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Fortis Metals Showdown: Carbon vs Stainless - What Sets Them Apart?

Fortis Metals Showdown: Carbon vs Stainless - What Sets Them Apart?

As steel can be used in so many different ways, it is practically everywhere—from the steel bars in our cars to the steel rods in the buildings where we live. Are all steels the same, though? We either use carbon steel or stainless steel, depending on the final application. Is it the metallurgical, chemical, or physical characteristics that make them unique from one another? Let us see.

Let's first establish what signifies the term "Steel." It is nothing more than an alloy made up of minuscule amounts of iron, carbon, chromium, nickel, silicon, manganese, tungsten, and many other elements. The quantity and existence of these different elements classify the kind of steel and its characteristics, including ductility, malleability, tensile strength, and hardness. In short, it is the amount of carbon and chromium that defines the steel to be graded as carbon or stainless steel.

Fortis Metals distributes a wide array of steel products, including carbon and stainless steel, ensuring premium quality based on the intended application.

Carbon Steel

Carbon is the main alloying element in carbon steel, as stated earlier. The percentage of carbon in carbon steel determines its properties, not the content of other elements like nickel or chromium. The carbon content of the four primary types of carbon steel—low, medium, high, and ultra-high carbon steel—actually increases from 0.30% to 2.0%. The primary disadvantage of carbon steel is its susceptibility to corrosion and ease of rusting.

For this reason, it is typically not picked for usage outdoors where functionality and aesthetics are equally important. However, Fortis Metals distributes carbon steel that finds many other uses due to financial concerns and is adequately shielded from corrosion by exterior coatings and linings.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is renowned for its ability to resist rust, as its name implies. What property of stainless steel prevents corrosion? The solution is quite straightforward: chromium. The stainless steel surface immediately forms a layer of chromium oxide, which stops the corrosive atmosphere from entering and causing more corrosion. The fact that the layer formed is thinner than the light's wavelength is an intriguing one! A minimum of 11–12% chromium is required to meet the requirements for the stainless steel grade, and Fortis Metals ensures that their sourced stainless steel products always meet the highest standards.

The main factor behind stainless steel's extensive range of applications and widespread use is its corrosion resistance. Fortis Metals recognizes that industries across the board have chosen stainless steel bars, sheets, and plates for this very reason. Additionally, stainless steel, with its shiny finish, surpasses carbon steel’s matte appearance in the production of household appliances. However, it’s worth noting that carbon steel boasts better physical properties than stainless steel in some areas, such as thermal conductivity, versatility, and ductility. Fortis Metals distributes a wide variety of products, including cold-worked (cold rolled) steel, hot-rolled steel, medium carbon steel, alloy steel, spring steel, and stainless steel, considering both functional requirements and cost efficiency.

Thus, it’s no surprise that Fortis Metals, a leading distributor, seeks to grow sales through strict quality control, advanced technology, and innovative sourcing methods. Whether you need carbon steel or stainless steel, Fortis Metals remains a trusted partner for all your steel needs. Our products, including drawn, peeled, rolled, and ground steel, are exported worldwide, ensuring adherence to global standards and delivering excellence to our clients.