Among the first things to think about when choosing carbon steel fittings is what is actually involved in the production of these types of fittings. Carbon steel fittings are comprised of an alloy of steel and carbon, which is then cast or forged in a manner that allows no seams, which would otherwise cause the fitting to weaken.

Different Types of Carbon Steel Fittings

Carbon steel refers to steel that is classified based on the amount of carbon that has been mixed with iron, the base element. Consequently, there are actually various types of carbon steel. Ultra-high carbon steel contains between 1 percent and 2 percent carbon, while high carbon steel contains less than .99 percent carbon. Medium carbon stain is comprised of between .30 and .59 percent carbon and low carbon steel contains between .16 and .29 percent carbon. Mild carbon steel contains .15 percent or less carbon. Generally, as the amount of carbon in carbon steel increases, the strength of the steel increases. With that said, however, it should also be understood that the higher the carbon percentage, the lower the ductility of the carbon steel.

Various sizes of carbon steel fittings are also available. Those with a diameter of less than 2 ½ inches are typically threaded. Carbon steel fittings such as caps, threaded elbows, and flanges are also available.

The Benefits of Carbon Steel Fittings

Carbon steel fittings do offer a number of important benefits, including their tremendous shock resistance. One of the reasons that carbon steel fittings are often preferred for jobs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey is that they are capable of withstanding tremendous vibrations and shocks.

Additionally, carbon steel fittings offer the benefit of increased safety. With some materials, it is necessary to treat the fittings with other materials for protection. Unfortunately, this can also make the parts more hazardous to handle. This is not necessity with carbon steel fittings, which make them safer and easier to work with.

Greater tensile strength is another important advantage of carbon steel fittings. Carbon steel is capable of enduring a significant amount of pressure. Over time, this makes carbon steel fittings far more cost effective than other types of fittings.