Carbon steel and stainless steel are both metals that are used in a wide array of commercial and consumer applications. The main difference between the two is in the components that are added to the steel to make it useful for its intended purposes.

Carbon steel vs Stainless steel

Steel is an alloy made out of iron and carbon. The carbon percentage can vary depending on the grade, and mostly it is between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight. Though carbon is the main alloying material for iron some other elements like Tungsten, chromium, manganese can also be used for the purpose. Different types and amounts of alloying element used to determine the hardness, ductility and tensile strength of steel. While in Carbon Steel, Carbon as the main alloying element. In carbon steel, the properties are mainly defined by the amount of carbon it has. For this alloy, the amounts of other alloying elements like chromium, manganese, cobalt, tungsten are not defined.

Stainless steel has a high chromium content that forms an invisible layer on the steel to prevent corrosion and staining. Carbon steel has a higher carbon content, which gives the steel a lower melting point, more malleability and durability, and better heat distribution.

How to Distinguish Carbon and Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is lustrous and comes in various grades that can increase the chromium in the alloy until the steel finish is as reflective as a mirror. To the casual observer, carbon steel and stainless steel are easy to distinguish. Carbon steel is dull, with a matte finish that is comparable to a cast iron pot or wrought iron fencing.

In a nutshell, main differences between Carbon Steel & Stainless Steel

#1 There is an inbuilt chromium oxide layer in stainless steel, which is not present in carbon steel.

#2 Carbon steel can corrode whereas stainless steel is protected from corrosion.

#3 Stainless steel is preferred for many consumer products and can be used decoratively in construction, while carbon steel is often preferred in manufacturing, production and in projects where the steel is mostly hidden from view.

#4 Stainless Steel has lower thermal conductivity than Carbon steel

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