Leeco Steel Q215BH Type Carbon Steel Plate
Leeco Steel carries an extensive inventory of mild, medium and high carbon steel plate grades stocked throughout our 11 strategically-located distribution centers. This article will examine common carbon steel plate grades and their properties, applications and heat treatment processes.
1045 medium tensile carbon steel is a common structural grade used in I-beams, structural shapes and other applications that require a balance of strength, hardness and ductility. The addition of alloys enhances its corrosion resistance and machinability.
What is Carbon Steel?
Carbon steel is a type of alloy metal that has been strengthened by the addition of carbon. It is used for a wide range of applications, from construction to manufacturing, because it is highly durable and cost-effective. Carbon steel is available in a variety of grades, which differ in their carbon content and other properties.
Low-carbon steels contain only about 0.08% to 0.25% carbon. These are easy to shape and work with, but they are also weaker than medium-carbon steels. Medium-carbon steels contain about 0.30% to 0.60% carbon. They are able to withstand large amounts of pressure and are often used for tools, machinery and automotive parts. They are machinable and can be heat treated to improve their strength and ductility.
High-carbon steels contain 0.75% to 1.5% carbon. They are harder and more durable than medium-carbon steels, but they are Q215BH type carbon steel not as ductile as low-carbon steels. They require heat treatment before, during and after welding to control their mechanical properties.
For specialized applications, such as oil and gas pipelines, high-carbon steels are often tempered and hardened to increase their strength. They can withstand very large amounts of pressure and are also resistant to corrosion. For these reasons, they are used for piping and valves in refineries that process highly acidic compounds. Leeco Steel carries a wide inventory of mild, medium and high-carbon steel plates at our 11 strategically located distribution centers. We maintain a strong quality management system that is ISO-certified to ensure our plate products meet industry standards.
Alloyed Carbon Steel
With the variety of different types of steel available, it can be difficult to decide what materials are best for specific projects. To help, Xometry has assembled a handy guide that breaks down the differences between alloy steel and carbon steel so you can determine the right type for your specific application.
Low and medium-carbon steel alloys are the most popular choices for industrial applications because they are cheaper to produce and work with. These types of steels are used in everything from automotive parts and kitchen appliances to construction equipment and piping. However, for advanced aerospace components and high-temperature chemical processing equipment, you’ll need to opt for heavier, more expensive alloys of steel.
Alloy steels are a combination of iron and a wide range of elements that increase the metal’s strength, durability, and corrosion-resistant properties. Common alloying ingredients include silicon, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, nickel, and vanadium. Each adds a unique set of qualities to the alloy, making it ideal for specific projects.
For example, adding chromium to steel increases its resistance to corrosion and improves its strength and toughness at high temperatures. This makes it a popular choice for applications such as pipes, storage tanks, and pressure vessels. Likewise, adding molybdenum to steel increases its hardness and wear-resistance, improving its durability and machinability. carbon steel plate suppliers You can also use these alloys to create magnetic properties, which is useful in some applications like electric motors and transformers.
Low-Carbon Steel
Low-carbon steels, also known as mild steel, have a lower radio of carbon to iron ratio and are softer, more malleable and more ductile than other steel types. They are a popular choice for structural applications because they can withstand large amounts of stress while being easy to form into shapes. These characteristics make them an ideal material for h-beams and other structural components like columns, bridges and transmission towers.
These steels are often used in construction, automotive manufacturing and other industries that require high-stress applications as well as high load bearing capacity. They are a cost-effective solution for many projects because they can deliver the same strength as higher-cost materials without sacrificing safety and durability.
Low carbon steels have a microstructure that primarily comprises ferrite, which is soft and ductile, making them easy to shape. They are also highly magnetic and have a strong electrical resistance. They do not respond to heat treatment to develop martensite, so they are not as hard or brittle as other steels.
Low-carbon steels are the most commonly used steels in the world. They are used to produce a wide range of products from flat sheets to structural beams, including automobiles and machinery parts. They are also frequently used in pipes and tubes because they are inexpensive, durable and versatile enough to meet a variety of needs.
High-Carbon Steel
A high carbon content gives carbon steels great strength, hardness and resistance to wear. However, it also makes them less ductile and more brittle than low or medium carbon steels. This is why carbon steels need to be carefully treated and heat-treated to prevent failure and achieve their desired properties.
When the right material is selected for the job, you can count on carbon steel to do what you need it to do. It is often combined with other alloying elements to make it stronger or more durable, including nickel, molybdenum and chromium. You will find carbon steel in many applications, from the metal clips that hold your pant hangers to the screws that secure the door of your refrigerator.
In the case of mild steel (which has a lower carbon content than high carbon), it is easy to machine, shape and weld, making it ideal for construction and manufacturing applications. It also has the added benefit of being rust-resistant.
Leeco maintains a large inventory of mild, medium and high carbon plate grades at our 11 strategically located distribution centers. Our inventory is backed by a strong quality management system and a geographic footprint near your delivery locations to help you control freight costs. Contact a Leeco Steel representative today to discuss your specific needs.