Medium-Carbon Steel Properties

by AMC

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Posted on October 04, 2024 at 15:40 PM

By carefully combining different elements, chemistry allows us to create variations of materials, enhancing some properties while reducing others. Medium-carbon steel is often considered the ideal choice in the carbon steel category, striking a perfect balance between high-carbon and low-carbon steels.

This highly adaptable alloy is essential for many customers in industries where machinery, parts, and tools experience significant wear and tear. We've seen its application in various load-bearing items, including axles, gears, train wheels, and more. If you're interested in learning how medium-carbon steel stands out from other alloys and metals, read on.

What is Medium-Carbon Steel?

Medium-carbon steel, often called M2 steel, consists primarily of iron along with various other alloying elements. Its carbon content typically falls between 0.30% and 0.60%, while the manganese concentration ranges from 0.60% to 1.65%. If you were to examine M2 steel under a powerful microscope, you would observe its atomic structure, which contains a crystalline arrangement of iron atoms interspersed with carbon and manganese atoms.

Medium-carbon steel has a carbon content ranging from 0.30% to 0.60%. It is stronger and more durable than low-carbon steel while still retaining some degree of ductility. The primary properties of medium-carbon steel include low hardenability, medium strength, ductility, and toughness.

Medium-Carbon Steel Chemical Composition

Iron is the primary component of medium-carbon steel, and its chemical makeup includes a carbon content ranging from 0.30% to 0.60%. In some variations, other elements may also be present, including silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, chromium, and nickel.

The table below outlines the typical composition percentages of the various chemical elements found in medium-carbon steel.

Chemical Element	Percentage composition
Chemical Element Carbon (C)	Percentage composition 0.3%–0.6%
Chemical Element Manganese (Mn)	Percentage composition 0.6%–1.65%
Chemical Element Sulfur (S)	Percentage composition 0.05
Chemical Element Phosphorus (P)	Percentage composition 0.04
Chemical Element Chromium (Cr)	Percentage composition 0.80–1.10
Chemical Element Copper (Cu)	Percentage composition 0.08
Chemical Element Vanadium (V)	Percentage composition 0.51
Chemical Element Nickel (Ni)	Percentage composition 0.15
Chemical Element Molybdenum (Mo)	Percentage composition 1.61
Chemical Element Iron	Percentage composition Balance

Characteristics and Properties of Medium-Carbon Steel

Medium-carbon steel is notable for several key features that make it advantageous in manufacturing. It is known for its strength and ductility, which make it suitable for a wide range of applications. This type of steel holds up well under heat treatment and can endure tough environments and the wear that comes with them. Our machinists prefer medium-carbon steel because it is easier to work with compared to some other steel types. The tables below detail the physical and thermal properties of medium-carbon steel.

Property	Value
Property Yield Strength	Value 420 Mpa
Property Hardness	Value 200 MPa
Property Density	Value 7.75–7.89 g/cm³
Property Magnetism	Value It is typically magnetic

How It’s Made ?

Medium-carbon steel, like other types of carbon steel, is produced through a standard steel-making process. The main difference lies in the amount of carbon added to the alloy. The process begins with mining iron ores, which are then converted into iron and oxygen in a blast furnace. The iron is the crucial component for steel production. Once the iron is extracted, other elements can be incorporated into the mix. To achieve the desired medium-carbon content, the carbon level is carefully targeted to fall between 0.30% and 0.60%. After the alloy is formed, it undergoes refinement and is shaped into various forms.

Different Types of Medium-Carbon Steel

The term "medium-carbon steel" encompasses a range of alloys with varying carbon content, all falling under this classification. Here are some notable variations:

1. 4140 Steel
   One of the most popular medium-carbon steel alloys is 4140. This chromium-molybdenum alloy contains carbon levels between 0.38% and 0.43% and is excellent for applications requiring good weldability. With high wear resistance and strength at low temperatures, 4140 steel is often used in hydraulic cylinders, shafts, and various heavy machinery components.
2. 1060 Steel
   1060 steel features a slightly higher carbon content, around 0.60%. While it is relatively brittle compared to 1045 steel, it is ideal for producing hard blades and knives used in machinery and tools.
3. 1045 Steel
   As its name suggests, 1045 steel has a carbon content of 0.45%. It is easier to weld and machine than 1060 or 4140 but lacks the same level of corrosion and wear resistance. This steel is a smart choice for making sprockets, gears, axles, and shafts. Additionally, Xometry offers various finishing solutions, such as black oxide or powder coating, to help protect or enhance the surface of this material.

Common Forms of Medium-Carbon Steel

In addition to choosing different types of medium-carbon steel, you can select from several formats:

1. Bars
   Medium-carbon steel bars are available in both cylindrical and rectangular shapes, providing high strength ideal for manufacturing heavy-duty shafts, axles, and gears. These bars often incorporate pearlite and ferrite to enhance their durability. Bar stock is commonly used for CNC-machined components.
2. Sheets
   Sheets of medium-carbon steel are frequently used in applications such as automotive panels and other structural components that require molding, forming, machining, or welding. Similar to bars, these sheets also contain varying levels of pearlite and ferrite in their composition.
3. Wire
   The wire form of medium-carbon steel is specifically designed for creating springs, cables, and other products that need a strong finish while remaining machinable. This wire can be bent, twisted, and shaped under strain without losing its tensile strength.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Medium-Carbon Steel

When deciding whether to use medium-carbon steel for your project or facility, it's important to understand its key advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• Heat-Treatable: Medium-carbon steel can be heat-treated to enhance its hardness and strength without compromising its integrity. This is a common finishing option we provide for parts made from these alloys.
• Weldability: With a melting point of 1,500°C, medium-carbon steel is suitable for welding, making it a great choice for projects that require this process.
• Machinable: If you're looking to create complex parts, medium-carbon steel offers good machinability, which can help reduce machining time and lower production costs.
• Durable: This material is well-suited for applications that require wear resistance and the ability to handle heavy loads.

Disadvantages

• Brittleness: Medium-carbon steel can be more brittle than some other metals, particularly when heated to certain temperatures. Proper heat treatment is essential to mitigate this issue.
• Rusts Easily: One drawback of medium-carbon steel is its susceptibility to rust. However, applying protective coatings, such as our powder coating option, can help prevent rust formation.
• High Cost: Due to the additional alloying elements present in medium-carbon steel, it tends to be more expensive than low-carbon steels.

Applications and Uses of Medium-Carbon Steel

Medium-carbon steel is versatile and can be used to create parts and components that withstand heavy loads without failing. Here are some common examples and applications we’ve encountered with our customers:

• Railway tracks
• Train wheels
• Couplings
• Forgings
• Engine crankshafts
• Machinery parts
• Automotive panels
• Springs
• Cables
• Gears

How Amardeep Can Help ?

As a leading carbon steel supplier in India, Amardeep is well-equipped to meet your medium-carbon steel needs. We offer a wide range of high-quality medium-carbon steel products, including bars, sheets, and wires, tailored to suit various applications. Our expertise ensures that you receive reliable materials that can withstand heavy loads and harsh conditions.

Our team is committed to providing exceptional customer service and support, guiding you through the selection process to find the right medium-carbon steel for your specific requirements. Whether you’re in need of standard products or customized solutions, Amardeep is here to help you succeed in your projects.