Mild Carbon Steel

Mild steel (iron containing a small percentage of carbon, strong and tough but not readily tempered), also known as plain-carbon steel and low-carbon steel, is the most common form of steel because its price is relatively low while it provides material properties that are acceptable for many applications.

Mild steel contains approximately 0.05–0.26% carbon making it malleable and ductile. Mild steel has a relatively low tensile strength, but it is cheap and easy to form.  Surface hardness can be increased through carburizing.

There are several characteristics of mild carbon steel that make it a good choice for a number of applications:

  • Due to its low carbon content, mild carbon steel is more malleable than other material options. It can be easily welded, cut, and machined.
  • Cost efficiency for mild carbon steel gives it an advantage compared to more costly metals.
  • Mild carbon steel is both versatile and ductile.
  • Though it isn't the strongest steel, it still provides enough strength for structural and engineering applications.
Mild Carbon Steel