Popular Carbon Steel Grades: A Quick Guide

Carbon steel is a versatile material used in construction, tools, and machinery. Here’s a quick overview of common grades and their uses:

• AISI 1020 (Low Carbon): Machinable, ideal for gears, bolts, and frames.

• ASTM A36 (Low Carbon): Structural steel for bridges and buildings.

• AISI 1045 (Medium Carbon): Heat-treatable, used for gears, axles, and machinery parts.

• AISI 4140 (Medium Carbon): High-strength alloy for tools and automotive components.

• AISI 1095 (High Carbon): High hardness, perfect for knives, springs, and cutting tools.

• ASTM A572 (HSLA): High-strength, low-alloy steel for structural frameworks.

• ASTM A606 (HSLA): Weather-resistant, ideal for outdoor construction.

Key Uses:

• Low carbon: Sheet metal, automotive panels.

• Medium carbon: Machinery, crankshafts.

• High carbon: Blades, wear-resistant parts.

• HSLA: Bridges, trucks, corrosion-prone environments.

Keywords: Carbon steel grades, AISI 1020, AISI 1045, AISI 1095, HSLA steel, ASTM A36, ASTM A572.