Mild Steel Plate

Carbon Content

Mild steel typically contains between 0.05% to 0.25% carbon by weight. This low carbon content makes the steel softer and more ductile compared to higher-carbon steel.

Ductility

Mild steel is highly ductile, meaning it can be deformed or shaped without cracking. This property makes it useful in bending, rolling, and other fabrication processes.

Weldability

Thanks to its low carbon content, mild steel has excellent weldability and can be welded easily to itself or other types of steel.

Tensile Strength

The ultimate tensile strength of mild steel can range from around 295 MPa to 420 MPa (42,000 psi to 60,900 psi), depending on the exact composition and processing method. While not as strong as higher carbon steels, it provides sufficient strength for many load-bearing applications.

Machinability

Mild steel is known for its good machinability, meaning it can be easily cut, drilled, and shaped using conventional machining techniques. This ease of working makes it suitable for mass production of parts.

Magnetic Properties

Mild steel is a magnetic metal because of its high iron content. This makes it useful in applications requiring magnetic properties, such as motors and transformers.

Melting Point

The melting point of mild steel ranges between 1450°C and 1520°C, making it suitable for high-temperature applications like welding and heat treatment.

Mild Steel Plate Applications

Mild steel plate has many applications in the manufacturing, industrial and construction industries where it is used structurally (not aesthetically).

Construction – Mild steel plates are frequently used in the construction of building frames, bridges, and other infrastructure projects due to their high tensile strength and structural integrity. They provide the necessary support for load-bearing structures and are easily fabricated into specific shapes or sizes.

Fabrication and Engineering – In engineering and fabrication industries, mild steel plates are utilized to make machine parts, brackets, and components for various types of equipment. The material’s ductility allows it to be shaped and machined easily, making it ideal for custom fabrication.

Shipbuilding – The shipbuilding industry relies on mild steel plate to construct hulls and other components that require strong, durable materials. Its strength-to-weight ratio and ease of processing make it particularly valuable in this field.

Automotive Industry – Mild steel plates are used to produce automotive body parts due to their good formability and ability to be welded easily. They are commonly found in car bodies, chassis, and other structural components where strength is needed without adding too much weight.

Agricultural Equipment – Mild steel plate is used to manufacture agricultural machinery, including plows, tractors, and other heavy-duty equipment. Its combination of toughness and resistance to wear enables it to endure harsh working conditions in farming environments.

How is Mild Steel Plate Measured?

Mild steel plate is measured by its thickness in inches. The thickness can vary depending on the specific requirements of the application, ranging from smaller, thinner plates to thicker options for more heavy-duty applications. Mild steel that is less than ¼ inch thick is often classified as mild steel sheet, whereas anything thicker than ¼ inch is considered mild steel plate.