Mild Steel: An In-Depth Guide on Its Characteristics and Uses
Mild steel, known for its low carbon content, is a versatile and affordable metal widely used in construction and manufacturing. Its high malleability, strength, and weldability make it a popular choice across industries. This guide covers the key properties, grades, types, and applications of mild steel relevant to specific construction and fabrication needs.What is Mild Steel?
Mild steels are low-carbon steels made from iron and carbon. It is a type of low-carbon steel, typically containing 0.05-0.25% carbon, contributing to its excellent flexibility and weldability. They’re the most common type of steel we use and are perfect for general fabrication work. It is relatively affordable, durable, and strong, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including construction, and industrial fabrication. Its surface hardness can be achieved through carburizing. It is a top choice for structural steel despite its susceptibility to rust. Mild steel remains in demand due to its adaptability.Properties of Mild Steel
Mild steel’s mechanical and chemical properties include a balance of strength and ductility, while its low carbon content impacts its hardness and strength. The carbon content in mild steel is deliberately kept low to retain weldability and malleability. Higher carbon content would make the steel harder and stronger but more brittle and less ductile. For applications where flexibility and ease of forming are important, mild steel is advantageous. Additionally, the lower carbon level keeps production costs down, contributing to its affordability and widespread use. Compared to high-carbon steel, mild steel is softer and less brittle, making it easier to machine, cut, and weld. In contrast, stainless steel contains alloying elements such as chromium and nickel, which enhance its corrosion resistance but increase its cost. Mild steel strikes a balance by being a cost-effective material with sufficient strength and flexibility for most construction and manufacturing applications, especially in non-corrosive environments. These properties differ significantly from high-carbon or stainless steels, making mild steel more cost-effective and easier to work with in welding and fabrication.Mild Steel Grades Explained
Various grades of mild steel, such as S235, S275, and S355, are designated based on their strength and application needs, as per the BS EN10025 standard. These grades help determine the strength, durability, and suitability of mild steel for specific applications in construction and manufacturing. Each grade indicates distinct mechanical properties, which are crucial in selecting the right type of mild steel for various load-bearing and structural needs. For instance, S235 is commonly used in lighter applications, while S355 is preferred for higher-strength requirements. The prefixes and numbers in these steel grades provide insights into the material’s strength and intended applications:- S235: This grade is often used in light structural applications where high strength isn’t the primary requirement. It has a minimum yield strength of around 235 MPa, which makes it suitable for general-purpose structural work where flexibility and cost-efficiency are more important than load-bearing capacity.
- S275: Slightly stronger than S235, S275 has a minimum yield strength of 275 MPa. It is often chosen for construction applications that require a balance of strength and ductility, such as frames, supports, and bracing. This grade can bear higher loads than S235, making it a good choice for structural frameworks.
- S355: Known for its higher yield strength of 355 MPa, S355 is commonly used in heavier structural applications and load-bearing structures where higher strength is essential, such as beams, columns, and industrial equipment. This grade can withstand more stress, making it ideal for demanding construction environments.
- Prefix “S”: Indicates that the steel is intended for structural use (e.g., S235, S275, S355). The “S” stands for Structural Steel.
- Numerical Value: This number represents the minimum yield strength of the steel in megapascals (MPa). For instance, S235 has a yield strength of 235 MPa, while S355 has a yield strength of 355 MPa. Higher numbers correspond to stronger steel that can bear heavier loads.
- Additional Designations: Some grades may include additional letters, such as “JR,” “JRH,” or “JO,” which indicate specific impact resistance and test conditions. For example:
- JR: Indicates that the steel has undergone testing at room temperature and has a minimum impact energy of 27 Joules.
- JRH: Used for hollow sections, suitable for tubing and pipes in structural applications.
- JO: Tested at lower temperatures, offering better impact resistance in cold environments.
