Carbon Steel Analysis Quality check

Carbon steel, widely utilized across many industries, is an economical and robust construction material. Carbon steel contains carbon content of up to 2.1% by weight, with the carbon content of the steel being a critical factor that affects its properties. While traditional XRF technology is unable to directly analyze carbon, Bruker’s handheld XRF guns offer a solution. These advanced xrf steel tester tools excel in precisely assessing the non-carbon composition of carbon steel, allowing the carbon content to be calculated. This makes them invaluable for distinguishing plain-carbon steels from low alloy steels.

By utilizing Bruker's portable XRF test machine, you can uncover the practical application benefits of accurate carbon steel analyzing.

Explore XRF carbon steel analysis

Carbon Content Test: Carbon Steel Composition and Elemental Analysis

The American Iron and Steel Institute's definition emphasizes the flexibility of carbon steel's composition. Carbon steel doesn't possess a fixed minimum for combined elements like Cr, Co, Mo, Ni, Nb, Ti, W, V, or Zi. There are however some limits - Cu must remain under 0.40%, and specific elements such as Mg, Si, and Cu have prescribed maximum content limits.

Impurities such as P or S are closely monitored, as they can adversely impact performance in certain alloy grades. XRF-testing of carbon steel with a Bruker’s handheld xrf analyzer can be used to efficiently verify all of the important non-carbon elements in steel.

Ensuring Carbon Steel Quality: Detecting Traces of Impurities and Tramp Elements

When recycled carbon steel contains small amounts of "trace impurities" or "tramp elements" and these are not properly removed or managed, they can negatively affect the quality of the new steel produced from it. For instance, even a tiny presence of some elements can make the steel brittle and crumbly.

There are subtle elemental differences that set apart plain carbon steels from low alloy steels, which impacts their characteristics. To enhance hardening, manganese is commonly added to low-carbon steels. In some cases, this transforms plain carbon steel into a low alloy steel, as per the AISI/SAE definition that allows only up to 1.65% manganese by weight in carbon steel.

Specific limits on common impurities that can lead to penalties can be found in the section below. These limits are easily identifiable through low alloy steel testing using Bruker’s handheld XRF analyzer.

Get in touch with Bruker today

Different Types of Carbon Steel and Their Properties

Mild Steel, Low-Carbon, or Plain Carbon Steel: Contains 0.05 – 0.25% carbon content. It's strong, tough, and non-temperable. Used widely and is cost-effective for structural applications. Highly ductile, malleable, with low tensile strength. Can be hardened through carburizing.
High-Tensile, Low Alloy Steels: Also low-carbon, but with added alloyants (Cr, Mo, Si, Mg, Ni, V) for increased strength, anti-wear properties, and tensile strength. Suitable for heat-treatment with carbon content of 0.30 – 1.70% by weight.
Medium-Carbon Steel: Contains 0.3 – 0.8% carbon. Offers a good balance of ductility, strength, and wear resistance. Used for large parts, forging, and auto components.
High-Carbon Steel: Contains 0.8 – 2.0% carbon. Known for its high strength due to increased carbon content. Commonly used in springs and high-strength wires.
Ultra-High-Carbon Steel: Contains 3.25 – 4.0% carbon. Achieves exceptional hardness through tempering. Used for domestic knives, axles, and edged tools.

Questions about carbon steel analysis?

Contact Bruker for answers