What is Low Carbon Steel Wire Manufacturer and Why Do We Use Them?

Steels are used in an incredibly diverse range of products and applications, ranging from wires to automobile parts and everything in between. One of the reasons why steel is such a flexible material is because there are many different types available, which differ based on their composition, preparation, and other factors.

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One variation of steel that has emerged over the years and has seen countless uses is low-carbon steel. Also known as mild steel, its uniqueness offers an array of distinct benefits and advantages — but what is low-carbon steel exactly?

How Is Low-Carbon Steel Different From Other Carbon Steel Categories?

As its name suggests, low-carbon steel is different from medium and high-carbon steel because of its carbon content. High-carbon steel contains more than 0.6% carbon, with some ultra-high-carbon steel containing an even higher percentage. Medium carbon steels have a carbon range between 0.3% to 0.6%, and many low-carbon steels contain less than 0.3% carbon.

This variance in carbon content significantly influences the material properties of these steels. The chemical composition, particularly the carbon present, is a defining factor in determining the mechanical properties and suitability for specific applications across these steel types.

What Traits Make Low-Carbon Steel Stand Out?

Low-carbon steel is renowned for having many great traits and characteristics. The low-carbon content imparts superior ductility and malleability, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring extensive shaping or bending. It also offers good weldability, which is a trait not typically found in medium or high-carbon steels because they are more prone to brittleness and cracking post-welding. Low-carbon steel’s ability to undergo surface treatments like zinc coating enhances its corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications.

Additionally, its thermal conductivity is particularly beneficial in applications where heat dissipation is required. Although low-carbon steel cannot be hardened and strengthened to the same extent as medium or high-carbon steels through heat treatment, it still maintains a balance of strength and flexibility. This unique combination of properties makes low-carbon steel an integral material in numerous industries, ranging from construction to automotive manufacturing.

How Is Low-Carbon Steel Made?

The manufacturing process of low-carbon steel involves several complex steps, beginning with the melting of raw materials like iron ore and recycled material in a furnace. During the process, carbon monoxide gas is often introduced to reduce the iron ore to liquid steel. The carbon content in this molten steel is carefully controlled to ensure low-carbon levels. This liquid steel is then processed through a continuous casting machine.

These intermediate forms are further processed using methods like rolling and forging to produce the final low-carbon steel products. During these stages, precise temperature control is critical to achieve the desired mechanical properties. The steel may undergo various heat treatments, such as normalizing or controlled cooling, to refine its grain structure and improve properties like ductility and strength. This manufacturing process allows low-carbon steel to retain sufficient strength while also being malleable, setting it apart from higher carbon steels.

What Applications Can Low-Carbon Steel Be Used For?

Thanks to its good ductility, malleability, thermal conductivity, and other properties, low-carbon steel finds extensive applications in various industries. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of automotive components, where its ability to be formed into complex shapes is particularly advantageous. In construction, low-carbon steel is utilized for making structural beams, panels, and reinforcement bars, owing to its adequate strength and ease of fabrication. 

In addition, this material is also ideal for making pipes and wire products, as it can be easily drawn into thin sections. Furthermore, due to its excellent surface treatment capabilities, including the ability to hold a zinc coating, low-carbon steel is widely used for creating products that require corrosion resistance, such as galvanized sheets and appliances. Its versatility extends to household items as well, where its formability and welding properties are beneficial.

If You’re Interested in Low-Carbon Steel Wires, Call Wickwire Warehouse Today

Flat, Shaped and Round Wire

Applications

Cold headed, cold upset or cold pressed parts, Fasteners such as nuts and bolts, Carburized parts such as gears, pins, dowels and machine parts, Various types of levers, Wire products

Description

Low carbon steel is a type of metal that has an alloying element made up of a relatively low amount of carbon. Typically, it has a carbon content that ranges between 0.05% and 0.30% and a manganese content that falls between 0.40 and 1.5%. Low carbon steel is one of the most common types of steel used for general purposes, in part because it is often less expensive than other types of steel. This steel contains properties that work well in manufacturing a variety of goods.

Chemistry Typical

Uns# Carbon Magnanese Phosphorous Sulfur Iron

G 0.80 max 0.25-0.40 0.040 max 0.050 max balance G 0.10 max 0.15 max 0.030 max 0.035 max balance G 0.80-0.13 0.30-0.60 0.040 max 0.050 max balance G 0.14-0.20 0.60-0.90 0.040 max 0.050 max balance G 0.17-0.23 0.30-0.60 0.040 max 0.050 max balance

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* Contact Ulbrich Wire for request regarding the availability of other aluminum alloys.

Physical Properties

Typical Density: 0.284 lbs/in3, 7.87 g/cm3

Electrical Resistivity (typical): (ohm-cm@ 32°F, cold drawn): 0. - 0.
Thermal Conductivity (typical): BTU-in/hr-ft2-°F: 360

Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (typical): µin/in-°F:
68 - 212 °F: 6.5 - 7

Modulus of Elasticity: KSI
27 .5 - 30.5 x 103 in tension

Melting Temperature: - °F ( - °C)

Forms

Profile, Round, Flat, Square

Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature

Properties: Cold Drawn (Typical)

Ultimate Tensile Strength: 48 KSI min (330 MPa min)
Yield Strength: 41 KSI min (285 MPa min)
Elongation: 15% min

Properties: Tempered

These alloys can be cold worked to various tempers.

* Actual physical and mechanical properties are alloy dependent. Contact Ulbrich Technical Service for alloy specific properties.

Additional Properties

Wire Finishes

XC - Extra clean. Annealed or annealed and cold rolled.

* Contact Ulbrich Wire with special finish requests.

Heat Treatment

Most of these alloys are hardenable by cold working and heat treating.

* Contact Ulbrich Wire for additional information.

Welding

Contact Ulbrich Wire for specific information.

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