Is Mild Steel Stronger Than Stainless Steel?

Choosing the right metal for the job is rarely simple. You need to compare each type's strength, weight, and cost to figure out how well they fit your needs... and once you've finally settled on a choice, you still need to navigate through the various variants and grades available!

If you've decided to go with steel for your project, you might find yourself stuck choosing between mild steel and stainless steel. Both are commonly used in a wide range of industries, including transport, automation, and manufacturing, but they differ massively in terms of strength and workability.

Clickmetal have delivered custom-cut mild steel and stainless steel for projects of all shapes and sizes. Below, we'll break down what exactly mild steel and stainless steel are, explore whether mild steel is the stronger option, and guide you in choosing the right type for your project.

What Are Mild Steel and Stainless Steel?

Also known as carbon steel, mild steel is mainly made up of iron and carbon. It typically contains a low percentage of carbon (up to 0.3%) and small amounts of other elements like manganese, sulphur, and phosphorus. Mild steel is ductile and malleable, making it easy to shape and form; however, it's prone to rusting when exposed to moisture and air.

Stainless steel, meanwhile, is an alloy composed of iron, chromium, nickel, and other elements. The chromium (usually at least 10.5%) is what gives stainless steel its unique corrosion resistance, while the nickel and other elements improve its overall strength and durability.

Is Mild Steel or Stainless Steel Stronger?

In terms of raw strength, stainless steel generally comes out on top of mild steel. This is mainly because of the presence of chromium.

The chromium in stainless steel reacts with oxygen, forming a thin, protective layer of chromium oxide on the surface. This layer acts like a shield, safeguarding the underlying metal from further oxidation and helping maintain the integrity of the crystal structure. This allows the metal to endure higher pulling and crushing forces before giving way.

The presence of chromium also affects the crystal structure of stainless steel. Unlike mild steel, which has an iron-carbon crystal structure, stainless steel has a face-centred cubic (FCC) structure. This tightly packed arrangement of atoms provides better resistance to deformation and the dislocation of atomic planes, contributing to an overall improvement in strength.

However, that doesn't mean mild steel should be discounted entirely. Despite not being as strong and corrosion-resistant as stainless steel, its simpler composition gives it greater ductility and malleability. This makes mild steel a preferred choice in construction, automotive, and other applications where workability and cost-effectiveness outweighs the need for strength and corrosion resistance.

Should You Choose Mild Steel or Stainless Steel for Your Project?

Choosing between mild steel and stainless steel for your project depends on a few key factors:

• Corrosion resistance: Stainless steel is much more resistant to corrosion than mild steel thanks to chromium. If your project will be exposed to the elements, such as in outdoor furniture or marine applications, stainless steel is the better choice.
• Strength: Stainless steel is famous for its strength and durability, which generally exceeds that of mild steel. It's the best choice if strength is a priority in your project.
• Aesthetics: Stainless steel has a bright, silvery finish that is often considered more attractive than the dull grey finish of mild steel. If the appearance of your project is important, stainless steel may be the better choice.
• Cost: Mild steel is cheaper than stainless steel. This is because it's less complex to produce. If budget is a major concern, mild steel may be the better choice. However, if the long-term cost of maintenance and replacement is factored in, stainless steel may be more cost-effective in the long run.
• Weldability: Mild steel is easier to weld than stainless steel. This is because stainless steel is more prone to cracking during welding. If your project requires welding, mild steel may be the better choice.
• Malleability: Mild steel is more malleable than stainless steel. This means that it's easier to shape into complex designs. If your project requires bending or forming the metal, mild steel may be the better choice.

Keep in mind that both mild steel and stainless steel come in many different grades. Each grade has different properties, so be careful to choose the right one for your application.

If you're still not sure which type of steel is right for your project, feel free to reach out to our team - we'd be happy to discuss your project and provide a recommendation.

Shop Custom-Cut Stainless Steel and Custom-Cut Mild Steel

Now that you've figured out the right steel for your project, there's only one thing left to do - get exactly what you need delivered to your doorstep!

At Clickmetal, we supply a wide selection of grade 304 stainless steel pieces, including sheets, bars, and tubes, as well as grade CR4 mild steel sheets. All our components are carefully cut to size in our dedicated facility, tested to the highest quality standards before being safely delivered to you onsite.

We aim to process your order within 3-5 working days from when we receive it. Your order will then be sent to you through a 24-hour courier service on the next working day, so you can get started on your project without delay.

Shop our full range of mild steel and stainless steel online today!