Carbon Steel
Used for general structural purposes, as well as riveted, bolted, or welded construction of buildings, bridges, machinery, etc. It is also used for booms, rails, braces, frames, brackets, cross-members, liners, truck trailers, truck beds, racks, etc.
Carbon steel is also a great option because of its relatively low cost. It is easy to work with, and we have a great selection of bar, tube, angle, and sheet to help get you started.
Products
Advantages of Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is a category of steel where carbon is the primary alloying element. It’s available in various grades: low, medium, and high-carbon steel. Each offers distinct benefits based on carbon content and mechanical properties. As the carbon percentage increases, strength improves, while ductility and malleability decrease. This makes carbon steel a highly versatile material across structural, industrial, and manufacturing applications.
Weldability
Low-carbon steel, often referred to as mild steel, is especially valued for its ease of fabrication. Its low carbon content makes it highly weldable, ideal for piping, structural components, and general manufacturing where ease of joining is critical.
Cost-Effective Performance
Because it’s composed primarily of iron and carbon, carbon steel is more affordable than alloy steels that incorporate pricier elements like chromium or nickel. This makes it an economical solution for industries that need strong, reliable materials without overspending.
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
One of carbon steel’s most significant advantages is its impressive strength, particularly in high-carbon variants. While any material under extreme pressure can fail, carbon steels offer superior load-bearing capabilities compared to traditional steels. This makes them a smart choice for structural frameworks, mechanical components, and pressure-bearing equipment.
Heat Treatable
Medium-carbon steel and high-carbon steel respond well to heat treatment, allowing for enhanced hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance. These characteristics are vital in producing parts like axles, gears, and blades that must endure high stress and temperature variations.
Applications of Carbon Steel
Thanks to its exceptional strength, durability, and versatile grades, carbon steel is a foundational material across countless industries. From structural components in construction to precision-machined parts in manufacturing, carbon steel products are engineered to perform in demanding conditions.
Below are some of the most common carbon steel product types and their real-world applications:
Telescopic Tube
Carbon steel telescopic tubing is prized for its smooth interior and precise dimensions, making it ideal for high-precision applications. It’s frequently used in:
- Bearings
- Shafts
- Cylinders
Its formability and strength allow it to slide and fit within other components—perfect for adjustable or extendable assemblies.
Round Tube
With excellent torsional strength and corrosion resistance, carbon steel round tubing is a mainstay in:
- Commercial and residential construction
- Shipbuilding and marine structural components
Used as framework and load-bearing supports, round tubes provide critical reinforcement in steel structures exposed to stress and environmental elements.
Round Rod
Carbon steel round rods are known for their machinability and tensile strength, serving a wide range of applications in automatic parts, construction frameworks, and manufacturing equipment. Common uses include:
- Shafts
- Axles
- Rebar
Engineers favor round rods for their dimensional consistency and ability to withstand high loads and temperature variations.
Angle
Carbon steel angle iron features a classic L-shaped profile, delivering excellent rigidity and load-bearing capability. It’s often used in:
- Structural supports and cross-bracing
- Equipment frames and mechanical housings
- Shelving systems and racking
Its simplicity and strength make it an indispensable material for framing and joining applications.
Rectangular Tube
Built for structural integrity, rectangular carbon steel tubes are widely used in industries that require strong, static support. Common applications include:
- Architectural frameworks
- Agricultural machinery
- Industrial platforms
Their uniform shape and high strength-to-weight ratio make them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Rectangular Flat Bar
Carbon steel rectangular flat bars offer uniformity and easy fabrication, making them useful across a wide range of sectors:
- Used for framing, rebar substitutes, and structural supports
- Ideal for machinery components, bracing, and custom metal fabrication
- Commonly used in truck parts, trailers, and railway components
With reliable load-bearing capacity and excellent weldability, carbon steel flat bars are a go-to solution for engineers, metalworkers, and fabricators looking for dependable performance across demanding environments.
Square Tube
Carbon steel square tubing is a favorite in metal fabrication for its formability, weldability, and clean geometric profile. It’s commonly used for:
- Frames and platforms
- Racks and shelving units
- Workstations and machine enclosures
Its consistent shape and wall thickness make it ideal for precision welding and structural reinforcement.
Square Bar
Built for durability and strength, carbon steel square bar stock sees use across a range of sectors:
- Structural frameworks and supports
- Machine parts and fasteners
- Railway components, guardrails, and signage
Square bars provide solid, rigid support where strength and dimensional stability are essential.
Hinge (Continuous)
Also known as piano hinges, continuous carbon steel hinges are trusted for:
- Toolboxes and truck compartments
- Electrical enclosures
- Doors and panels in aerospace and military structures
Their full-length design provides even weight distribution, enhancing both strength and longevity for doors, lids, or access points that are subject to frequent use.
Hinge (Weld-On)
Weld-on carbon steel hinges, sometimes called butt hinges, are built for heavy-duty performance in permanently fixed applications. These are commonly used on:
- Gates and trailer doors
- Industrial equipment and shipping containers
- Access panels for heavy machinery
Their robust design and weld-ready construction make them ideal for use where reliability and load-bearing capability are critical.
Perforated Carbon Steel Sheets
Perforated sheets made from carbon steel offer a balance of aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Popular applications include:
- Decorative panels and wall accents
- Air and liquid filtration systems
- Protective fencing and screens
With precise hole patterns and customizable sheet sizes, these sheets offer strength while reducing weight, making them ideal for both architectural and industrial designs.
Trustworthy Carbon Steel Supplier
Alcobra Metals is a national distributor of specialty metals committed to fast, reliable fulfillment. Per our shipping policy, orders placed before 3 PM PST, Monday through Friday, are shipped within 24 hours via UPS. This ensures that your carbon steel materials arrive quickly and securely.
Shop Carbon Steel Online with More Convenience
At Alcobra Metals, we eliminate the wait for quotes—allowing you to shop carbon steel online with speed and confidence. Whether you’re ordering a single flat bar or multiple tubes, we stand by our promise: no order is too small.
Every purchase, regardless of size, receives prompt handling and attention. Our online storefront makes it easy to choose the carbon steel products you need, when you need them. Start shopping below and experience a faster, more efficient metal supply solution.