About 4000 years ago, humans attempted to make the first type of steel. The Chinese managed to produce the first carbon steel in the first century AD by melting wrought iron and cast iron together. These attempts were later followed by the efforts of Henry Bessemer, who came up with the first technique to mass-produce steel. Steel is still produced according to the same technology.
Carbon steel is steel with carbon content to add durability and rigidity. On average, carbon steel contains between 0.05% and 3.8% of carbon, and as the percentage of carbon increases, the steel becomes harder and sturdier.
So, what is 1055 carbon steel? What is it used for? In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about 1055 carbon steel, so keep on reading.
What is 1055 Carbon Steel?
1055 carbon steel is medium carbon steel that contains a small amount of manganese. This type of steel alloy offers durability, hardness, in addition to shock, wear and impact resistance. As a result, it’s widely used for various purposes because it’s reliable and strong.
The carbon content in this steel alloy ranges from 0.50% to 0,56% to add strength to the edge of any tool made of this steel alloy. As a result, the edge strength makes it popular for applications where impact resistance is of extreme importance.
This alloy type is one of the most popular types of carbon-based steel as it can be forged into different tools that are usually used in various applications. The percentage of carbon and manganese adds to the durability and strength of this steel.
1055 carbon steel is more affordable than other types of carbon steel alloys, so it’s suitable for budget-friendly tools. Moreover, it doesn’t suffer the same type of brittleness that high carbon steel materials usually show.
How is 1055 Carbon Steel Forged?
1055 carbon steel is usually forged at a temperature between 925 and 1205 degrees Celsius, and the forging process improves the properties of this material. For the best results, 1055 is transferred to an annealing furnace to increase its durability.
The annealing process relieves the stress before any forging heat treatment to improve the quality of the steel. This involves heating the steel to achieve a uniform gamma phase or a solid iron solution with an alloying element by heating the steel to a temperature between 790 and 870 degrees Celsius. After that, steel is soaked to achieve a uniform structure.
When it’s cooled, the steel gradually reaches a temperature of 650 degrees Celsius. This leads to a uniform temperature at the center and the surface of the steel to avoid distortion due to thermal stress. After that, 1055 carbon steel is left to air cool until it reaches room temperature.
Normalizing 1055 Carbon Steel
This process comes before the hardening and tempering processes to improve the steel’s microstructure by relieving internal stress. This is done by heating the carbon steel to 900 degrees Celsius and holding it for homogenization. After that, the steel is left to air cool until it reaches room temperature.
Hardening 1055 Carbon Steel
The fast cooling process can be done in multiple ways depending on the size of castings. For smaller castings, temperatures above A3 between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius and water quenching are preferred, while oil quenching is preferred for larger castings to avoid cracks.
Tempering 1055 Carbon Steel
Tempering is a process that changes retained austenite and martensite to carbides to improve the durability of 1055 carbon steel. It enhances the steel’s machinability and removes brittleness. The temperature can be between 260 and 315 degrees Celsius for the best results.
Welding 1055 Carbon Steel
Just like all other types of medium carbon steel, welding is an easy process when you’re using 1055 carbon steel. However, post welding heat treatment is crucial to relieve stress and protect the steel from cracks.
What is the Difference Between 1055 Carbon Steel, 1065 Carbon Steel, and 1095 Carbon Steel?
The numbers 1055, 1065, and 1095 refer to the carbon content in every alloy. This means that 1055 carbon steel contains 0.55% carbon, 1065 carbon steel contains 0.65% carbon, and 1095 carbon steel contains 0.95% carbon. Compared to 1055 carbon steel, 1065 is harder and more durable. However, it’s also more prone to shattering when pressed with enough force.
Unlike 1055 carbon steel, 1095 carbon steel lies in the category of high carbon steel. As a result, it has high wear resistance, strength, and hardness due to the continuous cementite network. However, the cementite network also makes it more prone to shattering.
What is 1055 Carbon Steel Used For?
The composition of the steel alloy and the treatments guarantee a longer service life, mainly when more force is applied to the tool. The alloy contains different materials like silicon, manganese, copper, chromium, and aluminum that give it more strength.
1055 carbon steel is usually used in applications where much force is applied to the edge of the tool. In addition, the manufacturing process adds strength to the edge of any tool made of 1055 carbon steel. As a result, it’s usually used to make the following tools.
- Kitchen and survival knives.
- Axes.
- Katana swords.
- Shovels.
- Machetes.
- Hand tools.
- Battering tools.
- Practice weapons.
What Are the Disadvantages of 1055 Carbon Steel?
Although 1055 carbon steel is highly durable and is suitable for various applications, it has a few disadvantages that you need to be aware of.
- It has no strain resistance.
- This alloy is prone to rust, especially when used to make kitchen knives.
- Acidic food can turn the blade black in kitchen knives made of 1055 carbon steel. This is why it needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain its color.
Wrap Up
Combining carbon with iron is a process that adds hardness and durability. 1055 carbon steel alloy is medium carbon steel that is used to make various tools like knives, shovels, and axes.
This is one of the most affordable carbon steel alloys and is usually used for tools where durability, strength, and impact resistance are needed. Nevertheless, this alloy is more prone to brittleness, and the blade can rust if it’s not cleaned correctly.