Carbon steel plates have usually been considered as the steel that does not contain much alloy steel elements. Generally elements are C, Mn, P, S, Si. What is usually true of carbon steel’s chemical composition is that the manganese won’t exceed 1.65%, the copper hovers between 0.4% and 0.6%, and the silicon won’t exceed 0.6%.

There are three types of carbon steel: low, medium, and high carbon steel. Generally, the higher the carbon content, the stronger and more durable the plate is, but also less ductile and weldable. Low carbon steel is sometimes known as “mild steel” and contains between 0.04% and 0.30% carbon. Medium carbon steel ranges in carbon content from 0.31% to 0.60% and manganese content from 0.060% to 1.65%. While it is stronger than low carbon steel, it is more difficult to weld, form, and cut. You’ll frequently see medium carbon steels hardened and tempered with heat treatment. High carbon steel is also called “carbon tool steel” and ranges in carbon content from 0.61% to 1.50%.