Highcarbon

High-carbon refers to materials that have a relatively high proportion of carbon by weight. In steel metallurgy, high-carbon steel is the common usage, typically defined as steel containing about 0.6 to 1.0 percent carbon, with some grades reaching 1.2 percent. The carbon level greatly influences properties, increasing hardness and wear resistance while reducing ductility and weldability.

Chemical composition and alloying: In addition to carbon, high-carbon steels may include alloying elements such as chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, or tungsten to improve hardenability and strength. These steels are often designed for applications that require a sharp edge, high resistance to wear, or high mechanical strength.

Properties: These steels are extremely hard after heat treatment but can be brittle; they generally exhibit high tensile strength and excellent edge retention. Heat treatment methods such as quenching and tempering are used to optimize hardness and toughness. Machinability is typically reduced compared with lower-carbon steels, and welding can be more challenging.

Production and heat treatment: High-carbon steel is produced from iron and carbon in traditional steelmaking processes, including basic oxygen or electric arc furnaces. After alloying, the material is shaped and then subjected to controlled cooling and heat treatment to achieve a martensitic or tempered microstructure that provides the desired balance of hardness and toughness.

Applications: Common uses include cutting tools, blades, saws, springs, and other wear-resistant parts. High-carbon steels are favored where a sharp edge and high wear resistance are essential, though they require careful handling and processing.

Limitations: The main drawbacks are brittleness and limited weldability, along with greater cost and processing care compared with lower-carbon steels.