Your Guide to Choosing the Right Type of Steel
When you need a new part, there’s a lot to consider, from manufacturing method to material selection. At Accurate CNC, we help you make those choices with confidence. Our team can advise you on a wide range of materials, including plastics, aluminum, and even wood. In this blog, we’re focusing on selecting the best type of steel for your project.
Steel is used across industries, from construction to automotive, but selecting the right type for your part isn’t always simple. As a trusted precision machine shop, Accurate CNC has a long history of working with steel. We can help you identify which steel type best balances cost, strength, turnaround time, and performance.
Here’s a guide to help you determine whether carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloy steel is right for your project.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is the most common and versatile type of steel. Most grades can be machined, heat-treated, welded, and formed, making it a practical, cost-effective choice for many applications. Different grades of carbon steel vary in carbon content, each offering unique benefits.
Tip: The higher the carbon content, the harder the steel, but the lower its flexibility and ductility.
Low-Carbon Steel (0.05% to 0.25% carbon)
Low-carbon or mild steel is flexible, easy to bend and weld, and the most affordable carbon steel. It’s commonly used for car bodies, pipes, and similarly formed components. While highly workable and having the highest ductility, it cannot be heat-treated and offers the least corrosion resistance.
Medium-Carbon Steel (0.30% to 0.50% carbon)
Medium-carbon steel offers a balance of strength, wear resistance, and cost. These properties can be improved with heat treatment. It is less ductile, but more stiff than low-carbon steel and is frequently used in gears, rails, and structural applications requiring added durability.
High and Ultra-High Carbon Steels (0.60% to 1.00% carbon)
These grades are the hardest and most durable of the carbon steel family, but the least malleable and ductile. They’re ideal for knives, springs, and parts that require high durability and strength.
While carbon steel is generally stronger than many common stainless steel and is a more cost-effective choice, it is not corrosion-resistant. If you need an outdoor component or parts that will be exposed to moisture, stainless steel is a better choice.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is durable, low-maintenance, and naturally resistant to rust. The most common grades we machine at Accurate CNC are 303, 304, 430, 403, and 440 stainless steel.
We recommend stainless steel when you’re prioritizing corrosion resistance and when your parts do not require additional finishing such as powder coating or painting.
Stainless steel is also easy to clean, making it a go-to for kitchen appliances and surgical instruments. While more expensive than carbon steel, its durability and reduced maintenance could ultimately save you money.
Alloy Steel
When neither carbon nor stainless steel perfectly meets your performance needs, alloy steel offers a customizable solution.
Alloy steels contain additional elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium to improve strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. They are classified as low, medium, or high alloy steel, depending on alloy content.
Alloy steel often sits between carbon and stainless steel in both performance and price. They are stronger and more corrosion-resistant than carbon steel, but not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel.
Because alloy steels vary in properties and have so many potential uses, we recommend consulting a metal supplier to identify the best match for your project.
Helping You Choose the Right Type of Steel
At Accurate CNC, we don’t just machine parts; we partner with you to make informed material decisions that support your goals. Because choosing the right type of steel impacts performance and cost, our team is here to work with you every step of the way.
And if you are still undecided, we will even quote a part using multiple approaches, ensuring you have all the information before you make your final choice.
Whether you need guidance on material selection or precision machining support, we’re ready to help you get the results you need, on time and on spec.
Partner with Accurate CNC to explore the best steel options for your parts. Reach out today!