
Mild
steel contains carbon alloy of 0.16 to 0.29% and is therefore not ductile.
The mild steel pipes are coated with copper and thus resist corrosion
however, extra care has to be taken to keep away from rusting. The hardness
of the mild steel could be increased through carburizing in which the steel
is heated below melting point in presence of another material and again by
quenching, the outer surface of the carbon becomes harder maintaining a soft
core. The most frequently used mild steel are - A-106 & A-S3. A-106
comes under both A & B grade and is used for cold or close coiling.
Availability and usages:
Mild steel is available in a variety of structural shapes that are easily
welded into pipe, tube, tubing etc. Mild steel pipes and tubing are easy to
fabricate, readily available, and relatively cheaper than other metals. The
life expectancy of such steel could go up to 100 years if it is well
protected. Mild Steel pipes and tubing are used for structural purpose and
mechanical & general engineering purpose. It is also used for drinking
water supply and the use of chlorination and sodium silicate inhibit
corrosion in mild steel pipes.