What is the difference between carbon steel and regular steel?

1. Composition and Basics:

Steel is an alloy primarily composed of iron along with other elements such as carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and copper. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from bridges and buildings to tools. However, when we refer to “steel” without any qualifiers, we usually mean plain carbon steel, which contains approximately 0.05-0.25% carbon by weight.

On the other hand, carbon steel contains a higher carbon content—up to 2%—along with trace amounts of other elements like manganese, sulfur, phosphorus, oxygen, and silicon. This higher carbon content makes carbon steel stronger than regular steel but also more brittle. It’s ideal for applications where strength takes precedence over ductility, such as knives or tools. However, it’s less suitable for applications requiring ductility, like wiring or pipes, as it can break easily when bent or twisted. Additionally, carbon steel has a higher melting point, allowing it to withstand higher temperatures without losing shape or becoming brittle.

Carbon steel coils

2. Properties:

  • Carbon Steel:

    • Strength: Carbon steel is robust and sturdy due to its higher carbon content.

    • Brittleness: However, this increased carbon content also makes it more brittle.

    • Ductility: Carbon steel is less ductile than regular steel.

    • Moldability: It can be molded into shapes with intricate details.

    • Melting Point: Carbon steel has a higher melting point.


  • Regular Steel (Plain Carbon Steel):

    • Strength: Regular steel is less strong compared to carbon steel.

    • Hardness: It is not as hard as carbon steel.

    • Ductility: Regular steel is more brittle and less easily molded.


3. Applications:

  • Carbon Steel:

    • Construction: Carbon steel finds extensive use in building construction, bridges, and structural components.

    • Automotive: It’s commonly employed in manufacturing cars and other vehicles.

    • Tools: Due to its strength, carbon steel is ideal for making knives, chisels, and other tools.

    • Aerospace: Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it suitable for aerospace parts.

    • High-Temperature Environments: Carbon steel’s elevated melting point makes it ideal for applications in high-temperature environments.

    • Wear Resistance: It offers improved wear resistance, reducing maintenance needs over time.


  • Regular Steel:

    • Construction: Like carbon steel, regular steel is used in construction projects.

    • Consumer Goods: It’s widely used in producing appliances, consumer goods, and everyday items.

    • Structural Frames: Regular steel forms the backbone of structural frames in buildings and machinery.


4. Cost and Availability:

  • Cost: Carbon steel is typically more expensive than regular steel due to its higher carbon content.

  • Availability: Both carbon steel and regular steel are widely available globally. However, specific grades of carbon steel may be harder to find, and it’s often produced in smaller quantities.