Summary. When comparing Stainless Steel Vs Carbon Steel, Stephens Gaskets highlights the unique properties of each. While stainless steel resists corrosion due to its chromium content, hardened carbon steel offers strength but lacks significant corrosion resistance.
Here at Stephens Gaskets, we proudly work with a wide range of materials. This in turn allows us to be able to provide solutions that support many different industries and applications. However, two of our most popular sheet materials are stainless steel sheeting and hardened carbon steel sheeting.
We know that it can sometimes be difficult to choose which material is right for you. So, we take pride in offering plenty of resources such as these blogs. Therefore, you can find out everything you need to know about our materials. So, when it comes to stainless steel vs carbon steel, what is the difference?
Stainless Steel Sheeting Vs Hardened Carbon Steel Sheeting
Although these two types of sheeting and strip material are made from steel, it does not necessarily mean that they are the same type of steel. In this case, they are not. There are lots of different types of steel to work with and manufacture components from. But, two of the most common steel types include stainless steel and carbon steel. These materials may look the same when purely looking at the aesthetics. However, they have key differences.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel very much lives up to its name in the fact that it has an incredibly strong resistance to rust and staining caused by corrosion. Most iron-based metals such as normal steel will oxidise when exposed to oxygen. This chemical transformation can change the material’s properties, but also turn the metal a reddish-brown colour. Oxidation weakens the metal, and eventually the material will oxidise to the point where it will completely disintegrate.
However, stainless steel has been specially designed to resist the effects of oxidation. Containing a minimum chromium amount, the chromium is not susceptible to oxidation. Therefore, it will protect the steel from corrosion by forming a protection barrier between the oxygen and the metal’s iron content.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is differentiated due to its high carbon content. The carbon content is usually up to 2.1% of the material’s weight. Using a steel with a high carbon content, means that the material becomes much stronger and harder than other members of the steel family. Therefore, carbon steel is often used to manufacture swords, knives, and other bladed components with.
Unfortunately carbon steel does lack corrosion resistance properties. Therefore, although a much stronger and durable steel type, it is susceptible to rust and corrosion, should it be exposed to moisture. With this in mind, hardened carbon steels should only be used in environments that are not exposed to oxygen or moisture.
Sheeting And Strip Materials
As mentioned before, we supply many types of sheeting and strip materials. For instance, some we can supply are:
- Blue Metal Detectable Nitrile Rubber
- Grain Oriented Electrical Steels
- Stainless Spring Steel Strip
- Hardened Carbon Steels
If you would like to find out more about hardened carbon steels or stainless steel strip material, then head to our website today. Alternatively, you can call 0121 544 5808 to speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team.
If you have found this blog helpful, then you may wish to read our previous blog on Using Stainless Steel Spring Strip For Washers.