DO YOU KNOW SWEET STEEL?
The hardness of mild steel is determined by the process by which it is worked, either by cold rolling or by an annealing process, where this product is selected so that it can acquire the mechanical properties that characterize it through drawing, formed or flat stamping.
The finish rolling process is one in which a reduction of the sheet is carried out that is light that occurs after the annealing process, in order to prevent the formation of deformation bands, with which it can be spoil the appearance of the surface part of the sheet that has been given the rectangular shape that characterizes it, in which case it is still in the factory, otherwise it will have the shape it has acquired after being used.
Mild steels, as they are also known, cannot be hardened unless cold rolled. This is because the carbon content is too low to have a powerful reaction to heat treatment, indicating that cold treatment is the only alternative so that a harder surface can be obtained.
Mild steel is also known as carbon steel, and refers to steel in this category that has no more than 2% carbon and has no other appreciable alloying element, making it a less complex material with which to he works on simpler tasks and takes full advantage of his tenacity.
Mild steel, as it is more popularly known, represents the largest section in terms of steel production, and has a number of applications that go beyond forming tools or being part of simple construction projects.
Among the mechanical properties of this steel, it is found that it has a carbon content that has to take precautions to weld a product with less than 0.3% carbon, although compared to stainless steel, there are fewer problems that arise when working. with this material.
The resistance to corrosion of steel with carbon is poor, as it rusts very easily, and this means that it must be used in places that do not have corrosive environments or that are close to the coast, due to the amount of salt in those places, with the exception of mild steel that has some kind of coating to help the steel stay in good condition.
When you compare this product to stainless steel, we have several improvements in the quality of work that can be done with this product. Therefore, there are advantages that can be exploited in its use, such as:
It is more malleable and resistant than stainless steel
Mild steel is less brittle as a solitary element
It is less resistant to corrosion
Carbon can be bonded to mild steel to improve strength
In all these cases, there are clear signs that mild steel has a great value as a single component, which makes it a fundamental piece to work with, since it is easily accessible and its price is not high, in addition to its manufacture It is one of the simplest on the market.