High-Carbon Steel
High-carbon steel is selected where high hardness, abrasion resistance, spring behavior or a sharp cutting edge is more important than easy forming and welding.
Composition & metallurgy
A common range is about 0.60–1.00% carbon, with some standards and specialty products extending above 1.0%. Heat treatment and decarburization control are critical.
Common grades and standards
SAE/AISI 1060, 1070, 1075, 1080, 1084, 1090, 1095; music-wire and spring specifications use their own dimensional and mechanical requirements.
Typical applications
Springs, high-strength wire, cutting tools, blades, wear strips, punches, hand tools, agricultural components and high-hardness parts.
Engineering characteristics
High attainable hardness and strength; lower ductility and weldability. Quench severity, tempering temperature and section size strongly affect final performance.
Known manufacturers and producer regions
Japan — Nippon Steel, Daido Steel; India — Tata Steel, JSW, specialty long-product mills; China — CITIC Special Steel, Baowu affiliates; Europe — Ovako, Saarstahl, voestalpine; United States — Nucor and specialty bar/wire producers.
Selection checklist
Confirm product form, design code, strength level, toughness/impact requirement, service temperature, corrosion exposure, weldability, forming route, heat-treatment condition, dimensional tolerance, inspection level and mill certification. Do not substitute a “similar” grade solely from a cross-reference table without checking the governing specification.
Element Folio engineering reference. Grade ranges are typical and may vary by standard. Verify the latest ASTM/ASME, EN, JIS, API or other governing specification and the mill’s current product data before procurement.
