Carbon steel accounts for the vast majority of steel types produced and accessible on the worldwide market today. Like every other form of steel, carbon steel has unique properties, advantages, and disadvantages.

Carbon Steel Advantages

• Strong and highly durable
• Higher strength 
• Corrosion resistant properties
• High and low-temperature resistant
• It exists in a large variety of types
• Durable and reasonably inexpensive over the duration of its lifespan
• Environmentally friendly and recyclable
• Low maintenance and easily cleaned
• It can be applied to a particular finish if an attractive cosmetic appearance is desired and does not tarnish readily

Carbon steel has several advantages over traditional steel, one of which is higher strength. The use of carbon makes iron — or steel — stronger by moving about its crystal lattice. While carbon steel can still stress and crack under pressure, it is less likely than other forms of steel to do so. Therefore, carbon steel is advantageous in situations requiring strength. Many centuries ago, Japanese bladesmiths, for example, fashioned swords using high-carbon steel known as tamahagane steel. Carbon steel is now utilized to create everything from building materials to tools and automobile components.

Carbon Steel Disadvantages

• More prone to rust and corrosion than other steel types
• Difficult to bend and mold into diverse shapes
• High cost, especially at the initial expense
• It can be tough to work with, especially without the most advanced machinery and methods.
• It can often result in costly waste and re-work

There are certain disadvantages to using carbon steel instead of standard steel. Carbon steel is tough to work with since it is so robust, it is difficult to bend and mold into diverse shapes, restricting its applicability in some applications. Carbon steel is also more prone to rust and corrosion than other steel types. Manufacturers add chromium to steel to make it “stainless” — typically 10% to 12%. Chromium acts as a protective coating over the steel, shielding it from moisture that would otherwise cause rusting. On the other hand, carbon steel lacks chromium and may rust if exposed to moisture for an extended period.