b. Plain Carbon Steels

Carbon Steels offer a diverse range of mechanical properties and alloys, making them the ideal material for many applications. Carbon steels are used in products that impact your life everyday. From the HVAC system that keeps your home and office comfortable, to the home appliances that bring your family together and to the high strength steels used by the automotive industry to protect your family on the road. Our engineers are ready to help you find the solutions for your design needs.

BMM supplies all three carbon steels in all grades

i. High Carbon Steel

ii. Medium Carbon Steel

iii. Low Carbon Steel

 

Their carbon content, microstructure and properties compare as follows:

Carbon content (wt.%)

Microstructure

Properties

Examples

Low-carbon steel

< 0.25

Ferrite, pearlite

Low hardness and cost. High ductility, toughness, machinability and weldability

AISI 304ASTM A815AISI 316L

Medium-carbon steel

0.25 – 0.60

Martensite

Low hardenability, medium strength, ductility and toughness

AISI 409, ASTM A29SCM435

High-carbon steel

0.60 – 1.25

Pearlite

High hardness, strength, low ductility

AISI 440CEN 10088-3