Carbon steel is a specific category of steel alloy that contains higher levels of carbon. This high-strength, durable, and versatile material is popular for metal fabrication and can be engineered with a variety of formulations to ensure reliable performance across many applications. Carbon steel can be categorized into three groups based on its carbon content: low carbon, medium carbon, and high carbon.
Low carbon steel, also known as mild steel, contains between 0.04% and 0.3% carbon. Its low carbon content makes it easy to cut, weld, bend, and shape while retaining structural integrity. Medium carbon steel is harder and stronger, with a carbon content of 0.31% to 0.6%. It is more brittle, somewhat difficult to cut and form, and is often hardened after processing. High carbon steel, also known as tool steel, is exceptionally hard, with 0.6% to 1.5% carbon in its formula. It is exceptionally strong and durable, which makes it the most difficult to form and shape.
Why is Carbon Steel a Popular Choice for Manufacturers?
Low carbon steels are especially valuable due to their low cost, high strength, and exceptional versatility. They maintain the impact resistance and tensile strength of steel while providing sufficient malleability and ductility to ensure easy, less expensive manufacturing. For laser cutting, low carbon steel offers an easy-to-cut workpiece that can be shaped using both CO2 and fiber lasers. Although some low carbon parts may be rough around the edges after laser cutting, they can easily be deburred or shot peened to create the desired surface finish.
Low carbon steels get their excellent properties from a variety of alloying elements, including nickel, titanium, molybdenum, cobalt, tungsten, and chromium, among many others. Each alloying element enhances certain desirable characteristics, such as strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, impact resistance, and stiffness.
Carbon Steel Laser Cutting Machinery & Capabilities at JTV
At JTV, we pride ourselves on providing a full range of steel laser cutting services for our customers in every industry. Our 85,000 square-foot production facility features a comprehensive fleet of machines capable of cutting carbon steel, stainless steel, and other materials with thicknesses up to 1¼” and dimensions up to 80″ x 160″. With extensive laser cutting capabilities, we can create a variety of turnkey products to meet even the most stringent specifications for customers in and near Sutherland, Iowa.
Our state-of-the-art laser cutting fleet includes:
- Mitsubishi Electric ML4020 RX–F80
- Bystronic 6000 Watt Laser Center with Load/Unload System
- Bystronic 4400 Watt Laser Centers with Load/Unload System
- Mazak 4000 Watt Laser Centers with Load/Unload System
- Mazak 2500 Watt Laser Centers with Load/Unload System
- ESAB Avenger XP2 ST-36 Multi-Head Oxy-Fuel/Plasma Table
- Mazak 2500 Watt 3-D Fabri Gear 150
Using the latest steel laser cutting technology, we are capable of producing highly accurate parts and products within exceptionally tight tolerances with a high degree of repeatability. Our laser cutting accuracy is unmatched, even for unusual shapes, complex angles, and unique configurations. Since laser cutting uses only one tool and is highly automated, you enjoy higher quality products and speedy turnaround times that easily exceed the speed of traditional mechanical cutting methods.
<Find out why laser cutting is used in sheet metal fabrication projects.>
Carbon Steel Laser Cutting at JTV
With decades of experience in research and development, engineering, and hands-on metal fabrication, the experts at JTV have the knowledge and skill necessary to meet tight turnaround times while providing exceptionally accurate craftsmanship. We aim to exceed our customers’ expectations for quality and speed while offering competitive prices that fit your budget. To learn more about JTV’s laser cutting capabilities, request a quote today.
