High carbon steel is primarily used for which application?

High carbon steel is primarily used for tooling applications due to its hardness, strength, and wear resistance that can be achieved through heat treatment processes. This type of steel typically has a carbon content of over 0.6%, making it suitable for producing various types of cutting tools, dies, and other tools that require a sharp edge or high durability under stress.

The composition of high carbon steel enhances its ability to hold a cutting edge, making it ideal for applications such as drill bits, saw blades, and other precision tools that undergo significant wear and require high strength. In the context of tool manufacturing, the properties of high carbon steel allow for the production of durable and effective tools that are essential for various machining and industrial processes.

Other applications such as architectural metalwork, welding rods, and passivating stainless steel involve materials more suited to different properties like corrosion resistance, flexibility, or ease of fabrication, rather than the hardness and wear resistance primarily attributed to high carbon steel.