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Mild Steel

High machinability and weldability, high stiffness.

Mild Steel in CNC Machining

Mild steel is a low-carbon steel that typically contains a relatively small amount of carbon, making it easier to machine, form, weld, and fabricate than higher-carbon steel grades. Its combination of affordability, strength, and versatility makes it one of the most commonly used materials for general-purpose CNC machined parts.

Mild steel provides good machinability and adequate mechanical strength for a wide range of components. It is commonly selected when extreme hardness or high-temperature performance is not required. Its relatively low material cost also makes it an economical option for prototypes, fixtures, brackets, shafts, frames, and industrial components.

Because mild steel has limited inherent corrosion resistance, protective coatings or surface treatments may be required when parts are exposed to moisture, chemicals, or outdoor environments.

Available Mild Steel at Elite Mold Tech:

Price

$$$

Lead Time:

< 10 days

Wall Thickness:

0.75 mm

Tolerances:

±0.125mm (±0.005″)

Max Part Size:

200 x 80 x 100 cm

Available Grades:

A36, 1018, 1045
A36 Mild Steel
A36 is a widely used low-carbon structural steel known for its good strength, weldability, and affordability. It is commonly used for brackets, plates, structural components, bases, fixtures, and general-purpose mechanical parts.
Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) 250
Fatigue Strength (MPa) 160
Elongation at Break (%) 20
Hardness (Brinell) 119
Density (g/cm³) 7.85
1018 Mild Steel
1018 is a low-carbon steel with good machinability, weldability, and strength. Its consistent composition makes it a popular choice for CNC machined components, shafts, pins, gears, fixtures, and general mechanical parts.
Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) 370
Fatigue Strength (MPa) 220
Elongation at Break (%) 15
Hardness (Brinell) 126
Density (g/cm³) 7.85
1045 Mild Steel
1045 is a medium-carbon steel that offers higher strength and hardness than typical low-carbon mild steels. It provides good machinability and can be heat treated to improve its mechanical performance for demanding components.
Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) 450
Fatigue Strength (MPa) 310
Elongation at Break (%) 16
Hardness (Brinell) 163
Density (g/cm³) 7.85

Surface Finishing Options for Mild Steel

CNC machined mild steel parts can undergo various surface finishing and protective treatments to improve corrosion resistance, appearance, surface hardness, and service life.
  • As Machined
  • Black Oxide
  • Zinc Plating
  • Nickel Plating
  • Electroless Nickel Plating
  • Powder Coating
  • Painting
  • Sand Blasting
  • Polishing
  • Brushed Finish

Pros and Cons of Mild Steel CNC Machining

Mild steel offers an excellent balance of affordability, machinability, strength, and versatility, making it suitable for many general-purpose CNC applications. However, its relatively low corrosion resistance and moderate hardness can limit its use in certain environments.
  • Cost-Effective: Mild steel is generally more affordable than many specialized steel and nickel-based alloys.
  • Good Machinability: Low-carbon grades can be efficiently machined using standard CNC turning and milling processes.
  • Good Weldability: Its low carbon content makes many mild steel grades easy to weld and fabricate.
  • Reliable Strength: Mild steel provides sufficient strength for many brackets, fixtures, shafts, housings, and industrial components.
  • Widely Available: Common grades are readily available in various forms, making material sourcing easier for production.
  • Limited Corrosion Resistance: Mild steel can rust when exposed to moisture and corrosive environments without suitable protection.
  • Lower Hardness: It is generally less wear-resistant than hardened alloy steels and tool steels.
  • Heavier Than Aluminum: Its higher density can make mild steel unsuitable for applications where weight reduction is important.
  • Limited High-Temperature Performance: Mild steel is not the best choice for components exposed to extreme temperatures or severe thermal conditions.
Description
Application
CNC machining produces parts with excellent mechanical properties, accuracy and repeatability from metal and plastic. 3-axis & 5-axis CNC milling available.
Strengths
Excellent mechanical properties,High accuracy & repeatabillity
Weaknesses
Greater geometry restrictions than 3D printing
Properties
Lead Time
< 10 days
Wall Thickness
0.75 mm
Tolerances
±0.125mm (±0.005″)
Max part size
200 x 80 x 100 cm

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 380 – 450 MPa Yield

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 450 – 580 MPa Yield

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 530 – 580 MPa Yield

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 600 – 630 MPa Yield

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 340 – 470 MPa Yield

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 380 – 480 MPa Yield

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 400 – 520 MPa Yield

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