07 Jan Comparing Mild Steel and Stainless Steel

With such a wide variety of steel sections and categories on the market, it’s no surprise that there is confusion about what falls under a particular type of steel. Not only is steel drastically different in terms of its uses, but it is manufactured in different ways and subsequently fabricated to create specific components.

Knowing how steel is made will help you pinpoint the best use for a construction project, but more specifically, what steel type you should choose. Two of the most widely-used materials to create steel beams, sections, joists, and channels are mild steel and stainless steel.

In this guide, we’ll look at the key differences between them to help you better understand them and their potential, as well as how Baker Steel Trading, as a steel fabrication company, can source them for you quickly and efficiently.

What is Mild Steel?

Mild steel is an alloy known as plain-carbon steel or sometimes low carbon steel. The name stems from the material containing less than 0.5% of carbon, making it far more ductile and versatile than many others.

Mild steel beams, bars and channels are commonly used in residential construction and the transport industry. Its immense ductility means it can take many shapes and forms, including steel plates, sheets and standard steel I beams (universal beams), depending on its use.

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is a metal alloy that contains a minimum chromium content of 11.5%. Unlike other metals, stainless steel products do not corrode or rust as easily, with chromium making it harder to oxidise. It’s commonly used in the aviation, transport, construction, clothing and fashion industries.

It’s not entirely rust-proof (no metal ever is completely resistant to corrosion), but stainless steel beams and sections are less likely to succumb to any rust damage.

Differences between Mild and Stainless Steel

The primary difference between types of stainless steel and mild steel is the alloying elements. The combination of elements that form the metal matter is what separates any steel from the next, with the percentage of elements dictating the properties of steel (including weight, strength and corrosion resistance). Mild steel’s primary alloy is carbon, while stainless steel has a high chromium content. 

It only seems fitting to compare the hot rolling metals with each other in terms of specific factors one might consider before ordering steel beams online. We know they have a high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent tensile strength, but what else separates these two products?

Corrosion Resistance

As the name suggests, stainless steel “stains less” and is thus less resistant to rusting. The same cannot be said for mild steel, which needs to undergo a process known as galvanisation to protect it from corrosion. 

Stainless steel has more aesthetic advantages, offering a lustrous, sleek and shiny appearance compared to the dull, matte surface of mild steel bars and beams. However, galvanised mild steel looks similar, so consider this steel finishing process if you are concerned about the finished product.

Malleability

While stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion, it is far less malleable than mild steel. Mild steel’s extremely low carbon content makes it easier to produce and shape into the desired product, including sheets, wires, beams and much more, making it beneficial from a practical perspective. 

Due to its production volume, mild steel beams are more convenient and cost-effective to use. Stainless steel is less malleable and more challenging to weld for large-scale projects.

Weight of Steels

Mild steel is much lighter than stainless steel, which is one of the main reasons it’s so sought after. Using mild steel for any internal construction purposes is preferable and easier due to its lower weight, as it’s also more efficient to transport in bulk, therefore saving on emissions and fuel costs.

Uses for Steels

Both mild and stainless steel can be used in numerous applications in steel fabrication. However, both have specific uses, so you should ensure you choose the right type. For example, mild steel wouldn’t be ideal for a project that will be excessively exposed to water, whereas stainless steel would.

Help from a Professional Steel Fabrication Company

Whether you need mild or stainless steel products fabricated to a high standard, Baker Steel Trading are here to help. We work with many metals at Baker Steel Trading, including structural steel. 

Whichever industry you’re in and whatever you need it for, we will work alongside you to deliver the UKCA-marked products you require through a mixture of steel fabrication services, including welding, 3D steel drawings, on-site surveying and delivery services. 

Let us know your project requirements by contacting us through our form today.