What is Different Between Carbon Steel and Galvanized Steel? Find Out with Midwest Steel

Definition of Carbon Steel vs Galvanized Steel

Before exploring the difference between carbon steel and galvanized steel, Midwest Steel invites you to understand the definitions of these two materials.

What is Carbon Steel? Carbon steel is the alloy of iron and carbon combined with a small percentage of other elements. The greater the carbon percentage in the alloy, the more brittle and harder the steel gets, but with a lesser percentage of carbon ratio, it turns out softer and malleable. Carbon steel has three varieties-low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, and high carbon steel.

What is Galvanized Steel? Galvanized steel is a type of steel material that is coated with an outer layer of zinc plating. The zinc coating aids the steel in fighting against environmental reactions, which reduces the product’s oxidation and corrosion and thereby inhibits rusting while enhancing durability and the product’s life span. The common forms of galvanized steel products are galvanized steel pipes, coils, and hollow sections.

Now that we have covered the definitions, let’s discuss the differences between carbon steel and galvanized steel.

Comparing Carbon Steel vs Galvanized Steel

Differences in Product Surface

Among the differences between carbon steel and galvanized steel is the surface. Carbon steels are left raw, or covered with a layer of grease for protection, while galvanized ones are covered by a coat of zinc on their surfaces to make them more durable and pleasing to the eyes despite bad weather. The latter may have varied thickness on the Zinc layer depending upon the intention how it will be used.

Manufacturing Process

The production processes of carbon steel and galvanized steel also differ. Carbon steel is produced by adding carbon to iron in a furnace, where the two elements combine to form the alloy. On the other hand, galvanized steel is created by coating the steel surface with zinc using methods such as hot-dip galvanizing, spray galvanizing, or electrolytic galvanizing.

Corrosion Resistance

Compared to carbon steel, galvanized steel has a superior corrosion resistance. Carbon steel usually does not have an outer layer and, hence, easily suffers from oxidation, rust, and corrosion that can make its lifespan short unless stored properly. Galvanized steel, having the protective layer of zinc, does not let the environmental effects cause oxidation, hence improving its resistance against corrosion, and, therefore, it is stronger compared to carbon steel.

Product Prices

Galvanized steel typically costs more than carbon steel due to its protective zinc coating. However, if your project is not exposed to harsh environmental conditions, carbon steel can be a more cost-effective option.

Applications of Carbon Steel vs Galvanized Steel

The different characteristics of these two materials lead to distinct applications.

• Galvanized Steel: Commonly used in producing products such as ventilation pipes, deck floors, purlins, steel pipes, and hollow sections for construction and engineering purposes.
• Carbon Steel: Widely used in industries like construction, automotive, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and for producing bolts, screws, and other components.

Midwest Steel – Your Trusted Steel Supplier

Midwest Steel is the market’s leading and reliable supplier of all types of steel. Having been in the business for over 12 years in the steel industry, we offer quality steel products at the best price possible to our customers. We will always have the best premium galvanized steel as well as carbon steel available. Feel free to reach out to us today for advice and support from our experts.

We hope the article helps you understand the main differences between carbon steel and galvanized steel. To get more informative content about steel and its applications, follow us on Midlands Steel.