Mild Steel Vs Stainless Steel
Check Mild Steel and Stainless Steel Corrosion
Mild Steel Vs Stainless Steel
There are different types of steels, and it is understandable that there is a lot of confusion about each of its features. Mild steel and stainless steel are two of the most common grades of steel that can be distinguished on certain characteristics.
- Mild steels is low cs that is designed with 0.05 to 0.25% of carbon with other small quantities like aluminum, nickel, chromium, etc. Stainless steels is designed with a higher content of chromium with other constituent alloys like copper, nitrogen, nickel, molybdenum, and a few others.
- SS is stronger than alloys of mild steel. Mild steels can be strengthened by adding carbon as a strengthening alloy.
- MS rusts rapidly when exposed to corrosive affluents when compared to stainless steels grades.
- SS is more brittle than mild steel, which has higher ductility.
- Mild steels grades are easy to twist drill and fabricate in comparison to ss.
- MS is usually magnetic or can be magnetized due to the higher iron content. ss is not permanently magnetic except for ferritic grades.
- Stainless steel is more durable and has a better aesthetical appeal than mild steels.
- SS has a higher resistance to higher temperatures in comparison to the latter.
- Since SS is resistant to corrosion, they are easy to clean and maintain. MS requires painting to clean and maintain the grade.
Price Difference Between Stainless Steel And Mild Steel
The price of ms is cheaper in comparison to stainless steels. ss is costly due to the polish and finish required to produce the grade. However, in the long run, maintaining a mild steels costs higher than the latter.
Weight Difference Between Stainless Steel And Mild Steel
The weight of ss and mild steels is nearly identical. Mild steels weighs slightly less than that stainless steels. This is due to the hardening properties of stainless steels, as it occupies more weight and is difficult to handle.
Is Stainless Steel Harder To Cut Than Mild Steel
Stainless steels is generally brittle, making them difficult to twist and cut than mild steel. When stainless steels has a higher impact force, the metal tends to break rather than be cut. The lower carbon content in ms allows them to have higher ductility enabling them to be cut easily.
Electrical Conductivity Of Stainless Steel Vs Mild Steel
- The thermal conductivity of mild steels is around 45 watts per kelvin meter. This steels offers an economical choice for building different structures.
- Stainless steel has a lower thermal conductivity, up to 15 watts per kelvin meter. This steels is ideal for use in corrosive environments.
Advantages & disadvantages of Mild Steel
Mild steels has lower levels of carbon that is highly malleable and can be easily bent, cut, and twisted to create the desired shape. This allows them to be used in manufacturing different structural applications. The mild steels grade is also considerably lighter reducing the weight in different applications. Furthermore, they are greatly affordable and have good magnetic properties.
The major disadvantage of mild steels is that it is comparatively less strong, making them a bad choice in different structural applications. The steels also cannot be heat-treated as the carbon content will be affected. This is why this metal is a poor choice for heat treatment procedures.
Where to use Mild Steel instead of Stainless Steel
MS is designed possessing superior ductility, allowing it to be easily bent, cut, and shaped, which is difficult with stainless steel. This steels is commonly used in construction industries that use low-duty pipes that are available at affordable prices. MS grades are also useful in manufacturing bolts, sheet piles, railway tracks, channels, rolled sections, and other equipment that are difficult to shape using stainless steel.
Why stainless steel better than mild steel?
Stainless steels is designed by adding iron and carbon with other constituting alloys that help harden the material. This steels has enhanced strength as compared to stainless steel. They work well in corrosive setups and are efficient across high temperature conditions. The aesthetical appeal of stainless steels makes them a choice for different industries. Apart from this, the cleanliness and maintenance of this steels is simple. They are durable and work for long periods in treacherous conditions.
