Mild steel is a non-alloyed low carbon steel!

09/04/2024

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Mild steel is also referred to as low carbon steel and has a content of around 0.05 % to 0.25 % of carbon by weight. It is non-alloyed and does not contain significant amounts of other elements like chromium or molybdenum.

The composition of iron and carbon gives mild steel properties such as high ductility, good machinability, and weldability, but lower hardness and tensile strength compared to higher carbon steel.

Due to the high iron content which makes the material ferromagnetic, mild steel is suitable for magnetic clamping during machining processes. On the other hand mild steel is very soft compared to higher carbon steels and is prone to corrosion.

Overall, mild steel's balance of strength, ductility, and cost make it a popular

WHY IS IT CALLED MILD STEEL?

Mild steel is named for its low carbon content, which makes it malleable, ductile, and less brittle. These properties allow for easy processing, such as rolling, forging, and welding. The low hardness and high ductility make mild steel versatile for various applications, including construction, automotive, and household appliances.

It is easy to cut, weld, and shape without significant metallurgical changes. The term "mild steel" distinguishes it from harder, more brittle types of steel, emphasizing its improved workability and adaptability.

Common Grades of Mild Steel

Mild steel (low carbon steel) comes in various grades, each with specific properties and uses. The properties of mild steel are primarily influenced by the carbon content and the presence of trace amounts of other elements. Two of the most common grades are AISI A36 and AISI 1018 and you are able to buy 1018 / A36 in flat and round bars with us.

A36 Mild Steel	1018 Mild Steel
A36 Characteristics: One of the most commonly known mild steels for structural applications. A36 has good weldability and machinability. A36 Uses: Structural shapes, plates, and bars for construction, bridges, and general fabrication.	1018 Characteristics: Low carbon content with good weldability and slightly higher tensile strength than other grades. Often used in cold drawn form. 1018 Uses: Shafts, spindles, pins, and a variety of machinery parts.

MILD STEEL CHART - DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES

This table provides a quick overview of the differences and similarities between the A36 and 1018 mild steel.

Mild steel A36	Mild steel 1018
Carbon content of 0.25 - 0.29 %	Carbon content of 0.15 - 0.20 %
Hot rolled	Cold rolled
Rougher surface	Smoother surface
Higher strength	Better ductility
Good machinability	Very good machinability
Good formability	Very good formability
Low corrosion resistance	Low corrosion resistance
Good weldability	Good weldability

CHARACTERISTICS OF MILD STEEL

Low Carbon Content

The low carbon content makes mild steel more ductile and malleable compared to high carbon steels.

Strength and Hardness

While it is not as strong or hard as higher carbon steels, mild steel is more easily shaped and welded.

Weldability

Mild steel can be welded without requiring special precautions.

Machinability

It is easy to machine, which makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

Magnetic Properties

Mild steel is typically magnetic.

Cost-Effective

It is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of steel.

Mild steel Properties

Mild steel Uses

Tensile Strength: Around 400-550 MPa.
Density: Approximately 7.85 g/cm³.
Melting Point: About 1450°C - depending on the carbon and alloy content.
Elastic Modulus: Around 210 GPa.

Construction: Used in structural shapes like beams, channels, and angles due to its strength and flexibility.
Automotive Industry: Used for manufacturing car bodies and frames.
Pipelines: Used in water pipes and other pipelines due to its durability and ease of welding.
Machinery: Components like gears, axles, and shafts are often made from mild steel.
Fabrication: Mild steel is commonly used in fabrication shops for making frames, enclosures, and a variety of other products.
Household Items: Often used in the manufacturing of everyday items such as kitchenware, furniture, and tools.

PROS AND CONS OF MILD STEEL

Advantages	Disadvantages
Versatile: Can be used in a wide range of applications. Ductile and Malleable: Easy to shape and form. Cost-Effective: Economical for many applications. Weldability: Due to the low carbon content weldable with various methods. Workability: Easy to machine, cut or drill. Ease of repair and maintenance: Due to its weldability and machinability.	Corrosion: Prone to rust and corrosion if not properly protected. Lower Strength: Not suitable for applications requiring very high strength. Lower Hardness: Not suitable for applications requiring very high hardness.

HOW TO PREVENT CORROSION OF MILD STEEL

To prevent corrosion and extend the lifespan and structural integrity of mild steel products they can be galvanized, powder coated, painted, oiled, cladding or blueing.

On top of the former mentioned protections, regular maintenance and inspections can help identify potential weak spots.

SUMMARY

Mild steel is the chosen product when machinability, weldability and costs are important for your project. It is the chosen product in many applications and industries due to its easy workability and versatility. Mild steel is found in many of our everyday items we use or work with.

• Very good machinability

• Good toughness

• Good weldability

• High mechanical properties

• Surface hardenability

ABRAMS Industries® Mild steel

As a steel supplier with no minimum order quantity or value we have been supplying steel to a wide variety of industries and manufacturers in Germany since 2003, Europe since 2011 and now since 2020 across the U.S.A. and Canada.

We pride ourselves in supplying you with precision in tool steel, high speed steel, stainless steel, heat-treatable steel and case hardening steel in 44 steel grades with more than 53,000 dimensions.

As a food grade steel supplier we saw, mill and grind for you in our Warehouse in Illinois.

Customized mild steel

Mild steel plates

Mild steel rounds

ABRAMS INDUSTRIES® INC. - YOUR STEEL PARTNER

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