Versatile and durable, mild steel is a common metal used in a wide range of industries. Particularly useful for construction applications due to its high strength and machinability, mild steel products can be made in a diverse range of shapes and sizes.
Due to its wide availability, mild steel is a cost-effective choice when compared to other construction materials. Its overall low-cost as well as its long-term lifecycle costs make mild steel perfect for machine parts as well as pipes and tubing.
Mild steel is a form of carbon steel. Also known as low-carbon steel, mild steel has a carbon content from 0-0.30%. Characteristics of mild steel include:
Mild steel is made by combining coal and iron ore, similar to how other carbon steel is made. Once combined, the iron ore and coal are melted down in a blast furnace.
Once melted, the steel is further burned for impurities
Mild steel is then solidified into a rectangular shape
Hot-rolling or cold-drawing can bring mild steel to the desired size
Galvanized Steel
As a popular metal surface treatment option, galvanized steel is a mild steel that is hot-dipped in zinc. The zinc coating offers a reliable protective coating on mild steel. Additional benefits of galvanized steel include the following:
Durable protection
Lower maintenance due to coating protection
Consistent reliable protection when compared to painting
Aesthetically pleasing as well as sustainable, mild steel can be used in a variety of applications, including:
Automotive components
Machinery parts and components
Industrial pipelines
Signage
Fasteners
Construction Applications
As previously mentioned, mild steel is widely used in construction applications. Its weldability and machinability make it useful for applications such as:
Galvanized steel has the following benefits for construction projects and applications:
Handrails/railings
Awnings
Walkways
Exterior support beams
Gutters
Ideal for both commercial and residential construction projects
Mild Steel Surface Treatments
While mild steel is versatile, surface treatments are often used to enhance the metal’s characteristics. Common mild surface treatments include:
Hot-dip galvanization
Painting
Electroplating
Chemical treatments
Powder coating
Find Mild Steel Products for Your Next Construction Project
As a trusted metal supplier, Industrial Metal Supply stocks mild steel products in a wide range of shapes including hot-rolled round steel tubing, galvanized square tubing, as well as other steel products. Stop by one of our 7 locations through California and Arizona or order steel products online today.
