What are the differences between Carbon Steel and TMT Steel?

 Are you planning to build your home? And want it to last forever? Well, in that case, you need steel that is resistant to corrosion, decay, rust, etc. It is because steel makes up the internal structure of the homes and works as the primary foundation, like human bones to provide the home stability and longevity. That is why it is extremely important to choose the right steel when you plan to build your home.

Over the years there are two different variants of steel that have been widely used all across the globe for home construction, they are Carbon Steel and TMT Steel. Let’s take a look at what each of these steel types are, and how they are different from each other.

A walk through the difference between Carbon Steel and TMT Steel clearly reflects how the latter is extremely ideal for building homes. So if you are an individual looking to build your own home, then finding the Best Quality TMT Bars Manufacturers, who can provide you with the Best Quality TMT Bars in India is extremely important. 

What is TMT Steel?

TMT Steel, also known as Thermo Mechanically Treated Steel is a steel bar developed from iron ore using Thermex technology. After the final rolling, the steel is subjected to sudden cooling, making the bars strong optimally while the core becomes soft. Further, the TMT steel usually contains a low amount of carbon and sulfur and hence is highly corrosion resistant & less brittle. Thus, making them one of the most widely used steels in the construction process.    

Now that we know what are TMT steel, let’s take a look at what is carbon steel!

What is Carbon Steel?

Carbon Steel is a steel bar manufactured using reused steel, with a carbon content of up to 2.1 percent by weight. This carbon steel is manufactured by consolidating reused steel or iron in a hot heater at around 250 °c, yet contains impurities like sulfur and phosphorous. This process of steel development makes carbon steel extremely hard in nature and less ductile. Hence are widely used in the manufacturing of cutting tools, milling machines, etc. However, despite this low ductility drawback carbon steel is often used in small-scale construction works.

Now that we know what is Carbon Steel, let’s take a look at how it is different from TMT steel!

Difference between Carbon Steel and TMT Steel     

Features	Carbon Steel	TMT Steel
Shape and Diameter	A carbon steel bar usually has a rounded cross-section and its diameter varies between 6mm to 50mm. These steel bars are generally used in small-scale construction works.	TMT steel bars are manufactured in varying diameters ranging between 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm, and 36mm. These bars usually have a hard outer core and a soft inner core.
Carbon Content	Carbon steel usually has a high carbon content, which ranges between 0.25 to 2.1% by weight. This makes the steel bars extremely hard in nature and low in ductility, and as a result, can crack under immense pressure.	TMT steel has extremely low carbon properties. Hence, it has more weldability and does not develop cracks at the joints even under extreme pressure. Thus, making the steel easily weldable using both lap and butt procedures.
Corrossion Resistant	Carbon steel are manufactured using heat treatment process. As a result, the steel absorbs a greater quantity of moisture and hence has a low resistance to corrosion and rust.	The TMT Bars are manufactured using a thermo-mechanical treatment process, and hence remove most of the impurities that can capture moisture. Thus making the steel highly rust and corrosion-resistant.
Earthquake Resistance	Carbon steels are even though hard in nature but have a very low tensile strength. As a result, they are vulnerable to natural calamities like earthquakes. As they can easily break and crack under high pressure.	TMT steel bars are highly earthquake-resistant with high tensile strength and low residual strength. It is because these steel bars have a greater density due to the mixture of carbon, phosphorous, and sulphur in it. These chemicals help form a high-density rib pattern which makes the rebars earthquake resistant.
Combustibility	Carbon steel is generally non-combustible in nature. However, its integrity can be compromised at extremely high temperatures.	TMT bars are developed using the Thermo Mechanically Treatment process and can absorb about 400°C-600°C of heat. Making the TMT steel highly fire-resistant.
Usage	Used most is manufacturing cutting tools, milling machines and small scale construction project.	TMT steel bars are used in all types of construction projects including homes, high rises, mega projects like dams, bridges, and more.