In-Depth Material Selection for Carbon Steel Fasteners

At BW Industrial Sales, we are dedicated to providing the best materials for your fastening needs. One of the prominent materials we offer is Carbon Steel. Carbon steel is highly regarded for its strength and durability, making it an ideal material for various fasteners. Whether you are looking for bolts, nuts, screws, or any other type of fastener, we can source the precise carbon steel grade you need.

Why Choose Carbon Steel Fasteners?

Durability: Carbon steel is known for its high strength, which ensures the longevity of your fasteners even in demanding conditions.

Versatility: With different grades and specifications, carbon steel fasteners can be used in a wide range of applications including construction, automotive, and manufacturing.

Cost-effective: Carbon steel offers an excellent balance between performance and cost, making it a popular choice for large-scale projects.

Carbon Steel Grades and Specifications

Here is a list of some common carbon steel grades and their specifications that are widely used for fasteners:

• SAE J429 Grade 2: Ideal for applications where high strength is not necessary. Typically used for low or medium carbon steel.
• SAE J429 Grade 5: Quenched and tempered, medium carbon steel suitable for applications requiring higher strength and toughness.
• SAE J429 Grade 8: Offers higher strength due to additional carbon content and quenching, used for high-strength applications.
• ASTM A307 Grades A, B & C: Suitable for general applications, including anchor bolts and threaded rods, with Grade B having additional mechanical properties for flanged joints.
• ASTM A325: A high-strength standard ideal for heavy hex structural bolts made from medium carbon steel.
• ASTM A449: Specifically for hex cap screws, bolts, and studs, made from heat-treated medium carbon steel.
• ASTM A193 Grade B7: Medium carbon alloy steel, ideal for high-pressure or high-temperature applications.
• ASTM A194 Grade 2H: A carbon steel heavy hex nut specification suitable for high-pressure or high-temperature applications.
• ASTM A36: Low carbon steel typically used for structural purposes.
• AISI 1018 & 1020: Known for good weldability and machinability, suitable for applications requiring certain strength levels.
• AISI 1030: Medium carbon steel used for moderate strength applications when heat treatment is necessary.
• AISI 1045: Noted for its strength and hardness properties.
• ASTM A572 Grade 50: High-strength, low alloy steel used mainly in structural applications.
• ASTM A588: High-strength, low-alloy steel with added resistance to atmospheric corrosion, used for structural applications.
• And More!

Types of Carbon Steel

Low Carbon Steel: Contains 0.05% to 0.25% carbon content. Easy to shape and form, it's used in applications such as automotive parts and structural beams.

Medium Carbon Steel: Contains 0.29% to 0.54% carbon content. Offers a balance between strength and ductility. Used for gears, axles, and high-strength bolts.

High Carbon Steel: Contains 0.55% to 0.95% carbon content. Known for its strength and wear resistance, ideal for cutting tools, knives, and springs.

Microstructure Classification

Carbon steels can be classified based on their microstructure:

• Ferritic: Has a low carbon content and is magnetic. It has good ductility and is used in automotive applications.
• Pearlitic: Has a higher carbon content and is known for its strength and hardness. Suitable for railway wheels and structural steel.
• Martensitic: Contains high carbon content, is very strong but less ductile. Used for wear-resistant applications.
• Austenitic: Has a medium to high content of carbon. It has a face-centered cubic crystal structure. Used in high-temperature applications.

Connect with Us

At BW Industrial Sales, we are committed to meeting your fastener requirements with the highest quality materials. If you have any questions or need further assistance in selecting the right carbon steel fasteners for your application, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team.