Everything You Need To Know About Mild Steel

23 June 2023

Mild steel is a common material used in various industries. Understanding the properties of mild steel will help you decide whether or not it is appropriate for you to use in whatever application you need.

What is Mild Steel?

There are many different types and grades of steel out there, each having its own specific applications in a wide range of industries. Mild Steel is just one of these, and is used in a wide range of applications across numerous sectors.

Mild Steel is a common form of low-carbon steel which generally contains between 0.05 and 0.25 percent carbon. Mild Steel is not an alloy steel and therefore does not contain any additional materials such as Chromium or Molybdenum which add more specific properties.

Properties of mild steel

Mild Steel has numerous properties that make it a beneficial material to work with:

Ductility - Mild Steel is very ductile compared to other types of steel, allowing it to be used for a wide range of purposes.

Weldability of mild steel

The low carbon content of Mild Steel makes it more malleable, therefore making it easier to weld than other steels. This makes it ideal for applications which require welding.

Corrosion resistance of mild steel

Mild Steel is fairly resistant to corrosion, however, it can be prone to rusting if left exposed in certain environments. It is best suited to applications where a protective coating such as paint or galvanising can be applied.

Magnetic properties

Mild Steel is high in iron and ferrite, making it highly magnetic.

Cost Effectiveness - Mild Steel is considerably cheaper than some other steel materials, making it a cost-effective solution in some applications.

Applications of mild steel

Mild Steel is a versatile material to work with due to its high ductility, weldability and strength. It is used in a wide range of applications including:

Pipe & Fittings

Due to the excellent ductility and weldability of Mild Steel, it is often used for pipework. It is also flexible, which helps to prevent cracking.

Construction

Mild Steel beams are very strong, making them ideal for steel frame construction. It is also relatively cheap, making it a cost-effective choice for building projects.

Automotive and machinery

Mild Steel is often used to build car parts such as engine blocks and gearboxes due to its good strength, weldability and formability. It is also a popular choice for exhaust systems as it can withstand high temperatures.

Gates and Fencing

As well as being flexible, Mild Steel is difficult to break. This makes it an ideal material for fences and gates, where it may need to be bent into shape. It can also be painted or coated to protect against corrosion and give it the desired finish.

Mild steel has many properties and is an extremely versatile metal. Knowing what you can and can't do with it allows better application of the metal which means obtaining the desired results.

At FWB we stock a wide range of mild steel in a variety of profiles. View our online shop now or speak to one of our team for more details and specific requests.