Electrical Fittings & Custom Metal Stamping, Since 1945

Carbon Steel VS Stainless Steel
What’s the difference?

Steel is a term which describes an entire family of metals. There are many grades, but most types of fall into two broad categories, carbon steels and stainless steels. They share the same basic composition of iron and carbon, but adding additional elements set them apart.

CARBON STEEL

Carbon steel is the most common type of steel and the most susceptible to corrosion.

Not all carbon steel is the same. Depending on the chemical composition, it will fall into three main classifications.

Grade

Series

Properties

Pros

Cons

Plateable

Low

1008/1010

Mild Steel

Easy to Form & Economical

Low Tensile Strength

Strong Candidate

Medium

1040

Harder/Stronger

Strength & Wear Resistant

Difficult to Shape and Weld

Strong Candidate

High

1050/1075

Extremely Strong

High Strength & Corrosion Resistance

Difficult to Shape and Brittle

Not Likely

beam clamp 1

Carbon steel is versatile, economical, recyclable and the most used of all the steel alloys

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel is a universal term referring to a variety of steel types. Stainless steel is made mainly from iron and carbon, but the addition of chromium, and other elements, create a corrosion-resistant product which sets it apart from carbon steel.

stainless steel

When chromium is added to steel it forms a protective surface to prevent air and moisture from causing rust. There are more than 100 different grades of stainless steel.  The lower the grade the better.

Corrosion resistance is not the only appeal of stainless steel. Stainless steel is also:

  • Strong and durable
  • Easily fabricated
  • Easy cleaned and maintained
  • Long lasting
  • Visually attractive
  • Environmentally friendly and recyclable.

In addition, stainless steel is available in over a dozen different finishes, offering an even greater level of customization for your respective project.

Whether your project calls carbon steel, stainless steel, or another alloy, Reliable Metal Stamping Co., Inc. is capable and ready to get your project off the ground. 

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