Common Surface Defects in Carbon Steel—and How to Identify Quality Material Before Buying
Release time:
2025-12-04
A practical guide to spotting surface defects like scale, pitting, and cracks—and simple checks buyers can do to ensure they source high-quality carbon steel from a reliable supplier like Bao Metal.
Look for obvious surface issues first
When a sheet or plate arrives, your eyes are the first quality control tool. Common defects include mill scale (flaky oxide layers), scratches, dents, pitting, and visible cracks. These aren’t just cosmetic — they can indicate poor handling, inadequate processing, or contamination. A smooth, uniform surface with consistent finish is your first green flag.
Understand what those defects mean for performance
Pitting and deep scratches can become stress concentrators that lead to fatigue or corrosion. Mill scale may cause poor paint or coating adhesion. Surface cracks are a major red flag — they often point to heat-treatment problems or internal stress. Think of the steel surface as skin: small blemishes are annoying, big wounds affect health.
Simple checks buyers can do on-site
Run your hand (carefully) over the surface to feel for rough patches or hidden burrs. Check edges and cut ends for delamination. Ask for close-up photos or request a sample cut if you can’t inspect in person. Request coating thickness numbers or surface-finish specs on the PO — concrete data beats guesswork.
Demand documentation and supplier transparency
Always ask for Mill Test Certificates, surface treatment records, and packing photos. Reputable suppliers will provide inspection reports and batch traceability. At Bao Metal, we pair visual quality with documented QC — chemical and mechanical test results, plus clear surface and packing evidence — so you get steel that performs, not surprises.
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