Carbon cast steel - its properties, features and application

Carbon cast steel - properties, features and application

Cast steels are one of the most important and popular materials used in foundry. They are characterized by exceptional strength and wear resistance, which makes them irreplaceable in the production of many machine elements and tools. In this article, we will focus on carbon cast steel.

Do you want to know the properties of other alloys used in foundry? Check out our Knowledge Base.

In this article you will learn:

  • what are carbon cast steels,
  • what is their chemical composition and types,
  • how carbon steel is made,
  • what are its properties.

Carbon cast steels

Carbon cast steels belong to unalloyed cast steels, in which the minimum content of elements is lower than certain limit values (PN-EN 10020:1996). The properties of these cast steels are determined by the carbon content and their crystal structure.

Castings made of this alloy can be subjected to heat and thermo-chemical treatment.

Do you want to know general information about cast steel and cast iron? Check the text What is the difference between cast steel and cast iron?

Chemical composition

Carbon cast steels are iron alloys that contain carbon, silicon, manganese, phosphorus and sulfur (C, Si, Mn, P and S). The other elements appearing in these alloys are residues from the input materials used.

An exemplary chemical composition of carbon cast steel marked 200-400 is presented below. There is:

  • C - max. 0.25%
  • Si - max.0.6%
  • Mn - max. 1%
  • P - max.0.035%
  • S - max.0.035%

Copper, chromium and nickel (Cu, Cr, Ni) may also appear, but they must not exceed the values specified in the standard.

Types of carbon cast steels

Depending on the carbon content, they can be divided into three categories:

  • low-carbon (up to 0.3% C),
  • medium carbon (0.3 - 0.6% C),
  • high carbon (0.6 - 2.1% C).

It is worth mentioning that the higher carbon content in alloy makes it more brittle and more difficult to machine than cast steel with lower carbon content.

Due to the physical properties, mechanical properties and the possibilities of practical application related to them, three groups of cast steels are distinguished:

  • of ordinary quality - LI,
  • of higher quality - LII

The designation used in the past consisted of the letter L (cast steel), the designation of the group (I or II) and a number that defines the minimum tensile strength (Rm) in MPa, e.g.

  • LI400 being ordinary quality cast steel with Rm = 400 MPa.

Currently, this grade is described by the symbol: cast steel 200-400 acc. PN-ISO 3755 1994

Specific types of cast steel can be found in the PN ISO 3755:1994 or PN90/H83161 standards.

Production

Cast steel is currently obtained in arc or induction furnaces.

Structure and mechanical properties

The carbon content has a significant impact on the individual properties of cast steels:

  • carbon content up to 0.8% affects the occurrence of a characteristic ferritic-pearlitic structure,
  • the carbon content above 0.8% means that in addition to pearlite, secondary cementite is also present in the structure.

The carbon content significantly affects the mechanical and plastic properties, and above all, it worsens the weldability of cast steel.

In general, carbon cast steel has many desirable mechanical properties that depend on its chemical composition, manufacturing process, and heat treatment.

The essential properties of carbon cast steel include:

  • good weldability (below 0.25%C),
  • good machinability,
  • heat and thermo-chemical workability.

Applications

Carbon cast steel castings are used in construction, automotive, engineering and many other fields of production.

In the automotive industry, carbon cast steel is used for the production of engine components, gearboxes and other parts. 

In the shipbuilding industry, carbon cast steel is used for the production of propeller shafts, hulls and other parts.

In the construction industry, carbon cast steel is used for the production of structural elements.

In general, this alloy is one of the most widely used foundry and engineering materials.

Need help choosing casting materials? Write to us.

Do you want to order castings from professionals? Check our offer.

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