The carbon series steels are a large group of steels where carbon is the major alloying element. With different contents of carbon, they can have different hardness, strength, and resistance to wear. Steels containing less carbon, called low carbon steels, have greater ductility and are more easily welded; thus, they find applications in construction and in the manufacture of auto bodies.

Medium carbon steel will possess the proper balance of strength and ductility for machinery parts and structural components. High-carbon steel, having the highest carbon content, will be very hard and abrasion-resistant; hence, it should be suitable for cutting tools and springs. Carbon Series Steel is core to many industries because of the versatility and heat treatment possibilities to improve their performance.