Carbon Steel
According to AISI (The American Iron and Steel Institute), carbon steel is defined as steel where the minimum amount of chromium, molybdenum, titanium, or cobalt is either not specified or required. These metals are added to create specific alloys as needed. Additionally, when the minimum amount of copper does not exceed 0.4%, it is referred to as carbon steel.
Steel Classification Systems
Steels can be classified by several different systems depending on the application and processing.
Manufacturing Methods
Basic oxygen process, open hearth, or electric furnace methods.
Composition
Carbon steel, low-alloy steel, or stainless steel varieties.
Finishing Method
Hot rolling or cold rolling processes for final surface finish.
Heat Treatment
Annealing, thermomechanical processing, quenching, and tempering.
Strength Level
Categorized according to ASTM standards and mechanical properties.