25 Amazing Reasons To Use Mild Steel Today

Mild steel is one of the most widely used materials in construction, engineering and manufacturing due to its versatility, affordability, and strength. Made up of iron with a low carbon content, it's easier to work with compared to other forms of steel, and a truly vital material with a wealth of benefits! So, whether you're a DIY enthusiast or you're in the industrial sector, it's time to find out what mild steel can offer you today.

With its ability to be shaped, welded and recycled, mild steel continues to be a reliable choice that stands the test of time. Its adaptability means it can be used across multiple industries, from automotive manufacturing to structural frameworks and household appliances. Thanks to its cost-effectiveness and recyclability, mild steel also plays a crucial role in sustainable development, making it an environmentally-friendly choice as well.

But, there's a lot more to this sensational low-carbon steel material than meets the eye...

In our latest blog post, Austen Knapman will explore 25 compelling reasons why you should consider using mild steel in your next project. From affordability to durability, versatility to global availability, you will discover why this material remains an industry favourite.

25 Amazing Reasons To Use Mild Steel...

1. Affordable – One of the most cost-effective metals available and the least expensive of all steel types. Mild steel has a low carbon content which makes it strong yet highly workable.
2. Strong & durable – Although not as strong as high steel, mild steel has high tensile and impact strength while still remaining very workable.
3. Highly malleable – Easy to bend and shape without breaking.
4. Easily weldable – Can be welded using standard welding techniques.
5. Widely available – Readily accessible through a large global supply network, so there are very rarely any shortages in raw materials used to make mild steel.
6. Recyclable – Mild steel is 100% recyclable and won't lose any of its strength or quality when recycled again and again.
7. Lighter-in-weight – Compared to other steels, mild steel is lightweight with a great strength-to-weight ratio.
8. Versatile – Suitable for wide-ranging applications in multiple industries, mild steel can be used in the machinery and equipment industry, construction and structural work, household and DIY uses, automotive and transport manufacturing, shipbuilding, fabrication and more.
9. Good tensile strength – It has a low tensile strength of around 400MPa to withstand high levels of stress and tension.
10. Machinable – Can be easily cut, drilled and shaped.
11. Magnetic – Or ferromagnetic, and is ideal for applications requiring good magnetic properties due to its high iron content.
12. Easily protected against corrosion – Can be galvanized, plated, painted or coated for longevity.
13. Ideal for construction – Commonly used in beams, columns, and frameworks.
14. Suitable for DIY projects – Easy to handle and use for household, DIY, garden, personal and hobbyist uses.
15. Resistant to wear & tear – Can withstand mechanical stress over time.
16. Good conductivity – Conducts heat and electricity efficiently making it useful for electrical and thermal energy transfer applications.
17. Easy repairability – Can be easily fixed or re-welded if damaged.
18. Resistant to impact & shock – Can absorb heavy loads without cracking.
19. Excellent joining properties – Can be bolted, riveted or welded.
20. Easily painted – Provides an extra layer of protection when painted with suitable epoxy coatings and topcoats.
21. Reduced Brittleness – Less prone to cracking than high-carbon steel owing to its low carbon content.
22. Available in different forms at Austen Knapman - Shop a wide range of mild steel products including mild steel round bar, flat bar, square bar, box section, steel channel, rolled sheet, Tee bar and much more.
23. Cut-to-size - Simply input your measurements online at Austen Knapman and we'll provide an instant price, allowing you to buy only the materials you need.
24. Stable pricing – Less affected by market fluctuations compared to other metals owing to its wide availability.
25. A long-standing industry favourite – Trusted by engineers, builders and manufacturers for decades.

Visit Austen Knapman today to browse a multitude of high quality mild steel products, all available cut to your size requirements. Whether it's a small DIY project or you have larger construction needs, our mild steel can be bought quickly and delivered to your chosen address.