Mild steel is ideal for welding and metal fabrication. Low carbon mild steel is extremely versatile as a weldable metal -- carbon percentages cap out at around 0.25-0.30% -- and have few, if any, unnecessary alloying elements. Mild steel is less expensive than other metals and is easier to work with than other welding materials.
The higher the carbon content, the more difficult the steel is to weld. Low carbon mild steel is the industry standard for room-temperature welding work. The most common types of mild steel (AISI 1010, 1018, and 1020) all contain trace amounts of carbon and are ideal for welding.
Types of Low Carbon Steel For Common Applications
Many options exist within the world of low carbon steels. Depending on your intended usage, your choice may vary between some of the more common types. If you have any questions or would like a free consultation, feel free to contact our experts here.
AISI 1010 Mild Steel
AISI 1010 mild steel is commonly used in applications where particularly high tensile strength is not required. AISI 1010 is used widely in the automotive industry, particularly in:
- Transmission covers
- Auto bodies
- Fenders
You'll also find 1010 grade steel used to manufacture fasteners and bolts.
1010 grade steel contains 0.10% carbon. With this uniquely low carbon content, AISI 1010 can be welded using any conventional technique.
AISI 1018 Mild Steel
1018 mild steel is a common type of carburizing steel. 1018 steel is used in a wide range of applications:
- Gears
- Chain pins
- Machine parts
- Spacers
1018 grade steel contains 0.18% carbon. AISI 1018 is easy to weld and does not require additional pre- or post-heating.
AISI 1020 Mild Steel
1020 mild steel is yet another type of low carbon steel used in a variety of applications. 1020 is incredibly versatile and has an excellent mix of strength and ductility. You'll find 1020 steel used in the following areas:
- Machine parts
- Camshafts
- Gears
- Pins
- Axles
1020 mild steel contains 0.20% carbon. For welding, 1020 grade mild steel is easily welded using any of the conventional methods.
Choosing the Best Mild Steel For Welding
The lower the carbon content, the better the steel is for welding. However, choosing the best mild steel for welding depends on the intended application of the steel. Our experts at Blackstone Advanced Technologies are happy to help you with your sheet metal fabrication needs -- please contact us today!
