Carbon Steel Bars: Types and Features

Carbon steel bars are available in four common shapes: flat, hex, round, and square. They are widely used in industrial applications where strength and durability are important.

Properties of Carbon Steel

Carbon content affects the hardness and strength of the steel:

Higher carbon content increases hardness and strength.

Lower carbon content makes the steel softer and easier to weld or machine.

Carbon Steel Classification by Carbon Content

Low carbon steel (mild steel): 0.06% – 0.25% carbon

Medium carbon steel: 0.25% – 0.55% carbon

High carbon steel: 0.55% – 1.00% carbon

Grades of Carbon Steel Bars

Carbon steel bars are grouped by grade series, based on their composition and properties:

10XX Series
Non-resulphurized. Manganese content up to 1.00%.
Examples: 1018, 1044, 1045, 1050

11XX Series
Resulphurized for better machinability.
Examples: 1117, 1141, 11L17, 1144

12XX Series
Rephosphorized and resulphurized. Easy to machine.
Examples: 12L14, 1215

Note: In AISI-SAE designations, the last two digits show the approximate carbon content. For example, 1018 contains about 0.18% carbon.

Available Stock at Alro

Here are the standard grades stocked:

10XX Series
1018 Cold Finished, 1018 Hot Rolled, 1044 HR, 1045 CF, 1045 HR, 1050

11XX Series
1117 CF/HR, 1141 CF/HR, 1144 CF/HR, 11L17 CF

12XX Series
1215 CF, 12L14 CF

Special Grades

Stressproof: Stressproof 311 A

Fatigueproof: Fatigueproof

Hot Rolled: A-36, CQ Strip