Steel, Carbon

Carbon steel is most-common type of steel, a metal alloy that contains iron and about 0.1 - 0.3 % of carbon. The only other elements allowed in carbon steel are: manganese (1.65% max), silicon (0.60% max), and copper (0.60% max). In general, increase in the amount of carbon reduces ductility but increases tensile strength and the ability to harden through tempering.