When choosing steel for a project, there are two main types of steel to consider. Carbon and mild steel are common choices, but they vary in price. In this blog post, we explore the differences between the prices of carbon steel and mild steel so you can decide when it's time to purchase your materials.
Price of mild steel
Mild steel is generally the cheapest steel due to its lower alloy content than other steels. The average price per ton ranges from $600-$800 depending on quality, availability, size and supplier. Compared to carbon steel, mild steel is generally cheaper; however, they also tend to rust more quickly than other steels due to their lower alloy content.
Carbon steel price
Carbon steel is typically more expensive than mild steel, partly due to its higher alloy content, which significantly increases its strength level compared to mild steel without sacrificing ductility or ductility. The average price per ton ranges from $800-$1,000 depending on quality, availability, size and supplier.
Although more expensive than their mild counterparts, carbon steels offer superior performance when used in projects that require extra strength, such as automotive parts, or large construction projects such as skyscrapers or bridges where durability is crucial. Many industries prefer carbon steel over other options because it provides better performance under heavier loads without sacrificing too much in cost. For example, if you are working on a large-scale construction project that requires higher strength materials, carbon is the best choice, despite its slightly higher cost compared to milder alloys such as aluminum or stainless steel.
The difference between carbon steel and mild steel
Before we delve deeper into the price differences between these two types of steel, let's first look at what sets them apart. Carbon steel is an alloy of iron, carbon and other elements. It has superior strength and hardness compared to its mild steel counterpart, making it ideal for cutting tools, automotive parts and structural frames. In contrast, mild steel consists mainly of iron with traces of carbon and other elements. It is much softer than carbon steel and more malleable, making it better suited for applications such as pipes or tubes that require bending or twisting into shape.
Conclusion:
When choosing between mild steel or carbon steel for a project, it is important to consider not only the cost difference, but also how each type will perform in your specific application needs. After all, no one wants their hard work to be ruined by a poor choice of materials. ! Ultimately, both types have pros and cons, so careful research should be done before deciding which type best suits your needs; But if you're looking for a strong, reliable material, carbon may be the right choice! Ultimately, when comparing prices between the two types, it's important to look at not only what each one offers, but also how they stack up against each other in terms of performance, so you can make an informed decision about which option is better. best suits your needs! Good luck!
A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.
FAQs
Carbon Steel vs Mild Steel Price
Is carbon steel more expensive than mild steel? ›
One of the most significant disadvantages of carbon steel is its high cost. Because of its increased carbon content, carbon steel is often more expensive than mild steel.
Is carbon steel the cheapest? ›
Though susceptible to rust unlike stainless steel, carbon steel is often cheaper and has its own varying mechanical properties based on carbon content. Low-carbon steels are weaker and softer, but can be machined and welded easily; while high-carbon steel is stronger, but significantly harder to process.
What is the cheapest steel to buy? ›
Mild steel, also known as low-carbon steel, is a popular material used for a range of applications. It is inexpensive and readily available, making it a preferred choice for many manufacturers.
Which is better, mild steel or carbon steel? ›
Carbon steel and mild steel both consist primarily of iron and carbon, but carbon steel contains a higher percentage of carbon than mild steel. The higher carbon content in carbon steel makes it stronger and more brittle than mild steel, but also gives it greater hardness and wear resistance.
How much does mild steel cost? ›
Mild Steel Sheet UK Stockist & Supplier
| Description | Weight | Price (Inc VAT) |
|---|
| 2000mm x 1000mm x 1mm thick mild steel sheet £45.00 ex VAT £54.00 inc VAT | 15.7 kg | £54.00 |
| 2500mm x 1250mm x 1mm thick mild steel sheet £70.31 ex VAT £84.37 inc VAT | 24.53 kg | £84.37 |
2 more rowsCarbon Steel Disadvantages
It can't be easily bent and molded into different shapes, thus limiting its utility in certain applications. Carbon steel is also more susceptible to rust and corrosion than other types to steel. To make steel “stainless,” manufacturers add chromium — usually about 10% to 12%.
How much does 1 pound of carbon steel cost? ›
In some situations – such as materials market reports – carbon steel price may be reflected per-pound. For example, a CWT price of $40* is equal to $0.40 per pound. To complicate pricing more, units are often quoted in tons, with 1 ton equaling 2,000 pounds.
Which type of steel is the cheapest? ›
For starters, low carbon steel is relatively inexpensive. Also, since the carbon content is lower than medium and high steels, low carbon steel is easy to form and is perfect for applications where tensile strength isn't an immediate issue, such as structural beams.
What is the lifespan of carbon steel? ›
Lasts a Lifetime – carbon steel is 1% carbon and 99% iron, which is a highly durable and strong composite that is also malleable or pliant.
Low-carbon steel (mild steel) contains less than 0.3% carbon. It's the cheapest to produce and easiest to fabricate due to its low carbon content. They are used extensively for general sheet metal fabrications due to their versatility and ease of forming.
What type of steel is most expensive? ›
Stainless steel is defined as low-carbon steel. It does not readily stain with water, corrode or rust like ordinary steel. Stainless steel is more expensive to produce because of the addition of the variety of alloying elements, such as iron, chromium, nickel, manganese and copper.
What is the strongest but cheapest metal? ›
Durable and strong metals that are cheaper than steel are iron and aluminum. Iron is cheap, but it is heavy. Aluminum is lightweight, but it costs more than iron. If a metal has to be light, then aluminum would be the best choice because it is both cheap and light.
Which is expensive carbon steel or mild steel? ›
Carbon steels cost more than mild steels because they're stronger, thanks to extra stuff mixed in. On average, they can range from $800 to $1,000 per ton, depending on where you get them and what type you need.
How to tell mild steel from carbon steel? ›
Look for the dark gray or brownish surface color of carbon steel. Inspect the surface of the metal closely and take note of its color. Identify it as possibly being mild steel if the surface has a dark, dull tone. Keep in mind that freshly-engineered steel looks more bright gray and metallic, but darkens over time.
Is carbon steel affordable? ›
Overall, carbon steel is excellent if you're looking for a low-cost metal, but generally unfit for high-quality or high-precision manufacturing operations.
Is high carbon steel more expensive? ›
High-carbon steel is more expensive than its mild counterparts because it contains so much alloying carbon. However, it is cheaper than stainless steel which has a high alloying content of chromium and molybdenum.
How to tell high carbon steel from mild steel? ›
Look closely at the surface for marks from hammers and machines. Recognize forging marks as an indication that the piece of steel you have may be mild steel. On the other hand, high carbon steel often has fine lines, or rolling marks, running in 1 direction.
