02 / 08Technical Information
Carbon Steels
The most widely used steel group in machine building, alloyed mainly with carbon and classed as low, medium or high carbon by its carbon content.
Properties
The hardenability of carbon steels depends largely on their carbon content. Steels below about 0.25% carbon do not gain much hardness by quenching; a hard surface on these steels is obtained by carburising (case hardening). Medium-carbon steels with 0.35–0.60% carbon are very well suited to induction hardening and to quenching and tempering.
Typical grades
- C15, C22 (low carbon)
- C35, C45, C55 (medium carbon)
- C60 and above (high carbon)
Applications
Shafts, pins, gears, rollers, fasteners and general machine parts.
Heat treatment notes
Unalloyed carbon steels have limited hardenability, so in thick sections the hardness does not reach the core. That is why induction surface hardening is often chosen for parts that need a hard surface and a tough core. Hardening must be followed by tempering.
Which processes for this steel?
State the steel grade, target hardness and depth in the quote form; we will determine the suitable induction or heat treatment process together.
Quote in 3 steps
Your request goes straight to our quotations team and we get back to you as soon as possible.
- Job detailsTell us the service, the material and the quantity.
- Drawing and notesAttach your technical drawing if you have one and add any special requirements.
- Contact detailsLeave your contact details. Your request goes to our quotations team and you receive a confirmation email.
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