Comparison Between Mild Steel and Stainless Steel
Difference Between Mild Steel And Stainless Steel
| Mild Steels | Stainless Steels | |
| Type | an alloy of iron and other elements, primarily carbon. | an alloy of iron and other elements, primarily carbon. |
| Tensile strength | Tensile strength depends on carbon component | High tensile strength |
| Hardness | Low hardness, though surface hardness can be increased through carburizing. | High level of hardness |
| Material | Contains carbon as the alloy | Contains chromium as the alloy |
| Composition | Between 0.05–0.25% carbon | Minimum of 10.5% chromium content by mass. |
| Corrosion, i.e. rust | Requires galvanizing to prevent corrosion | Naturally averse to corrosion |
| Magnetic | Is magnetic | May or may not be magnetic. Ferritic stainless steels are generally magnetic while austenitic stainless steels usually are not |
| Cost | Typically less expensive and most cost effective | Typically more expensive |
Check Density, Mechanical Properties Of Mild Steel and Stainless Steel
Chemical Composition Of Stainless Steel And Mild Steel
| Material | AISI 316 L 1.4404 | AISI 304 1.4301 |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis | ||
| Carbon (C %) | maximum 0.03 | maximum 0.07 |
| Chromium (Cr %) | 16.5 - 18.5 | 17.0 - 19.0 |
| Nickel (Ni %) | 11.0 - 14.0 | 8.5 - 10.5 |
| Molybdenum (Mo %) | 2.0 - 2.5 | - |
| Manganese (Mn %) | maximum 2.0 | maximum 2.0 |
| Silicium (Si %) | maximum 1.0 | maximum 1.0 |
| Sulphur (S %) | maximum. 0.030 | maximum 0.030 |
Mild Steel Chemical Composition
| CARBON | SILICON | MANGANESE | PHOSPHORUS | SULPHUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.15 maximum | 0.25 - 0.75 | 0.2 - 0.5 | 0.07 - 0.15 | 0.03 maximum |
| ALUMINIUM | COPPER | CROMIUM | NICKEL | IRON |
| 0.015 - 0.06 | 0.25 - 0.55 | 0.5 - 1.25 | 0.65 maximum | Balance |
Mild Steel Vs Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties
| Structure | Austenitic (nonmagnetic) | Austenitic (nonmagnetic) |
|---|---|---|
| State | Non-annealed | |
| Specific gravity (g/cm3) | 7.98 | 7.9 |
| Melting point (°C) | Ca. 1400 | Ca. 1400 |
| Decortication temperature in air (°C) | 800 - 860 | 800 - 860 |
| Expansion coefficient 20 - 100 °C (m/m . °C) | 16.5 x 10-6 | 16.5 x 10-6 |
| Specific resistance (20° C) (Ohm . mm2/m) | 0.75 | 0.73 |
| Heat conductivity (20°C) (W/°C-m) | 15 | 15 |
| Specific heat (J/g . k) | 0.5 | 0.5 |
Mechanical Properties of Mild Steel
| MECHANICAL PROPERTY | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 345 N/mm² |
| Tensile Strength | 485 N/mm² |
| Proof Stress 0.2% | - |
| Shear Strength | - |
| Hardness | 105 Vickers - HV |
| Elongation (in 200mm) | 20% minimum |
View Hardness, Price Of SS and Mild Steel
Mild Steel And Stainless Steel Price
| Mild Steel | US $4.00-$8.00/ kilogram |
| Stainless Steel | US $2.50-$4.50/ kilogram |
Check Mild Steel and Stainless Steel Weight Chart
Mild Steel Vs Stainless Steel Weight
Mild steels is heavier than stainless steels. SS density is not massive enough, but it is still stronger.
MS is very reactive and will readily revert back to iron oxide (rust) in the presence of oxygen, water and ions. The readiness of steels to oxidize on exterior exposure means that it must be adequately protected from the elements in order to exceed and meet its design life.
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Construction – MS is used extensively for construction, as it advantageous machinability and weldability. It can withstand impact loads and is broadly used in like buildings, construction and bridges.
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Machinery applications – like automobile manufacturing. It is readily accessible to cutting and welding.
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Knives – MS knives stay sharper for a easier to sharpen and longer time. Professional chefs have a preference for high ms knives as they required a lot of precision knife work in the kitchen.
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Fencing- MS can be adept into different shapes and provides a visual appeal.
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wire, Poles, Pipelines, and nails are commonly manufactured by using mild steels
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