In our line of products, like our motors, you’ll often find that we use heat-treated carbon steel. It is one of our preferred materials to use due to its durability and other properties. Here are some of the reasons we use heat-treated carbon steel in our products. But before that, let’s first get to know more about what it is.
What Is Heat-Treated Carbon Steel?
Carbon steel is treated with heat to change its microstructure and properties. The temperatures used during this process depend on the desired outcome. For example, if higher hardness and strength are required, then the steel is heated to a temperature above Ac3. Conversely, if increased ductility is necessary, the steel is heated below Ac3.
Heat-treated carbon steel goes through a process of heating and cooling the metal in order to strengthen it. The metal is heated to a high temperature and then quenched in oil or water. This makes the metal hard and brittle. It is then tempered by heating it to a lower temperature and then cooling it again. This makes the metal tough and flexible.
The Different Types Of Carbon Steel
There are four types of carbon steel- low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, high carbon steel, and very high carbon steel. Low-carbon steel contains up to 0.30% of carbon whereas very high-carbon steel has as much as 2.0% of it. Depending on the amount of carbon present in the alloy, their physical properties vary greatly.
Why Use Heat-Treated Carbon Steel?
Heat-treated carbon steel is stronger and harder than untreated types. It is also more ductile, making it ideal for applications that require both high strength and high ductility. Here are some of the benefits of using heat-treated carbon steel:
1. Increased Strength And Hardness
Heat-treating carbon steel increases its strength and hardness. This, in turn, makes it ideal for applications that require higher levels of strength and durability such as construction materials, automotive parts, and tools.
2. More Ductile
Despite being strong and hard, heat-treated carbon steel is also more ductile than other types of steel. This property makes it ideal for applications that require both high strength and high ductility such as springs and wires.
3. Corrosion-Resistant
Heat-treated carbon steel is also more resistant to corrosion than other types of steel. This makes it ideal for applications that require higher levels of corrosion resistance such as medical instruments and food processing equipment.
4. Increased Wear Resistance
Heat-treated carbon steel also has increased wear resistance. This, in turn, makes it ideal for applications that are subject to high levels of wear and tear such as cutting tools and bearings.
5. Improved Thermal Stability
Heat-treated carbon steel has improved thermal stability. This means that it can withstand higher temperatures without deforming or becoming damaged. This makes it ideal for applications that require higher levels of thermal stability such as furnace parts and boiler components.
6. Easy To Work With
Despite all of its benefits, heat-treated carbon steel is still easy to work with. It can be cut, drilled, and welded without any major issues. This makes it ideal for applications that require easy fabrication such as piping and tubing.
7. Economical
Heat-treated carbon steel is also more economical than other types of steel. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require a high-quality material that is also cost-effective.
8. Versatile
Heat-treated carbon steel is also very versatile. It can be used in a wide range of applications due to its combination of high strength, high ductility, and corrosion resistance.
9. Environmental friendly
Heat-treated carbon steel is also more environmentally friendly than other types of steel. This is because it can be recycled without losing any of its properties. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require a material that is environmentally friendly.
10. Safe
Heat-treated carbon steel is also very safe to use. It does not release any toxic fumes or chemicals when it is heated or cooled. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require a safe material such as food processing equipment.