Carbon steel is a widely used metal alloy which primarily consists of iron and carbon. The carbon content in carbon steel can vary from as low as 0.05% to as high as 2.1% by weight. Apart from carbon, it can also contain trace amounts of other elements, such as manganese and sulphur.
Carbon steel comes in different variants, including low, medium, and high carbon steel. Each variant has its own characteristics, such as ease of shaping, strength, ductility, and hardness.
Compared to other steel alloys like stainless steel, carbon steel has a relatively lower chromium content and relies more on its carbon content for its key properties. The alloy is widely used in various industrial applications because of its excellent strength, durability, and affordability.
Carbon steel applications
Downside of carbon steel
Whilst carbon steel is a common and widely used steel, it has drawbacks that limit its applications. One major disadvantage is that increasing its carbon content for more strength makes it less flexible, decreasing weldability.
Another drawback is that the high carbon content often increases the cost of production. Moreover, carbon steel is prone to rust and oxidisation, especially in moist or humid conditions.
How plating can enhance carbon steel application
However, coating and electroplating can be applied to carbon steel to prevent rust and oxidation, making it more suitable for a wider range of applications. This is the most common reason for plating carbon steel, leading us perfectly to the benefits of plating carbon steel:
- Increase its resistance to corrosion by plating carbon steel with nickel
- Cost-effective electroless plating methods
- Enhance the visual aesthetics.
- Increase conductivity.
- Improved wear resistance of components
The most common plating methods
Zinc plating of stainless steel
Zinc plating is the most common method of plating carbon steel. It compensates for carbon steel’s greatest weakness—corrosion. To prevent corrosion, adding a layer of zinc provides excellent resistance, prolonging the lifespan of components. In addition, depending on the use case, it can offer visually aesthetic benefits. It’s also a cost-effective solution for manufacturers, as zinc is relatively inexpensive compared to other metals. For components likely to get scratched, zinc plating can be a great option as it provides sacrificial protection to the underlying carbon steel. Overall, zinc plating offers a reliable and efficient way to protect carbon steel components and ensure their longevity.
Transitioning to Zinc Nickel plating
Industries, particularly the automotive sector, are shifting towards zinc/nickel plating techniques to enhance resistance. According to experts, zinc-nickel plating can provide up to 5 times more protection than normal zinc plating, increasing the durability and quality of components.
Plating Process
Preparing carbon steel before plating is important for great adhesions and quality finish. At Karas, we support customers with high-quality carbon steel plating with fast lead times but, most importantly, without compromising the quality and consistency of the finish. To achieve this, we offer a range of cleaning and blasting services to ensure that the metal is free from any contaminants prior to plating.
Get In Touch
For professional carbon steel plating services, schedule a consultation with our team of experts. We are dedicated to delivering superior results that meet the highest industry standards.