Carbon steel is an alloy of iron and carbon ranging from 0.05% to 2.1%, and is only detectable as very small amounts of other elements such as manganese, silicon, and copper. The polycrystalline diamond (PCD) has porous structure. Carbon steel, lacking chromium, has inferior corrosion resistance to stainless steel but greater strength and lower cost in construction and industrial applications.
Abbreviation for Carbon Steel
The standard abbreviation for carbon steel is:
"CS" (e.g., CS Plates, CS Pipes, CS Rods).
Density of Carbon Steel
- Density in g/cm³: 7.85 g/cm³
- Density in kg/m³: 7,850 kg/m³
Types of Carbon Steel
- Low Carbon Steel (Mild Steel) – 0.05% to 0.30% carbon (used in structural applications).
- Medium Carbon Steel – 0.30% to 0.60% carbon (used in machinery, axles, and gears).
- High Carbon Steel – 0.60% to 2.1% carbon (used in cutting tools, springs, and wires).
Applications of Carbon Steel in Construction
High strength and easy to manufacture: Carbon steel is widely used in construction and infrastructure.
- Structural Elements – Used in building and bridge beams, columns and frames.
- Pipes & Tubing — for plumbing, gas pipelines, and industrial fluid transport
- Steel Plates & Sheets – Used in roofing, cladding and flooring systems.
- Heavy Machinery & Equipment - Found in construction equipment, cranes, and machine parts.
- Railway Tracks & Bridges: High-strength infrastructure support for transport
- Bolts, Nuts & Fasteners — Essential for connecting construction materials securely.
As it is both long-lasting and affordable, carbon steel is considered a fundamental in large-scale construction, industrial projects, and infrastructure development.