In modern times, when metallic materials have gained much usage, it is guaranteed that carbon steel and galvanized steel are the most popular types of steel. They are important in structures, manufacturing, construction, automobiles, and mechanical equipment applications. Although both are steels, they differ significantly in properties and performance as well as the degree of corrosion resistance, appearance, and applicable conditions. there is a need to understand these differences for correct material selection, optimal design, and proper maintenance.
What is Carbon Steel?
Carbon steel is a combination of iron and carbon, primarily, with the percentage of carbon ranging between 0.0218% and 2.11%, and it does not have any other alloying elements intentionally added to it. It may also classify the carbon steel depending on the carbon content, which can be:
Low carbon steel(≤ 0.25%)͏: has good plasticity and excellent weldability; can be used for stamping and welding structural parts.
Medium carbon steel (0.25% ~ 0.6%): offers good strength and hardness, can be used for mechanical parts, shafts.
High carbon steel (≥0.6%): hard, good wear resistance, often used for making springs, knives, and the like.
The major benefits of carbon steel are that it has great absolute strength, is cheap, and has good processability. It finds very wide applications in mechanical processing, engineering structures, and tool manufacturing, among other fields. However, it has low corrosion resistance and it readily rusts when no protection measures have been applied to it, particularly in humid or aggressive environments.
What is Galvanized Steel?
Galvanized steel is formed from carbon steel, and a layer of zinc coating is applied on the surface by hot-dip galvanizing or electro-galvanizing to improve its resistance against corrosion:
Hot-dip galvanizing: place the steel in molten zinc liquid to form an alloy with the layer of zinc, and the steel has strong resistance against corrosion and a longer service life.
Appearance and performance differences
| Properties | Carbon steel | Galvanized steel |
| Surface color | Dark gray or black, easy to oxidize and rust | Silvery white, shiny, can be zinc patterned |
| Corrosion resistance | Poor, requires additional coating or protective treatment | Excellent, can be used outdoors for many years without rusting |
| Processing performance | Good | Good, hot-dip galvanizing requires attention to welding treatment |
| Cost | Low cost | Slightly higher cost, but lower later maintenance cost |
Carbon steel is used in indoor structural, mech fnd and equipment with low corrosion requirements. Galvanized is used for outdoor facilities, building shells, vent sys, car bodies, and other places where long-term corrosion resistance is needed.
A Canadian agricultural equipment maker used to make parts from ungalvanized carbon steel brackets. In a humid soil and fertilizer environment, the company had to replace parts 20% each year because they were getting rusty. Since the company switched to hot-dip galvanized steel, it is now attaining less than 2% rust within three years; therefore, the maintenance cost has come down by 70%, and the product durability has been significantly improved.
And other factors should be considered comprehensively. Carbon steel is low in price, high in strength, has general corrosion resistance, and is easy processing; It can meet most requirements of the use environment and durability for the winch. Galvanized steel has good corrosion resistance but relatively lower strength than carbon steel. The cost of galvanized steel is much more than carbon steel; therefore, to save cost, galvanized treatment is not adopted on some motor processes, and the difficulty of later maintenance should be comprehensively considered.
Budget limited, mainly structural parts, indoor use → Choose carbon steel
Need corrosion resistance, long-term outdoor exposure, and reduced maintenance→ Recommend galvanized steel
Use in high humidity, salt spray, or acidic environment → Prefer hot-dip galvanized steel
Summary
Carbon steel and galvanized steel each have their advantages. The former is cost-effective and suitable for general industrial use; the latter has strong corrosion resistance and is more suitable for harsh environments. Understanding the essential difference between the two will help companies make more scientific and economical material choices in procurement, design, and production. As a professional supplier of self-adhesive insulation nails, we not only provide a variety of materials for you to choose from, but also are willing to provide customers with material selection suggestions and customized services. If you have any questions during the material selection process, please feel free to contact us. We will provide you with the most professional and timely solutions.