The world of metals can be confusing. With so many different types of metals, picking one for a particular project often takes more work. Two metals that are often compared and confused are mild Steel and iron. They may seem similar at first glance but have some significant differences. In this blog post, we’ll look at mild Steel and iron and discuss their differences.
What is Mild Steel?
Mild Steel is a type of carbon steel containing less than 0.25% carbon content, making it softer and more pliable than other types of Steel, allowing it to be used for various applications such as automotive parts, construction materials, tools and cookware.
What is Iron?
Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It belongs to group 8 of the periodic table and is one of the most abundant elements in Earth’s crust. It has an important role in human health, forming part of haemoglobin molecules which can carry oxygen around the body. Iron also has many industrial uses, such as producing Steel for building construction, machinery, and tools.
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Difference Between Mild Steel and Iron
Mild Steel is an alloy of Iron and Carbon with a carbon content range from 0.05%-0.25%. At the same time, Iron is a pure metal that has been used for centuries in many applications due to its ductility, malleability, strength and affordability. Mild steel has higher amounts of carbon than iron, making it harder and stronger but more prone to corrosion. Mild steel also has a lower melting point than iron, making it easier to cast into various shapes and sizes for industrial applications.
Chemical Composition
The primary difference between mild Steel and iron is their chemical composition. Iron is an element found naturally on Earth with atomic number 26, while mild Steel is an alloy created by mixing iron and small amounts of carbon. Mild Steel typically has a carbon content between 0.1% and 0.3%, while iron has a carbon content of 0.008%.
Strength
Due to the difference in chemical composition, mild Steel is stronger than iron. Mild Steel has a higher tensile strength and can withstand more stress before breaking. It also has a higher yield strength than iron, so it can deform without breaking under a specific load.
Weldability
Mild Steel is more weldable than iron. Welding refers to joining two pieces of metal by melting them together. Mild Steel has a lower melting point than iron, making welding easier. It’s also less brittle than iron, which means it can be bent or twisted without breaking, making it more comfortable to work with.
Corrosion Resistance
Iron is prone to rusting, whereas mild Steel is more corrosion-resistant. Rust is a chemical reaction that occurs when iron comes into contact with oxygen and water. Mild Steel has a higher carbon content than iron, which can create a protective layer of iron oxide that slows down the rusting process.
Applications
Mild Steel is used in various applications, including construction, automotive, and manufacturing. Mild Steel’s strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance make it an ideal material for these industries. Iron is primarily used in steel production and cast iron pieces such as cookware.
Conclusion
Mild Steel and iron may seem similar, but they differ significantly. The primary difference is their chemical composition, with mild steel alloying iron and carbon, while iron is an element. Mild Steel is stronger, more weldable, and more corrosion-resistant than iron. Mild Steel is used in many industries, including construction and manufacturing, while iron is primarily used in steel production and cast iron pieces. So if you want to choose between these two metals for your project, it’s essential to consider their differences to make an informed decision.
