Niedrigkohlenstähle

Niedrigkohlenstähle, also known as low-carbon steels or mild steels, are a category of steel characterized by a very low carbon content, typically less than 0.25% by weight. This low carbon content is the defining feature that distinguishes them from other types of steel, such as medium-carbon steels and high-carbon steels. The manufacturing process for Niedrigkohlenstähle involves carefully controlling the amount of carbon and other alloying elements to achieve specific mechanical properties. These steels are generally produced through processes like the basic oxygen steelmaking (BOS) or electric arc furnace (EAF) methods.

The mechanical properties of Niedrigkohlenstähle are largely determined by their low carbon content. They are known for their excellent ductility, toughness, and formability, making them easy to shape, weld, and machine. However, their hardness and tensile strength are relatively low compared to steels with higher carbon content. This makes them less suitable for applications requiring extreme wear resistance or high tensile loads without additional treatment. Common applications for Niedrigkohlenstähle include automotive body panels, structural components in buildings and bridges, wire, nails, pipes, and general-purpose sheet metal. Their widespread use is due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of fabrication. Surface treatments and alloying can further enhance their properties for specific uses, but the fundamental characteristic remains their low carbon nature.