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rbon steels can be heattreated to make them harder and more wear resistant than low or medium carbon steels. Due to their great hardness, high carbon steels are often brittle. Alloy Steels Alloy steels are basically carbon steels with elements added to modify of change the mechanical properties of the steel. All steels are alloy steels because each is a bination of elements, including carbon steel, a mixture of iron and carbon. To identify the two groups, one is called carbon or plain steel and the other is referred to as alloy steel. Alloying elements are added to the molten steel in measured amounts. The desired end product determines the elements and amounts added. The primary alloying elements and their effect on the steel are as follows: Boron —The hardenability of an alloy is increased by boron. Only very small amounts of boron are needed to increase the hardenability characteristics of the other elements in the alloy. Chromium — When used in small amount, chromium increases the depth hardness of the metal. The more chromium used, the better the alloy resists corrosion. Chromium is a principal element in stainless steels. Cobalt — Cobalt is added to an alloy to increase wear resistance and increase red hardness, which is the ability of a metal to maintain a cutting edge at elevated temperature. Cobalt is a valuable addition to some highspeed tool steels. Lead — By reducing the cutting friction, lead improves machinability. Leaded steels also have good weldability and formability. Manganese — Impurities in alloy steels are controlled by using manganese as a purifier and scavenger. When added in larger amount ( 1 to 15 percent) , manganese produces good hardness and wear resistance. Molybdenum — A tough alloy