Carbon Steel Buyers Guide: Grades, Forms and Specs

Carbon Steel Buyers Guide: Grades, Forms and Specs

Short answer: Carbon steel is chosen by carbon content and form – mild steel for structures, medium for shafts and high-carbon for springs – so buyers match grade to strength and weldability needs; our Carbon Steel Supplier and Strength Comparison cover the supporting detail.

At a Glance

Carbon Steel Buyers Guide: Grades, Forms and Specs chart
Figure 1 – Carbon Steel Buyers Guide: Grades, Forms and Specs overview.

Grades by Carbon Content

Mild Steel Plate Supplier grades weld easily while high-carbon grades harden, with the property basis in our Strength Comparison and welding in our Welding Guide.

Forms and Standards

We supply plate, coil, bar and sections, with the alloy basis in our Alloy Steel Supplier and inspection in our Quality Inspection Guide; a quick spec summary is below.

Form Grade Standard
Plate A36 / S355 ASTM / EN
Coil SPHC / S355 JIS / EN
Bar 1045 / 4140 ASTM

Specifying and Inspection

State yield, impact and chemistry, with tests in our Mill Test Certificate Guide and Quality Inspection Guide.

Procurement Tips

Buy certified, traceable material and pack for long transit with our Export Packing Guide.

Get a Quote

Tell HXSCO your requirements and we will respond with a competitive quote and lead time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mild carbon steel used for?

Buildings, frames and general structures.

Which grade for shafts?

Medium-carbon 1045 or alloy 4140.

What is high-carbon steel?

Springs and blades needing hardness.

Is carbon steel weldable?

Mild and low-carbon grades weld very well.

Do you certify carbon steel?

Yes – mill test certificates and traceability.

Buy Carbon Steel from HXSCO

HXSCO supplies carbon steel plate, coil, bar and sections in mild, medium and high-carbon grades. Send grade, form and quantity for a quote.

Request a Quote