What is Mild Steel?

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.

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Is Mild Steel the Same as Carbon Steel?

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:

• Good weldability
• High tensile and impact strength
• Non-heat treatable
• Magnetic

While mild steel itself is prone to rust, treatments such as galvanization can help offset corrosion.

How Mild Steel is Made

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
• Eco-friendly
• Quick process/no lost time for coating prep

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Application Uses for Mild Steel

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:

• Structural applications
• Fencing
• Bridgework
• Reinforcing bars
• Internal walls
• Roofing
• Insulating panels

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.