the carbon content in a piece of steel, the harder and more difficult it is to machine. High-carbon steels can be machined, but it is important to use coolant and a sharp tool to prevent the material from overheating and breaking tools. It is also important to maintain good chip control and use a tight cutting edge.
If you are looking for a supplier of carbon steel, look for one that has a large inventory of mild, medium and high-carbon grades from both domestic and international mills. It should have a strong quality management system, including ISO certification, and a wide geographic footprint near your delivery locations to help reduce freight costs. You should be able to get a quote quickly for the grade and size you need. Also, ask the steel supplier if they offer oxy-fuel, plasma or waterjet cutting for carbon plates thinner than 8″. This will give you better edge quality.