Types and Uses of Mild Steel Sections
Each mild steel type has specific grades and forms suited to diverse structural and fabrication needs: With so many grades of mild steel, here is a guide to each one to help you make the best choice for your project with the grades’ provided physical and mechanical properties.a. Mild Steel Box Section (Square/Rectangle) – S235JRH/S355JRH
Physical PropertiesProperty | S235JRH | S355JRH |
Density | 7,850 kg/m³ | 7,850 kg/m³ |
Melting Point | 1,420-1,460 °C | 1,420-1,460 °C |
Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa | 210 GPa |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.15 µΩ·m | 0.15 µΩ·m |
Thermal Conductivity | 54 W(/m·K) | 54 W/(m·K) |
Thermal Expansion | 11.7 µm/(m·K) | 11.7 µm/(m·K) |
Property | S235JRH | S355JRH |
Yield Strength | 235 MPa | 355 MPa |
Tensile Strength | 360-510 MPa | 470-630 MPa |
Proof Stress (0.2%) | 235 MPa | 355 MPa |
Shear Strength | 140 MPa | 210 MPa |
Hardness | 120 HB | 146-187 HB |
Elongation (in 200mm) | 20% | 18% |
Available Sizes:
b. Mild Steel Channel – S275JR
Physical PropertiesProperty | Value |
Density | 7850 kg/m³ |
Melting Point | 1425–1540°C |
Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.16 µΩ·m |
Thermal Conductivity | 50 W/m·K |
Thermal Expansion | 12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Property | Value |
Yield Strength | 275 MPa |
Tensile Strength | 430–580 MPa |
Proof Stress (0.2%) | 250 MPa |
Shear Strength | 180 MPa |
Hardness | 140 HB |
Elongation (in 200mm) | 20% |
Available Sizes:
c. Mild Steel Angle Iron – EN 10025 Grade S275JR
Physical PropertiesProperty | Value |
Density | 7850 kg/m³ |
Melting Point | 1425–1540°C |
Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.16 µΩ·m |
Thermal Conductivity | 50 W/m·K |
Thermal Expansion | 12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Property | Value |
Yield Strength | 275 MPa |
Tensile Strength | 430–580 MPa |
Proof Stress (0.2%) | 250 MPa |
Shear Strength | 180 MPa |
Hardness | 140 HB |
Elongation (in 200mm) | 20% |
Available Sizes:
d. Mild Steel Flat Bars – S275JR
Physical PropertiesProperty | Value |
Density | 7850 kg/m³ |
Melting Point | 1425–1540°C |
Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.16 µΩ·m |
Thermal Conductivity | 50 W/m·K |
Thermal Expansion | 12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Property | Value |
Yield Strength | 275 MPa |
Tensile Strength | 430–580 MPa |
Proof Stress (0.2%) | 250 MPa |
Shear Strength | 180 MPa |
Hardness | 140 HB |
Elongation (in 200mm) | 20% |
Available Sizes:
e. Mild Steel Round Bar Black – S275JR to BS EN10025
Physical PropertiesProperty | Value |
Density | 7850 kg/m³ |
Melting Point | 1425–1540°C |
Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.16 µΩ·m |
Thermal Conductivity | 50 W/m·K |
Thermal Expansion | 12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Property | Value |
Yield Strength | 275 MPa |
Tensile Strength | 430–580 MPa |
Proof Stress (0.2%) | 250 MPa |
Shear Strength | 180 MPa |
Hardness | 140 HB |
Elongation (in 200mm) | 20% |
Available Sizes:
Mild Steel Round Bar- Sizes |
6 mm |
8 mm |
10 mm |
12 mm |
16 mm |
19 mm |
20 mm |
22 mm |
25 mm |
f. Mild Steel Square Bars – S275JR to BS EN10025
Physical PropertiesProperty | Value |
Density | 7850 kg/m³ |
Melting Point | 1425–1540°C |
Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.16 µΩ·m |
Thermal Conductivity | 50 W/m·K |
Thermal Expansion | 12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Property | Value |
