When commercial kitchen, truck trailer, stove, furnace, fireplace, or architectural manufacturers are tasked with choosing the right metals from a reliable metal service center, they need to consider many different factors. Most manufacturers work with steel and thus carbon steel or stainless steel products are on the top of their metals shopping list. But is one of these metals superior to the other, or does it simply come down to the specific job requirements?

Both stainless and carbon steel have unique qualities as well as disadvantages. Both fall under the big family of metal alloys but have distinct characteristics and are versatile materials with wide-reaching applications in various verticals. The realm of steel is difficult to traverse, even for metal enthusiasts and experts.

Consistency

While both consist of iron and carbon, which form the basis of their structure, they also contain other alloys that provide unique physical properties. An alloy combines two or more chemical elements with at least one being metallic. Carbon steel has under 10.5% alloy content, while stainless steel has more than 10.5% chromium. Additionally, carbon steel can be categorized into high carbon or low carbon steel. High carbon steel is commonly used in knives because it can resist abrasion and retain shape. The only advantage is the possibility of cracking and bending when under tensile strength.

On the other hand, stainless steel also contains chromium apart from iron and carbon. Chromium is a key player in forming a passive layer, protecting the steel from corrosion. Paying close attention to the grade when buying stainless steel is critical. Stainless steel with lower chromium content will rust more quickly than stainless steel with a higher amount of chromium.

Characteristics

Both metals claim their unique strengths and weaknesses. Stainless steel is more corrosion resistant due to the higher proportion of chromium, has a more appealing aesthetic appearance, is more ductile, and can be more easily welded. The high percentage of chromium also prevents it from rusting. While stainless steel can withstand deterioration and erosion, it is actually less wear-resistant than carbon steel.

On the other hand, carbon steel has a matte surface and claims high tensile strength and heat conductivity. It is mostly used in high-pressure conditions. All these characteristics can be attributed to the high amount of carbon, which gives unparalleled strength. Carbon steel can include copper, manganese, or silicon according to the American Iron and Steel institute but in much smaller quantities. One of the main disadvantages of carbon steel is its vulnerability to decomposition and brittleness. To extend the life of your metals, it’s important to consider the benefit of value-added services, like precision blanking, stretcher leveling, slitting, and shearing.

Typical Industry Uses

Stainless steel is typically used in food production equipment, like utensils, or even sterile environments like medical devices and laboratories. For example, when knives are made of stainless steel, they are harder to rust but are more prone to deformation and harder to sharpen. Stainless steel is also a key component in automotive parts, piping systems, petrochemical, refining, and solar industries. It is also found in transportation manufacturing, mostly in airplanes.

Stainless steel can be found in various grades, and each features distinct qualities and applications. 304 stainless steel is the most common grade, offered in many forms and finishes, and can be used in architecture, chemical plants, and food processing. Steel suppliers can offer 304 stainless steel coil, stainless steel sheet, stainless steel plate, stainless steel bar, shapes and tubing. 316 stainless steel contains 2-3% molybdenum and is more resistant to deterioration. 409 stainless steel has a high concentration of chromium and is the least expensive stainless steel grade while grade 410 is heat treatable and used in non-severe corrosion applications. Lastly, stainless steel 430 is mostly used for design purposes and decoration.

Carbon steel is ideal for blade parts and especially professional knives. The high carbon steel content creates a much stronger blade. As a result, knives don’t bend, but they might crack, break, or rust. Low carbon steel can be used for fencing, medium can be used in construction and building as well as railway tracks. High carbon steel is perfect for heavy-cutting tools, like saws and drills.

Choosing a type of steel that doesn’t oxidize quickly will be more beneficial in the long run with maintenance costs and service life. Exposure to humidity and water without proper care can cause irreparable damage.

So Which One Is Better?

If you’re looking for a definite answer on which metal is better for your industry, then you’re in bad luck. By measuring both advantages and disadvantages, it all comes down to personal preference and the specific usage and qualities you’re looking for in your projects. Both metals are environmentally friendly and easy to recycle, so you don’t have to worry about extended pollution and contamination.