Quick Look

DensityMelting PointThermal ConductivityElectrical ResistivityCoefficient of Expansion
7.85 g/cm³1425-1540°C50-60 W/m·K0.1-0.2 µΩ·m11-13 µm/m·K

About the Material

Advantages:

  1. High Strength: Carbon steel offers high tensile strength, making it suitable for heavy-duty and structural applications.

  2. Cost-Effective: Carbon steel is relatively inexpensive, providing a cost-effective solution for various applications.

  3. Weldability: The weldable nature of carbon steel allows for easy post-casting fabrication.

  4. Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, including automotive, construction, and machinery parts.

  5. Complex Geometries: Rapid Investment Casting enables the creation of intricate carbon steel components that are difficult to achieve with traditional casting methods.

Limitations:

  1. Corrosion Susceptibility: Carbon steel is prone to rust and corrosion, requiring protective coatings or treatments for certain applications.

  2. Weight: Carbon steel is relatively heavy, which may limit its use in weight-sensitive applications.

  3. Machining Difficulty: While machinable, carbon steel requires careful handling due to its hardness, which can lead to tool wear.

  4. Brittleness at High Carbon Content: High-carbon steels can be brittle, limiting their use in applications requiring high impact resistance.

Chemical Properties Table

Element

Iron (Fe)

Carbon (C)

Manganese (Mn)

Silicon (Si)

Sulfur (S)

Phosphorus (P)

Typical Percentage (%)

97-99

0.05-2.0

0.3-1.0

≤ 0.5

≤ 0.05

≤ 0.04


Machining Properties Table

Property

Machinability Rating

Cutting Speed (m/min)

Tool Wear Resistance

Coolant Requirement

Surface Finish Quality

Value

Good

80-150

Moderate

Recommended

Moderate

Rapid Investment Casting Carbon Steel Design Recommendations:

Maximum   Bulid Size (mm)Minimum Wall   Thickness (mm)Minimum   Assembly Gap (mm)ToleranceMinimum End   Mill Size (mm)Minimum Drill   Size (mm)
600x600x60010.10.30%//

Industry Applications and Case Studies for Rapid Investment Casting Carbon Steel:

  1. Automotive Industry:

    1. Application: Production of engine components, gears, and brackets.

    2. Case Study: An automotive manufacturer used Rapid Investment Casting to produce carbon steel gears, achieving high strength and durability for transmission systems.

  2. Construction Industry:

    1. Application: Manufacturing of structural supports, brackets, and reinforcement components.

    2. Case Study: A construction equipment manufacturer used carbon steel to create load-bearing brackets, providing high strength and reliability in building structures.

  3. Industrial Machinery:

    1. Application: Production of machine components, shafts, and heavy-duty parts.

    2. Case Study: An industrial machinery company employed Rapid Investment Casting to produce carbon steel shafts, improving the durability and lifespan of their equipment.

  4. Agricultural Equipment:

    1. Application: Manufacturing of plowshares, brackets, and other wear-resistant parts.

    2. Case Study: An agricultural equipment manufacturer used carbon steel to create durable plowshares, enhancing field performance and reducing maintenance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rapid Investment Casting Carbon Steel:

  1. What are the benefits of using carbon steel in Rapid Investment Casting?

    1. Carbon steel offers high strength, cost-effectiveness, weldability, and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

  2. Is Rapid Investment Casting suitable for high-volume carbon steel production?

    1. Rapid Investment Casting is most cost-effective for prototyping and low to medium production volumes. For very high volumes, other casting methods may be more economical.

  3. What industries benefit from carbon steel in Rapid Investment Casting?

    1. Industries such as automotive, construction, industrial machinery, and agriculture benefit from carbon steel's strength, durability, and affordability.

  4. How does carbon steel compare to stainless steel in terms of cost and performance?

    1. Carbon steel is generally more affordable but is more prone to corrosion compared to stainless steel. It offers high strength but lacks the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.

  5. What are the limitations of using carbon steel in Rapid Investment Casting?

    1. Limitations include susceptibility to corrosion, weight, machining difficulty, and brittleness at high carbon content.

  6. What are the typical applications for carbon steel in Rapid Investment Casting?

    1. Typical applications include automotive gears, construction brackets, industrial machinery components, and agricultural equipment parts.

  7. How can corrosion in carbon steel castings be minimized?

    1. Applying protective coatings, such as paint or galvanization, can help minimize corrosion and extend the lifespan of carbon steel castings.

  8. Is carbon steel suitable for load-bearing applications?

    1. Yes, carbon steel's high strength makes it ideal for load-bearing and structural applications in various industries.

Finishing Options

Name
Colors
Can Be Applied with
Sand Blasting
-
Provides a uniform surface texture.
Polishing
-
Creates a smooth, polished finish, improves aesthetic appeal.
Powder Coating
Provides a wide range of colors
Provides a protective coating that improves corrosion resistance and can give a uniform, colored finish.
Adds color and a protective layer against corrosion.
Painting
Painting provides extensive color options, allowing for a high degree of customization for different aesthetic and protective needs.
Adds color and a protective layer against corrosion.
Electrocoating
Typically finished in black, gray, or neutral tones; bright or vibrant colors are less common due to the nature of E-coat.
Ensures thorough coverage and corrosion protection.
Shot Blasting
-
Strengthens the material surface and removes impurities.
Galvanizing
Galvanizing
Silvery-gray
Offers rust protection with a zinc coating.

Parts Made by AutofabX

RIC Carbon Steel
RIC Carbon Steel