Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel

Stainless steel products are part of our daily lives, from domestic and culinary appliances to industrial engineering equipment. Yet, with four major types of steel, choosing the best steel for your application calls for a close look at the two most common types: carbon steel vs stainless steel. Each steel type has unique properties that make it a popular choice for different industries. Curious which steel type is the right choice for you? Join us as we delve into the characteristics of carbon steel vs stainless steel and discover the ideal match for your application.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is a very strong type of metal made out of iron and carbon. The carbon content determines the steel’s strength, resulting in three categories of carbon steel: low, medium, and high.

High Carbon Steel

High carbon steel, with a carbon content of 0.60% or more, is what most people associate with carbon steel. It is known for its hardness, strength, and wear resistance. High carbon steel is popular in the production of drill bits, chains, coils, knives and other cutting tools.

Medium Carbon Steel

Medium carbon steel has a carbon content ranging from 0.30-0.60%, so it is still strong while exhibiting some ductility and malleability. Medium carbon steel is used to make wire, springs, and steel wire.

Low Carbon Steel

Finally, low carbon steel usually has less than 0.30% of carbon and is often referred to as “mild steel”. Low carbon steel is ductile, so it is often flat-rolled into elements for machinery, automobiles, pipes and tubes, and even food cans. Carbon steel can also contain other alloys that impact its properties.

Is Carbon Steel Stronger than Stainless Steel?

What’s stronger: carbon steel or stainless steel? High carbon steel is very strong compared to stainless steel, however it lacks the same corrosion-resistant properties, so its strength is not guaranteed over time. High carbon steel’s hardness can also make it difficult to mold into products, making low and medium carbon steel– less strong varieties– more popular options.

Does Carbon Steel Rust?

Yes, carbon steel does rust. Carbon steel’s iron content easily oxidizes when exposed to oxygen and moisture, causing the steel to rust. Special cleaning, preserving, and lining methods can be used to keep your carbon steel from rusting.

What Can I Store in Carbon Steel?

Carbon steel drums are often used to ship and store chemicals, oil, lubricants, food, and solid or liquid hazardous materials. Only UN Rated carbon steel drums are suited for transportation of hazardous materials. These drums have multiple types of linings to help prevent rusting or deterioration.

Stainless Steel

Like carbon steel, stainless steel is a type of metal that contains iron and carbon, but it also contains at least 10.5% chromium. Stainless steel’s chromium acts as a protective barrier against corrosion and rust, setting it apart from other steel types.

Stainless steel is used for kitchenware, industrial chemicals, automotive applications, medical/surgical equipment, manufacturing, and architectural materials. This metal is a popular choice due to its shiny, sleek appearance, high-rust resistance, and easy sterilization capabilities.

This metal’s properties can vary depending on its alloying elements, such as nickel and molybdenum. There are five families of stainless steel that share behaviors, as well as a multitude of grades based on specific properties. Two of the most popular grades are 304 and 316.

Is Stainless Steel Stronger than Carbon Steel?

Stainless steel is a strong metal; it is recognized as less strong than high carbon steel yet stronger than low carbon steel. When exploring, “Is carbon steel stronger than stainless steel?”, it is important to note that stainless steel has several benefits that give it prolonged strength over time. Stainless steel is generally resistant to tarnishing, does not turn green, and is waterproof.

Does Stainless Steel Rust?

Stainless steel is often referred to as “rustless steel” for its resistance to corrosion, rust, and tarnishing. This is due to its chromium content, which forms an invisible protective layer on the surface.

However, if this layer is damaged by wear and tear, dirt, moisture, harsh chemicals, or oxidation from the air, stainless steel is capable of rusting. The strength of stainless steel’s protective layer depends on its chromium content and other alloying elements.

What Can I Store in Stainless Steel?

Depending on the type of steel (304 or 316), stainless steel drums and pails are a great option to store materials that require purity such as food, water and wine. Stainless steel drums and pails can also be used for industrial materials like paints, coatings and chemicals. These drums have great tensile strength and reusability.

304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is commonly used in food and culinary industries because it meets FDA sanitary regulations. The medical and architectural industries also use this steel because it can withstand cleaning chemicals without corroding. This type of steel has a high melting point.

316 Stainless Steel

This type of steel is known for its high resilience to chlorides (sea water and de-icing salts) and chlorinated solutions as well as other corrosives like sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, nitrogen dioxide and more. 316 stainless steel can withstand exposure to harsh chemicals or hazardous materials making it a reliable and desirable option to store industrial applications.

Difference Between Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel

There are several key differences between carbon steel vs stainless steel: price, physical properties, strength, and common applications. Carbon and stainless steel both have a variety of subtypes with their own unique properties, so their characteristics can differ.

Here is a general overview of the differences between carbon steel vs stainless steel.

Physical Properties

Carbon steel can be lackluster, hence carbon steel items often don a coat of paint and lining. Proper maintenance is needed to maintain a rust-free surface, since carbon steel is prone to surface corrosion.
Stainless steel’s lustrous surface is aesthetically appealing. Its corrosion and rust-resistance keeps its surface pristine.

Cost Comparison

Carbon steel is significantly more affordable than stainless steel. Carbon steel drums average at a cost of $120 per drum.
Stainless steel is substantially pricier than carbon steel. Stainless steel drums average at a cost of $850 per drum, however their properities can help cut the costs of maintenance.

Strength

High carbon steel is very strong. Medium and low carbon steel are still strong and hard, but more ductile.
Stainless steel is less strong than high carbon steel, but is generally stronger than low carbon steel.

Applications

Carbon steel is used for construction, industrial, and automotive industries for its strength. It is utilized the most for industrial applications such as bolts, cogs, and springs due to its strength and longevity.
In addition to industrial applications, stainless steel is used in medical, food and beverage, and domestic industries for its cleanliness and durability. Its smooth, glossy appearance and quick disinfection properties are used to create decorative, hospital and culinary products.

Choosing the Right Type of Steel

Now that we’ve compared carbon vs stainless steel, which is better for your application?

Physical Properties

Carbon steel container manufacturers remedy the metal’s lackluster and corrosion-prone exterior with colorful coats of paint and lining. Colorful drums make color-coding organization possible and decrease cross-contamination.

Stainless steel was discovered in an attempt to fix gun barrel erosion, and it remains the preferred choice for applications that rely on smooth, rust-less functioning. It is also popular in architecture for its lustrous sheen.

Cost Comparison

Carbon steel is the preferred option for cost-effective applications. Stainless steel is significantly more expensive, but requires less maintenance due to its properties.

Strength

Carbon steel is a common choice for applications that rely on strength. However, stainless steel is also an objectively strong material.

Applications

For storage and transport of goods related to construction, chemicals, and manufacturing, carbon steel is an excellent choice. Meanwhile, stainless steel is popular in food and beverage and medical transport due to its hygienic properties. Both steel types are very versatile.

Browse Our Drums Today!

Interested in storing materials in carbon steel or stainless steel? Shop the most diverse selection of drums and barrels to meet all of your needs today! The Cary Company has a variety of drums whether you need to store liquids or solids from sectors such as the chemical, pharmaceutical, or food industry! Looking for larger containers? Our wide selection of IBC totes, tanks, & bins offers a range of materials and styles for your application needs.