Product Description
Mild steel, also known as low-carbon steel, is a type of carbon steel with a relatively low carbon content (typically around 0.050.25% by weight). This low carbon content gives mild steel its characteristic properties, making it a versatile and widely used material across industries.
Key Features of Mild Steel
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Low Carbon Content:
- Makes it more ductile and malleable, ideal for shaping and forming.
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Weldability:
- Easy to weld due to its low carbon content, with minimal risk of cracking.
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Cost-Effective:
- Economical compared to other steel types.
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Magnetic Properties:
- Highly magnetic, making it suitable for certain electrical applications.
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Good Machinability:
- Can be easily cut, drilled, and machined into desired shapes.
Properties of Mild Steel
Property |
Value |
Density |
7.85 g/cm³ |
Carbon Content |
0.050.25% |
Tensile Strength |
400550 MPa |
Melting Point |
13701450C |
Yield Strength |
250400 MPa |
Hardness |
Relatively low (120160 HB) |
Advantages of Mild Steel
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Ductility and Malleability:
- Easily shaped and formed without cracking.
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Durability:
- Resistant to wear and tear in various applications.
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Recyclability:
- 100% recyclable, making it an eco-friendly material.
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Wide Availability:
- Readily available in various shapes, sizes, and specifications.
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Customizability:
- Can be coated or treated (e.g., galvanized, painted) for enhanced performance.
Applications of Mild Steel
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Construction:
- Beams, columns, and structural frameworks.
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Automotive Industry:
- Body panels, chassis, and brackets.
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Machinery and Equipment:
- Gears, fasteners, and machine parts.
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Piping and Tubing:
- Plumbing pipes, gas pipelines, and irrigation systems.
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Furniture:
- Frames, shelves, and other structural components.
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Electrical Applications:
- Motor and generator cores due to its magnetic properties.
Common Forms of Mild Steel
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Plates:
- Used in shipbuilding, construction, and heavy machinery.
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Sheets:
- Applied in roofing, automotive panels, and appliances.
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Bars:
- Square, flat, or round bars for construction and tool-making.
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Pipes and Tubes:
- Essential for fluid transportation and structural applications.
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Angles and Channels:
- Widely used in construction for framing and support structures.
Grades of Mild Steel
Some commonly used mild steel grades include:
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IS 2062:
- Widely used in Indian structural applications.
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EN3B:
- Known for its good machinability.
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ASTM A36:
- Commonly used in structural and fabrication applications.
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S275JR:
- Structural steel with good mechanical properties.
Limitations of Mild Steel
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Corrosion Susceptibility:
- Prone to rusting if not coated or treated.
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Lower Strength:
- Not as strong as high-carbon or alloy steels.
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Wear Resistance:
- Limited resistance to abrasion and high impact.