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Difference Between Mild steel and Stainless Steel
Steel is probably the most versatile, commonly used construction material. Mild steel and stainless steel are types of steel. Today in this article, we will discuss the differences between mild steel and stainless steel.
Composition
Mild steel also is known as low carbon steel or Carbon Steel or soft Steel. There are different grades of mild steel available in the market such as low alloy steel, high alloy steel, medium carbon steel, high Carbon Steel etc.
Mild steel contains iron and carbon as major elements. It contains other elements in small quantity such as Nickel, Chromium, Aluminium, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Silicon etc. but it is the carbon content that differs it is the mild steel.
Whereas stainless steel is also known as INOX steel or INOX. There are more than 150 grades of stainless steel available in the market of which 15 are most commonly used stainless steel contains iron and chromium as major elements other than this.
It contains other elements in small quantities such as carbon nickel, copper, silicon nitrogen, manganese, molybdenum etc but it is chromium content that difference it as stainless steel.
Corrosion-resistant
Mild steel is not resistant to corrosion. It rusts easily and rapidly. The iron present in mild steel reacts with moisture in the air to produce iron oxide this iron oxide is also called as Rust. Mild steel, therefore, requires further processing such as galvanising or painting in order to give it to protective surface.
On the other hand, stainless steel does not rust easily. Chromium prevents iron from oxidizing that’s why it is mixed. This avoids rusting of Steel and gives corrosion resistance property to Steel.
The Chrome in the stainless steel reacts with oxygen in the air and produces chromium oxide a protective skin on the surface of the metal which prevents iron from oxidation.
The metal will be corrosion-resistant naturally as long as this layer is undamaged. However, it is not fully resistant to corrosion especially in conditions like high concentrated saltwater.
Strength
Strength of mild steel is less as compared to stainless steel
Whereas the strength of stainless steel is more than mild steel.
Ductility
It is the ability of a material to undergo plastic deformation without cracking and breaking. Mild steel has a low carbon content hence it is more ductile and that’s why it can be used in the production of Pipe and pipe fitting.
Whereas stainless steel is less ductile as compared to mild steel.
Hardness
The hardness of mild steel is less than stainless steel.
Whereas stainless steel contains chromium hence the hardness of stainless steel is more than mild steel.
Toughness
Is called tough material. The toughness of mild steel is less than stainless steel.
Whereas the toughness of stainless steel is more than mild steel.
Brittleness
Mild steel is less brittle as compared to stainless steel.
Whereas stainless steel is more brittle as compared to mild steel.
Fabrication
Mild steel can be easily cut bent twisted punched drilled welded forged and rolled. mild steel is easier to work with compared to stainless steel
Whereas stainless steel is not as easy to fabricate as mild steel. it is difficult to fabricate stainless steel without using high Technology machines and have proper technique.
Weldability
Welding mild steel is easier than stainless steel.
Whereas stainless steel has low weldability while welding stainless steel it changes its shape and needs a very skilled and experienced welder.
Magnetization
It means how easily a material can exhibit magnetic property when subjected to a magnetic field mild steel can be permanently magnetized as there is a high amount of iron present mild steel is ferromagnetic in other words mild steel is easily attracted to a magnetic field.
Whereas, Stainless Steel may not be magnetized. Ferritic magnetic steels are generally magnetic while austenitic stainless steel usually or not.
Malleability
It is the ability that material can be hammered or pressed into shape without breaking and cracking mild steel is much more malleable compared to stainless steel and so is used in a lot in general fabrication work.
Whereas stainless steel is less malleable as compared to mild Steel.
Aesthetics
Appearance-wise is not attractive as compared to stainless steel.
Unlike mild steel stainless steel has a silver-white Shiny appearance which is very attractive.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance of mild steel is difficult as compared to stainless steel.
Where is stainless steel can be easily cleaned and it requires less maintenance.
Uses
Mild steel is used in the form of rolled sections reinforcing bar roof covering sheet pile railway track channels angle Bolt rivets sheets etc. they are extensively used in motor and electrical appliances.
Due to high corrosion resistance stainless steel is suitable for extreme environment. Stainless steel is widely used for making household utensils railing for stairs and balcony grills for window vessels to store acid pipe Dairy pharma plant equipment etc. Their relative inertness and Finnish retention quality also make them useful in surgical equipment.
Lifespan
Life of mild steel is less as compared to stainless steel.
Whereas the life of stainless steel is more as compared to mild steel due to corrosion resistance.
Cost of Finishing
The cost of final finishing of mild steel is less as compared to stainless steel.
Whereas the cost of final finishing of stainless steel is high.
Cost
Mild steel is less expensive as compared to stainless steel when working on a low budget mild steel proved to be economical.
Whereas stainless steel is more expensive as compared to mild steel it is less expensive material compared to mild steel, in the long run, the various allowing elements, particularly chromium, make it more expensive.
Conclusion
Both mild steel and stainless steel possess some unique properties and have their advantages and disadvantages.
I have tried to cover all the differences between stainless steel and mild steel in this article. If you found this information helpful, please be sure to share it.
If I have missed any difference between these two types of steel in this article, let me know in the comment section.
Thanks! for reading.
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