Many people often confuse carbon steel pipe and stainless steel pipe. In fact, there are significant differences between the two. As we all know, stainless steel pipe is an alloy metal with good corrosion resistance, while carbon steel is relatively lacking in this property. In addition, carbon steel has greater hardness due to its higher carbon content. Steel is widely used in bridges, railways, buildings, processing equipment, machinery and automobiles. In these applications, the type of steel used is mainly based on the difference in mechanical properties and corrosion protection needs. So, what are the differences between carbon steel pipe fittings and stainless steel pipe fittings? Generally speaking, carbon steel is an alloy composed of elements such as iron and carbon. Depending on the composition, the hardness and brittleness of carbon steel will increase with the increase of carbon content, while the strength will decrease. Therefore, the main difference between carbon steel pipe fittings and stainless steel pipe fittings is their alloy composition. Due to the excellent corrosion resistance and environmental protection characteristics of stainless steel pipes, the market demand for stainless steel pipes is growing today. At the same time, the use of carbon steel pipes is also very common, and many people find it difficult to distinguish between the two. Today, let's take a detailed look at their differences.
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is also known as stainless acid-resistant steel and water-resistant copper iron. Metallurgy refers to alloy steel containing high chromium, which is passive, corrosion-resistant, and rust-free, and is used in the atmosphere and corrosive media such as acids, alkalis, and salts. It contains nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, manganese, tungsten, and other elements. The most important metal element that determines the rust resistance of stainless steel is chromium. Internationally defined by weight, stainless steel is an alloy steel with a minimum chromium content of 10.5% wt. and a maximum carbon content of 1.2% wt. or an iron alloy with a chromium content of more than 10%. Stainless steel gets its name from the fact that it is not as easy to corrode and rust as ordinary steel.
What is carbon steel?
Carbon steel pipes can also be called carbon steel pipes, such as the common Q195, Q235. Carbon steel pipes include seamless steel pipes, ERW steel pipes, SSAW steel pipes, and carbon steel can also be called magnet alloy steel. In addition to carbon and iron elements, there are no other metal elements. Stainless steel is chromium-nickel steel. In addition to carbon and iron elements, there are other metal elements such as chromium, nickel, and copper. When the chromium content in the steel pipe exceeds 12.5%, a protective film (passivation film) will be formed on the surface of the steel pipe, thus achieving the effect of corrosion resistance. So the main difference between the two is the corrosion resistance. Carbon steel pipes are easy to rust, while stainless steel pipes are corrosion-resistant steel.
How to distinguish carbon steel from stainless steel?
Stainless steel has a bright luster and comes in various grades. The chromium content in the alloy can be increased until the steel surface reflects like a mirror. For ordinary observers, carbon steel and stainless steel are easy to distinguish. Carbon steel is dull and has a matte surface, comparable to cast iron pots or wrought iron fences.
What is the difference between stainless steel and carbon steel?
1. Stress/strain curve: The linear part of the stress/strain curve of carbon steel pipe is actually a straight line to the yield point, while the linear area of stainless steel is about 50% of ó0.2. When the stress level is in the inelastic zone, the bending theory and Hooke's rule used in structural accessories, that is, stress is proportional to strain, are not applicable to stainless steel pipes. Therefore, it is relatively simple to compare stainless steel components under low stress levels, but under high stress levels, it is necessary to consult the standards for deformation and partial bending.
2. Tension: The tensile stress plus the load factor is combined with the yield stress of the gross section material, and the ratio of the tensile ultimate strength to the yield stress is used to verify the net section. The ratio of the tensile ultimate strength to the yield stress of stainless steel is 2.4, while that of carbon steel is 1.6 to 2.1.
3. Appearance: Stainless steel is not easy to change color, so it looks better than carbon steel, so in order to maintain the beauty of the work, carbon steel should be painted frequently to avoid corrosion.
4. Cost: Without comparing the cost, the comparison of engineering products cannot be completed. Carbon steel is more economical than compressed stainless steel pipes because they do not contain expensive elements. The cost of stainless steel depends entirely on other alloy materials, but all its variants are obviously more expensive than carbon steel.
5. Corrosion resistance: Carbon steel pipe fittings and stainless steel pipe fittings can be polished to obtain a smooth surface, however, for carbon steel, the surface should be protected with an appropriate coating to prevent rust, but for clamped stainless steel pipes, this is unnecessary for the simple reason that the presence of chromium in stainless steel pipe fittings provides this material with an oxide shield and excellent corrosion resistance to most known chemicals.
6. Application areas:Stainless steel is widely used in food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, architectural decoration, shipbuilding and aerospace, and is mainly used in occasions that require high corrosion resistance, cleanliness and aesthetics. For example, stainless steel kitchenware, medical equipment, building exterior walls, etc. Carbon steel is mostly used in construction, machinery manufacturing, automobiles, bridges, pressure vessels, etc., especially in applications that require high strength and hardness, such as structural steel, tool steel, etc. The price of carbon steel is relatively lower than that of stainless steel, so in many occasions where special corrosion resistance is not required, carbon steel is a more economical choice.
Summary
Choosing the right type of steel is a complex process that usually requires a comprehensive consideration of all the above factors. If you are looking for stainless steel or
carbon steel pipe fittings that suit your needs, please contact us and we will help you choose the most suitable material.
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