Steel is an elemental metal used in every walk of life. It is a metal alloy composed of iron and other elements such as carbon, chromium, and nickel. Depending on the composition, steel may have different properties and applications. Here, we would be discussing two of the most common types of steel, namely mild steel and stainless steel.
Mild Steel
Mild steel is a type of low-carbon steel that has a low strength-to-weight ratio, and is a versatile material used in making pipes, sections and sheets. This type of steel is mostly used in the construction industry due to its good ductility. Mild steel is considered to be easy to weld, machine, and form. This type of steel is mainly used to create structures and components for machine parts, building materials, parts for carriages and transport, vehicle frames, steel furniture, knives, and other tools.
Symbol: Fe
Characteristics:
• Low cost compared to other metal alloys
• Has good corrosion resistance and weldability
• Resists abrasion and wear
• It has a tensile strength of 240MPa
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular metal alloy composed of iron, chromium, carbon, and other metals. It is known for its strength and corrosion-resistant properties, making it a popular material choice for many industries, including construction, automotive, and food processing. Stainless steel is used in a wide range of applications such as vehicle parts, cooking utensils, and medical equipment.
Symbol: Cr-Ni or Cr-Mn
Characteristics:
• Has excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance
• Highly durable and strong
• Resists discoloration and staining
• Cost-effective
• Non-magnetic materials
