The first metal used by man was bronze, an alloy of copper, tin and perhaps some additives, which started the metal age of the history. Hunting and gathering community of Stone Age got gradually replaced by more civilized community of metal age. The essential developments throughout history have occurred in Iron age, with the manufacture and use of iron and its popular alloy called steel.
Steel is an iron-based alloy having a carbon content less than that of cast iron and more than that of wrought iron. Steel is the most suitable metallic building material. As a structural material, steel offers high strength, stiffness and elasticity.
Steel has qualities of strength, hardness and elasticity which vary according to composition and heat treatment. Based on the carbon content, other alloying elements and heat treatment, a desired combination of hardness, ductility and strength can be obtained in steel.Steel is used for light and heavy structural framing, as well as a wide range of building products such as window, doors, hardware and fastenings.
Most of the steel used for construction has low to medium carbon content and it is relatively mild, tough and strong, fairly easy to work by cutting, punching, riveting and welding. Mild steel is the type of carbon steel containing a small percentage of carbon. It is also called Soft Steel.
Out of all alloy steels, the chromium-nickel alloy steel, known as stainless steel, is most popular in construction industry.
Let us, discuss the difference between mild steel and stainless steel.
Comparison: Mild Steel Vs Stainless Steel
Conclusion:
To summarize, mild steel and stainless steel are different types of Iron. Mild steel, also called as Carbon steel is ordinary steel with low carbon whereas Stainless steel is special alloyed steel wherein certain alloys like Nickel and Chromium added to improve its qualities. Since they differ in their constituents, they differ in their properties and uses too. With alloys, stainless steel has higher strength, hardness, elasticity, and corrosion resistance. It is therefore widely used now a days. Mild steel is used where toughness and ductility are needed particularly when working with low budget.
