Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of steel with high carbon content: "hard steel" specifically refers to steel containing more than 0.3% carbon, which increases its hardness and strength but reduces its ductility compared to lower-carbon steels.

Usage

• Noun: Used as a material noun to specify a category of steel based on its carbon content and resulting mechanical properties.
  • The cutting tools are made from hard steel to maintain a sharp edge.
  • Hard steel is often used in applications where wear resistance is critical.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Engineering Context: In metallurgy and engineering, "hard steel" is a technical term distinguishing it from mild steel (low-carbon steel). Its properties make it suitable for specific industrial uses.
  • The component failed because hard steel, while strong, is too brittle for this dynamic load application.

Variants and Related Words

• High-carbon steel: A more precise technical synonym for "hard steel".
• Tool steel: A related category; many tool steels are types of hard steel formulated for making tools.
• Mild steel: The contrasting term for low-carbon steel, which is softer and more ductile.

Synonyms

• High-carbon steel: Steel with a carbon content typically above 0.3%.
• Carbon steel (when specifying high carbon content): A broader term that can include hard steel.

Related Phrases

• Hardened steel: This phrase often refers to steel that has been heat-treated to increase its hardness, which can be done to various types of steel, including hard steel. It is a related but distinct process term.
  • The gear was machined from hard steel and then case-hardened for a wear-resistant surface.

Noun

1. steel with more than 0.3% carbon