Yield Strength | 275 MPa |
Tensile Strength | 430–580 MPa |
Proof Stress (0.2%) | 250 MPa |
Shear Strength | 180 MPa |
Hardness | 140 HB |
Elongation (in 200mm) | 20% |
Available Sizes:
Mild Steel Square Bar- Sizes |
10 mm x 10 mm |
12 mm x 12 mm |
16 mm x 16 mm |
20 mm x 20 mm |
g. Mild Steel T Bar | T Section – S275JR to BS EN10025
Physical PropertiesProperty | Value |
Density | 7850 kg/m³ |
Melting Point | 1425–1540°C |
Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.16 µΩ·m |
Thermal Conductivity | 50 W/m·K |
Thermal Expansion | 12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Property | Value |
Yield Strength | 275 MPa |
Tensile Strength | 430–580 MPa |
Proof Stress (0.2%) | 250 MPa |
Shear Strength | 180 MPa |
Hardness | 140 HB |
Elongation (in 200mm) | 20% |
Available Sizes:
Mild Steel T Bar- Sizes |
40 mm x 40 mm x 5 mm |
50 mm x 50 mm x 6 mm |
h. Mild Steel Circular Hollow Tube – S235JRH/S355JRH
Physical PropertiesProperty | S235JRH | S355JRH |
Density | 7,850 kg/m³ | 7,850 kg/m³ |
Melting Point | 1,420-1,460 °C | 1,420-1,460 °C |
Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa | 210 GPa |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.15 µΩ·m | 0.15 µΩ·m |
Thermal Conductivity | 54 W(/m·K) | 54 W/(m·K) |
Thermal Expansion | 11.7 µm/(m·K) | 11.7 µm/(m·K) |
Property | S235JRH | S355JRH |
Yield Strength | 235 MPa | 355 MPa |
Tensile Strength | 360-510 MPa | 470-630 MPa |
Proof Stress (0.2%) | 235 MPa | 355 MPa |
Shear Strength | 140 MPa | 210 MPa |
Hardness | 120 HB | 146-187 HB |
Elongation (in 200mm) | 20% | 18% |
Available Sizes:
i. Steel Beams
Physical PropertiesProperty | Value |
Density | 7850 kg/m³ |
Melting Point | 1425–1540°C |
Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.16 µΩ·m |
Thermal Conductivity | 50 W/m·K |
Thermal Expansion | 12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Property | Value |
Yield Strength | 275 MPa |
Tensile Strength | 430–580 MPa |
Proof Stress (0.2%) | 250 MPa |
Shear Strength | 180 MPa |
Hardness | 140 HB |
Elongation (in 200mm) | 20% |
Available Sizes:
j. Steel Columns
Physical PropertiesProperty | Value |
Density | 7850 kg/m³ |
Melting Point | 1425–1540°C |
Modulus of Elasticity | 210 GPa |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.16 µΩ·m |
Thermal Conductivity | 50 W/m·K |
Thermal Expansion | 12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Property | Value |
Yield Strength | 275 MPa |
Tensile Strength | 430–580 MPa |
Proof Stress (0.2%) | 250 MPa |
Shear Strength | 180 MPa |
Hardness | 140 HB |
Elongation (in 200mm) | 20% |
Available Sizes:
Advantages of Using Mild Steel for Construction and Fabrication
Mild steel’s strength, flexibility, and affordability make it an optimal choice for construction. The specific grades mentioned are adaptable, easy to weld, and cost-effective, which supports a broad range of applications in construction and fabrication.- Cost – mild steels are relatively cheap materials, making them cost-effective for many applications.
- Range – there is an enormous variety of mild steel products from sheet and plate to bar and sections of all shapes and sizes.
- Recyclable – mild steel is extensively recycled and can be efficiently melted down and reused.
- Weldable – mild steel is easy to weld with all methods of welding processes.
- Ductile – mild steel can be easily stretched and formed, making it perfect for deep-drawing processes.