Alloy Steel vs Carbon Steel: Which One is Better?
The use of steel accounts for the choice of different forms of steel, among which alloy steel and carbon steel are quite popular.
If you are eager to learn about alloy steel vs carbon steel, the guide below will provide a perfect comparison. So let's read.
What is Alloy Steel?
Alloy steel is manufactured by combining carbon, iron, and some other elements like molybdenum, nickel, and chromium. The alloy steel offers excellent physical properties, such as corrosion resistance, strength, and toughness.
The additional elements present in it add to these characteristics. However, the cost of the process for creating alloy steel is high due to the extensive method and time required.
Types of Alloy Steel
There are different types of alloy steel, and some of them are discussed below.
Chromium Steel
Chromium steel has chromium as the prime material, which ensures resistance against wear and corrosion and high strength. It is extensive and is used in applications like drilling equipment and aerospace parts.
Nickel Steel
Nickel steel, on the other hand, has nickel as the basic element for alloying, which makes it ductile, tough, and corrosion-resistant. It is used in applications like components for aircraft engines, chemical processing equipment, and gas turbine blades.
Molybdenum Steel
Molybdenum steel has molybdenum as the alloying element, which makes the alloy steel resistant to wear and offers strength when subjected to high temperatures.
Vanadium Steel
Vanadium steel has vanadium, which enhances the toughness, fatigue resistance, and strength and makes it suitable for crankshafts, gears, and axles.
Tool Steel
Tool steel has alloying elements like molybdenum, tungsten, and chromium. It has high wear resistance and is tough. Tool steel is used in tooling molds, cutters, and fixtures.
What is Carbon Steel?
Carbon steel is a steel variant that has carbon mixed with iron in different concentrations. It creates an alloy that is versatile, durable, and strong. It even contains traces of silicon and manganese.
It is known for its low cost of production, versatility, and simplicity. It is also produced quickly, but it has less corrosion resistance, strength, and hardness.
Types of Carbon Steel
There are different types of carbon steel, and these are as follows:
Low-Carbon Steel
Low-carbon steel has about 0.3% of carbon and has ductility. It is used in applications that need flexible and intricate profiles. It is used for fences and steel wires.
Medium-Carbon Steel
Medium-carbon steel has carbon in the range of 0.6% to 0.3% and is durable compared to low-carbon steel. It is used in applications consisting of ductility and strength. Some of its applications are shafts, gears, and axles.
High-Carbon Steel
High carbon steel has carbon of about 0.6 to 1.4%, and it is stronger than the other types of carbon steel. It is used in knives, springs, and cutting tools due to its high strength.
Very High Carbon Steel
Very high-carbon steel has carbon in the range of 1.4 to 2% and is also called cast iron. It is brittle and hard and is widely used in applications that require high resistance against wear.
Alloy vs Carbon Steel: Comprehensive Comparison
The two types of steel can be compared with one another in various aspects, as highlighted in the section below.
Strength
Alloy steel is of high strength as it is composed of nickel and chromium. It also has excellent yield and tensile strength.
Hardness
Alloy steel has vanadium and tungsten, which makes it hard as they are also passed through heat treatments. Carbon steel offers hardness, and tempering processes are needed, but despite this, it is not as hard as alloy steel.
Durability
Steel is durable in every type, and hence, it is widely adopted in many applications. However, compared to carbon steel, alloy steel is more durable. Carbon steel is not resistant to corrosion and cannot withstand harsh environments like alloy steel.
Versatility
Carbon steel has limited versatility, which is dependent on carbon composition. However, alloy steel is quite versatile and can be obtained in different versions based on the properties required.
Corrosion Resistance
Alloy steel offers resistance against corrosion, which is not present in carbon steel.
Toughness
Carbon steel is rich in carbon, which makes it tough, and the toughness of alloy steel is less in comparison.
Malleability
In alloy steel, the alloying of different elements makes it less malleable compared to carbon steel.
Weldability
Carbon steel has high weldability compared to alloy steel because alloy steel has more alloying elements, whereas carbon steel has more carbon content.
Cost
Alloy steel has a higher cost than carbon steel as the cost of carbon steel varies based on the carbon content.
Quick Chart: Alloy Steel vs. Carbon Steel Properties
Below is a quick glance at the comparison between alloy steel and carbon steel.
| Properties | Alloy Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Strength | High tensile strength | Moderate tensile strength |
| Composition | Iron and carbon mixed with other alloys. | Iron and carbon |
| Hardness | High hardness when treated with heat | More carbon adds more hardness |
| Ductility | Highly ductile | Less ductile |
| Corrosion Resistance | Highly corrosion resistant | Less resistant to corrosion |
| Cost | Highly expensive | Less expensive |
| Heat Treatment | Excellent response | Minimal response |
| Machinability | Difficult to machine | Highly machinable |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent wear resistance | Less wear resistance |
| Weldability | Difficult to weld | Offers high weldability |
Applications of Carbon and Alloy Steel
Common Applications of Alloy Steel
The applications of alloy steel can be seen in many industries; it is highly machinable, tough, and strength-oriented. Hence, it is used in structural parts of railways and automobiles.
Some other industries where the applications of alloy steel can be seen are as follows:
- Mining
- Aerospace
- Construction
Common Applications of Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is also a versatile material that is used in the oil and gas sector and petrochemical industry. Some of the other industries where it is used are:
- Construction
- Pressure vessels and pipes
- Shipbuilding
Alternative Materials to Alloy and Carbon Steel
Alloy and carbon steel have their own properties, but some of the materials that can be used alternatively to these materials are as follows:
Nickel Alloys: They offer excellent resistance against corrosion, and due to the chemical inertness it offers, they create compounds with excellent malleability and strength.
Aluminum Alloys: It is expensive and equipped with durability and strength; it is also preferred because of the lightweight properties it possesses.
Titanium: Titanium is a strong, durable, and lightweight material that can be used for applications in the aerospace industry. However, it is hard to process and expensive.
Ceramics: Ceramics are known for durability, corrosion resistance, and strength. However, they are brittle and not suitable for all types of applications.
Choose DEK for Steel Machining
DEK offers relevant skills when it comes to machining steel. So, no matter if you need to have carbon steel components manufactured or alloy steel components manufactured, DEK can be your choice.
We are equipped with specialized equipment and a trained team to help you select and design the right steel and component.
Conclusion
As you have read everything in the guide above, the difference between carbon steel and alloy steel must now be very clear. You can now start your new project and make a selection based on the comparison of alloy steel vs carbon steel featured in detail.
FAQs
Is carbon or alloy stronger?
Alloy steel offers high tensile strength compared to carbon steel.
Why is alloy steel more expensive than carbon steel?
Alloy steel has a higher cost than carbon steel due to its high machinability and different alloying elements.
Can carbon steel be used in place of alloy steel?
Carbon steel is less resistant to corrosion than alloy steel. Hence, it cannot be used as a replacement for alloy steel.
Which one is better, alloy steel or carbon steel?
The selection of the type of steel varies based on the application. However, due to the lack of corrosion resistance, carbon steel may not be suitable for harsh environments.
