Medium Carbon Steel – Supplied by Huaxiao-Alloy
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we deliver high-quality medium carbon steel worldwide, meeting the demanding needs of automotive, engineering, machinery, and tool manufacturing industries. Known for its balance between strength and ductility, medium carbon steel is the go-to choice for applications where higher hardness and wear resistance are required, but with enough formability to allow machining and processing.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (579) 300-2733
1. Grades, Forms, Sizes & Standards we supply
Huaxiao-Alloy offers medium carbon steel in various international standards, forms, and custom dimensions.
| Grade | Standard | Common Forms | Thickness / Diameter | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C35, C45 | EN 10083 | Plate, Bar, Round Rod | 5 – 200 mm | Up to 3000 mm |
| AISI 1040, 1045 | SAE / ASTM A29 | Plate, Bar, Round, Forging Stock | 5 – 300 mm | Up to 2500 mm |
| 40#, 45# | GB/T 699 | Plate, Bar, Hot Rolled Coil | 5 – 200 mm | Up to 2000 mm |
| S45C, S50C | JIS G4051 | Plate, Bar, Round | 5 – 200 mm | Up to 2000 mm |
Customization: We provide cut-to-length plates, precision-turned bars, forged components, and surface treatments to match your project needs.
2. What is Medium Carbon Steel?
Medium carbon steel contains approximately 0.25% – 0.60% carbon by weight.
This composition gives it higher tensile strength and hardness than low carbon steel, while retaining adequate toughness. It responds well to heat treatment processes like quenching and tempering, which further enhance wear resistance and strength.
It’s widely used in automotive components, shafts, gears, and machinery parts where durability under stress is essential.
3. Physical Properties of Medium Carbon Steel
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~1,425 – 1,538°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~50 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.16 μΩ·m |
| Magnetic Properties | Ferromagnetic |
4. Mechanical Properties of Medium Carbon Steel
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 350 – 600 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 550 – 800 MPa |
| Elongation (A80) | 10 – 20% |
| Hardness (HB) | 170 – 250 |
| Impact Toughness | Medium |
5. Advantages of Medium Carbon Steel
Balanced Strength and Toughness – Stronger than low carbon steel, yet not as brittle as high carbon steel.
Heat Treatable – Quenching and tempering can significantly improve hardness and wear resistance.
Good Wear Resistance – Suitable for moving parts under friction.
Machinability – Can be cut, drilled, and turned with proper tooling.
Versatility – Wide range of mechanical properties achievable through processing.
6. Limitations of Medium Carbon Steel
Lower Ductility than Low Carbon Steel – Less suitable for deep drawing or extreme bending.
Requires Heat Treatment for Optimal Performance – As-rolled properties may be insufficient for demanding uses.
Moderate Corrosion Resistance – Needs coating or plating for outdoor or corrosive environments.
7. Main Applications by Industry
Automotive & Transport
Axles, crankshafts, gears, connecting rods
Truck and rail components
Industrial Machinery
Machine shafts, spindles, couplings
Wear-resistant parts like rollers and cams
Tools & Engineering
Hammers, wrenches, dies, and cutting tools
Components for mechanical presses and lifts
Construction & Infrastructure
Heavy-duty bolts, anchor rods, and structural components
8. Comparison with Other Steels & Metals
| Material | Strength | Wear Resistance | Formability | Heat Treatable | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Carbon Steel | Low-Medium | Low | Excellent | No | Low |
| Medium Carbon Steel | Medium-High | Medium-High | Moderate | Yes | Medium |
| High Carbon Steel | High | High | Poor | Yes | Medium |
| Alloy Steel | Very High | High | Moderate | Yes | Higher |
| Stainless Steel | Medium-High | Medium | Moderate | Yes | High |
9. Medium Carbon Steel in the Carbon Steel Family
From a metallurgical standpoint:
Low Carbon Steel (≤0.25% C) – High ductility, low strength, easy welding.
Medium Carbon Steel (0.25–0.60% C) – Balanced mechanical properties, heat treatable.
High Carbon Steel (>0.60% C) – Maximum hardness, wear resistance, low ductility.
Medium carbon steel is the “middle ground”, chosen when both strength and workability are required.
Complete Grade Coverage – From C35 to 1045, in multiple international standards.
Processing Capability – Cutting, forging, CNC machining, and heat treatment.
Global Export Expertise – Reliable delivery to Europe, the US, Middle East, and Asia.
Diverse Metal Portfolio – Stainless steel, alloy steel, low carbon steel, aluminum, copper, nickel alloys.
Strict Quality Control – Full compliance with ASTM, EN, JIS, and GB requirements.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (579) 300-2733
It can be welded with proper preheating and post-weld heat treatment to avoid cracking.
After quenching and tempering, hardness can exceed 50 HRC depending on grade.
They are equivalent grades under SAE and EN standards, respectively.
Yes, without protective coating it will oxidize over time.
Yes, we can provide both raw materials and finished forged components.
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