In a recent video blog series, we discussed the major types of steel currently available on the market(I know about the 1 hair). VancarbonUnpleasantalloy steel,tools steelUnpleasantstainless steelThere are countless types, categories and grades of steel. This includes mild steel, a commonly used term describing a common type of steel. But what exactly is mild steel? To help define this term, this article explains its properties, how the term is created, and some examples of common uses.
What is mild steel?
Mild steel is a type of carbon steel with a low carbon content – it is actually also called 'low carbon steel'. Although the ranges vary depending on the source, the amount of carbon typically found in mild steel is 0.05 to 0.25 percent by weight, while higher carbon steels typically have a carbon content of 0.30 to 2.0% . If more carbon is added, the steel is classified as cast iron.
Mild steel is not an alloy steel and therefore does not contain large amounts of other elements besides iron; you won't find large amounts of chromium, molybdenum or other alloying elements in mild steel. Because its content of carbon and alloying elements is relatively low, it has several properties that distinguish it from higher carbon and alloy steels.
Less carbon means that mild steel is generally tougher, more machineable and weldable than carbon and other steels, but it also means that it is almost impossible to harden and strengthen by heating and quenching. Its low carbon content also means that it contains very little carbon and other alloying elements to block dislocations in the crystal structure, generally resulting in less tensile strength than high carbon and alloy steels. Mild steel also has a high content of iron and ferrite, which makes it magnetic.
The lack of alloying elements found in stainless steel means that the iron in mild steel is subject to oxidation (rust) if not coated properly. But the negligible amount of alloying elements also makes mild steel relatively affordable compared to other types of steel. It's affordability, weldability and machinability that make it such a popular steel choice for consumers.
How is mild steel made?
Mild steel is produced in the same way as other carbon steels. A common way to do this is a combination of iron ore and coal. When coal and iron ore are extracted from the ground, they are melted together in a blast furnace. Once the mixture has melted, it is moved to another furnace to burn off any impurities and to make other adjustments to the chemical composition of the mild steel. The steel is then allowed to solidify into a rectangular shape. This mild steel sheet is then usually cut to the desired size by means of so-called processesRoll warmofcold drawing, although other methods can be used.
Common uses of mild steel
Here are some examples of where it is used in the world:
- Structural steel
- Sign
- Auto's
- Furniture
- Decorations
- Wire
- Screens
- Nails
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