Classification and core characteristics of carbon steel plates

The performance difference of carbon steel plates is mainly determined by carbon content, processing technology and heat treatment methods. The common classifications and characteristics are as follows:
1. Classification by carbon content
Low carbon steel plate: carbon content ≤0.25%, excellent plasticity and weldability, low strength (tensile strength of about 300-500MPa), easy to process and shape. Suitable for scenes with high ductility requirements, such as automobile bodies, pipes, containers, etc.
Medium carbon steel plate: carbon content 0.25%-0.6%, medium strength and hardness (tensile strength 500-900MPa), moderate toughness, and can be improved by heat treatment (such as quenching + tempering). Commonly used in mechanical parts (gears, shafts), structural parts, etc.
High carbon steel plate: carbon content 0.6%-2.11%, high hardness and strength (tensile strength can reach more than 1000MPa), but poor plasticity and weldability, and greater brittleness. Mainly used for tools, molds, springs and other parts that require wear resistance or high strength.
2. Classification by processing technology
Hot-rolled carbon steel plate: rolled at high temperature, with a rough surface, a wide thickness range (usually 2-200mm), low cost, and good toughness. Widely used in fields such as building steel structures, ships, and mechanical bases that do not require high surface accuracy.
Cold-rolled carbon steel plate: rolled at room temperature, with a smooth surface and high dimensional accuracy (thickness tolerance can be controlled at ±0.01mm), higher strength and hardness than hot-rolled plates, but slightly lower ductility. Suitable for scenes with high requirements for appearance and accuracy, such as automotive covers, home appliance housings, and precision parts.