Differentiate Carbon Steel Vs. Stainless Steel

if you want to distinguish carbon steel from stainless steel, the following tips are just for you. if you know these techniques, you can quickly determine carbon steel vs. stainless steel.

surface finish and how the two metals reflect light are the visual distinctions between carbon steel and stainless steel. stainless steel, for example, is more polished and glossier than carbon steel. on the other hand carbon steel, has a duller, more matte appearance.

another systematic approach to distinguish between the two is to look for evidence of oxidation (red rust). carbon steels have a high carbon content and are prone to rust when exposed to moisture, whereas stainless steels do not.

on the steel, place one or two drops of lemon juice and let it sit for a bit if you’re in a hurry and can’t detect the difference. if the lemon juice leaves a black mark on the surface, it’s probably carbon steel.

carbon steel vs. stainless steel strength 

in comparing carbon steel vs. stainless steel carbon steels, stainless steels have better yield and tensile strength. however, we can get exact answers if we know which type of carbon or stainless steel is used, high, medium, or low.

the mechanical parameters to see the power of steel are:

carbon steel

• low carbon steel has a tensile strength of 60,000 to 80,000 pounds per square inch.

• the tensile strength of medium carbon steel has 100,000 to 120,000 pounds per square inch.

• alloy steel has a tensile strength of above 150,000 psi.

stainless steel

• austenitic stainless steel has a tensile strength of 72,000 to 115,000 pounds per square inch.

• stainless steel of martensitic has a tensile strength of 72,000 to 160,000 pounds per square inch.

• stainless steel ferritic – tensile strength ranges from 65,000 to 87,000 psi