Select store
Common Grades
Mild steel is carbon steel with a low amount of carbon. It is known for its versatility and durability and is a cornerstone material in numerous applications. Metal Supermarkets offers a variety of shapes and grades of mild steel, cut to size, including hot and cold rolled, commercial quality, galvanized, 1018, 1020, 1026, 1020/1026, CR 1045, HR 1045, 12L14, CR 1215 and structural (welded). Whether you’re an industry professional, a DIY enthusiast, or simply exploring options for your next project, our range of mild steel products promises unmatched quality and reliability.
Select from one of the available shapes below to get started with your order, or contact your closest store for assistance with metal sourcing.
Mild steel is typically available as either hot-rolled or cold-rolled steel. Learn more about the differences between the two.
Electrode Choice – When welding these two metals, you often use a compatible filler material. A commonly chosen electrode is the 309L series, specially designed for joining stainless steel to carbon steel. It provides a layer with the qualities of both materials, ensuring a better bond.
Thermal Expansion – Stainless steel and mild steel have different coefficients of thermal expansion. This means that when they’re heated, they expand at different rates. This differential can lead to distortions or stress in the welded joint if not accounted for.
Corrosion Resistance – One reason stainless steel is chosen for specific applications is its corrosion resistance. However, when welding to mild steel, the welded area may not have the same corrosion resistance as the rest of the stainless steel piece, especially if the filler material isn’t stainless.
Welding Process – While there are multiple welding processes, TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is often preferred for welding stainless steel to mild steel because of its precision and ability to handle dissimilar metals.
Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) – The HAZ in mild steel can become sensitized to corrosion, especially in environments with a corrosive agent. Post-weld heat treatment or using a low-carbon stainless steel like 316L can mitigate this.
Carbon Migration – During the welding process, carbon from the mild steel can migrate to the melt pool, leading to a higher chance of corrosion in the stainless steel part near the weld.
Carburizing (or Case Hardening) – This process involves introducing additional carbon to the steel surface by heating it with a carbon-rich substance (like charcoal or carbon monoxide). The steel is kept at a temperature where the carbon can be absorbed into the surface. After the carburization process, the steel is rapidly quenched, which can harden the outer layer. The core remains relatively soft, which results in a part with a hard exterior but a tough interior.
Nitriding – Like carburizing, nitriding introduces nitrogen to the steel’s surface. The steel is heated in an environment rich in nitrogen (usually ammonia). The surface reacts with the nitrogen to produce a hard, wear-resistant layer.
Flame or Induction Hardening – This method involves rapidly heating the steel’s surface using a direct flame or an induction coil and then quickly quenching it. This method only hardens the surface while the core remains relatively soft.
Surface Coatings – While not technically a hardening method, applying hard coatings like chrome plating or using physical vapour deposition (PVD) coatings can offer a hard, wear-resistant surface.
Annealing – This is a process where the steel is heated to a specific temperature and then cooled slowly, usually in a furnace or by burying it in sand or lime. For mild steel, annealing aims to improve machinability, relieve internal stresses, or improve its structure for further working like cold drawing.
Normalizing – Mild steel is heated to a specific temperature and then cooled in the open air. This process refines the grain structure and improves the mechanical properties of the steel, making it more consistent in terms of strength and ductility across the material.
Stress Relieving – After welding or other processes that introduce internal stresses into the metal, mild steel can be heated to a lower temperature (below its transformation range) and held for a period of time to reduce these stresses. This doesn’t significantly change its structure or hardness.
Case Hardening (or Carburizing) – As previously mentioned, this process involves introducing additional carbon to the steel’s surface and then hardening it. The inner core of the steel remains soft, but the exterior surface becomes harder.
Tempering – If mild steel has been case hardened, it might be tempered afterward. The purpose is to reduce the brittleness induced by the hardening process.
1. Construction: Mild steel is widely used in construction due to its high strength and durability. It is often used to make beams, columns, and other structural components in buildings, bridges, and other structures.
2. Automotive: Many car parts, such as the body frame, are made of mild steel due to its strength and durability. Mild steel is also used in the manufacture of other automotive components, including engine parts, transmission parts, and exhaust systems.
3. Pipes and Tubes: Mild steel is often used to make pipes and tubes due to its high tensile strength and ability to withstand high temperatures. It is used in a variety of applications, including water supply, gas pipelines, and heating systems.
4. Furniture: Mild steel is a popular choice for furniture-making due to its versatility and durability. It can be used to make chairs, tables, and other furniture items that can withstand daily wear and tear.
5. Domestic Appliances: Many household appliances, including washing machines, refrigerators, and ovens, are made of mild steel. Its durability and strength make it an ideal choice for appliances that need to withstand daily use.
Learn More About Mild Steel