Differences between Mild Steel and Stainless Steel
What is mild steel?
Iron and 0.12-2% carbon comprise the rest of the composition, which we call Mild Steel. Because of its great tensile strength, it can be utilized in constructing a wide variety of structures, including bridges, buildings, automobiles, ships, and machinery, among other things. Furthermore, mild steel can be shaped into various forms without fracturing or shattering because of its malleability. On the other hand, because it has poor resilience to weathering, it cannot be used outdoors or in applications subjected to chemicals or water.
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is a type of metal that is created by combining iron with other elements such as chromium (0-20%), nickel (0-8%), molybdenum (0-4%), and manganese (1-8%). Because it is more resilient to weathering than mild steel, it can be used in applications subjected to chemicals or water without damage. Because it is also impervious to the damaging effects of fire and can withstand high thermal temperatures, it is an excellent material for culinary instruments such as utensils and refrigerators. Additionally, 304 stainless steel is more aesthetically appealing than mild steel because of its reflective surface, which, when burnished frequently, can provide a sparkling sheen.
Structure
Iron is the primary element in both mild steel and stainless steel, which are both steel types. In contrast, stainless steel has a much greater chromium content despite having a smaller proportion of the element than mild steel. The development of rust requires a significant amount of chromium. Therefore, mild steel is more corrosive than stainless steel.
Strength
Compared to stainless steel, mild steel is more fragile. This is because mild steel contains a relatively low proportion of chromium, resulting in lower corrosion resistance. Consequently, mild steel is frequently utilized in applications where the primary concern is not the material’s hardness.
Expenses
The more affordable option is mild steel rather than stainless steel. This is because mild steel contains a smaller proportion of chromium than other steel types, reducing production costs. Consequently, mild steel is frequently utilized in applications where cost is paramount.
Appearance
The surface of mild steel is drab and smooth in appearance. This is because mild steel contains a smaller proportion of chromium than stainless steel, which results in the material having a reduced degree of reflectivity. Therefore, mild steel is frequently used when aesthetics are not a top priority.
Maintenance
Maintenance for mild steel is more involved than that for stainless steel. This is due to mild steel’s greater susceptibility to corrosion than stainless steel. Consequently, mild steel needs to be cleaned and treated with Rust-Oleum or another product that inhibits rust frequently so that it does not corrode.