The difference between low carbon steel wire and high carbon steel wire

The main difference between low carbon steel wire and high carbon steel wire is their carbon content, which directly affects their physical and mechanical properties. Here are the specific differences:
1. Carbon content
Low carbon steel wire: The carbon content is less than 0.25%.
High carbon steel wire: The carbon content is between 0.60% and 1.0%.
2. Physical properties
Low carbon steel wire:
Strength: lower.
Hardness: lower.
Ductility: higher.
Toughness: higher.
High carbon steel wire:
Strength: higher.
Hardness: higher.
Ductility: lower.
Toughness: lower.
3. Heat treatment response
Low carbon steel wire: Generally, heat treatment is not required for use, but the surface hardness can be increased by surface hardening treatment (such as carburizing, nitriding).
High carbon steel wire: Heat treatment (such as quenching and tempering) is often required to achieve the required mechanical properties.
4. Welding performance
Low carbon steel wire: It has good welding performance and is easy to perform various welding operations.
High carbon steel wire: Poor welding performance, prone to cracks and brittleness during welding, requiring special welding processes.
5. Common uses
Low carbon steel wire:
Nails: Manufacture of ordinary nails, screws, etc.
Wire mesh: Used for various woven meshes, guardrail meshes, etc.
Welding rods and welding wires: Used for welding operations.
Daily necessities: Such as hangers, ordinary steel wire ropes.
High carbon steel wire:
Springs: Manufacture of various types of springs, such as automobile springs and industrial equipment springs.
Wire ropes: High-strength steel wire ropes, used for lifting and traction.
Tools: Manufacture of various cutting tools and measuring tools.
Piano wires: Manufacture of high-strength and high-elasticity piano strings.
6. Standards
Low carbon steel wire:
Chinese standard: GB/T 343, GB/T 4354
American standard: ASTM A510/A510M
Japanese standard: JIS G 3505
High carbon steel wire:
Chinese standard: GB/T 4357, GB/T 4358
American standard: ASTM A228
Japanese standard: JIS G 3521

Low carbon steel wire and high carbon steel wire differ significantly in carbon content, physical properties, use, welding performance and heat treatment response. Choosing the right type of steel wire needs to be determined based on the specific application scenario and performance requirements to ensure the best use effect and safety.