The chemical properties of mild steel

Tube bending servicesWe have been supplying tube bending services to clients for many years. One solution won’t work for every project. As a result, we ensure that we have many options so there is an answer for every customer. When a client needs to adapt tubing, they should know that we are the ones they need to talk to.

One of the materials we work with is mild steel. Thanks to its outstanding attributes, it has become an in-demand metal. All kinds of industries use it. The machinability and weldability in particular are great. To help you get a better idea of why it is popular, we are going to talk about its chemical properties.

Low carbon content

To start with, mild steel contains less carbon than high and medium carbon steels. The level goes as high as 0.25% here. As a result, it is a very machinable substance. You can form it into many shapes, machine it, and cut it. All of this is without adding extra proportional stresses to a workpiece. That makes it a good option for tubing and tube bending services. Not to mention, the carbon content makes welding a very smooth process.

Alloying

There is also a myriad of alloying elements that augment the properties. These can alter the chemical/physical attributes favourably. They can make the final product more appropriate for the application. For example, you can add elements to enhance heat resistance, tensile strength, and wear resistance. The things you can add include sulphur, phosphorus, cobalt, chromium and manganese.

Corrosion resistance

To give an example, chromium can boost the corrosion resistance. It enhances the mild steel’s hardness too. When it is in its pure form, mild steel shall rust with ease because of the oxidation of iron. However, if you add chromium it creates a dense layer of oxide on exposure to the atmosphere. This will safeguard the metal from further corrosion attacks. In limited amounts, copper can also act similarly to chromium oxide.

Galvanisation

You can also galvanise mild steel tubes for more protection from the atmosphere. Once again this gives the metal a protective outer layer that will preserve the substrate. However, if you galvanise you must be careful with cutting and adapting the metal as you could remove the coating.

Contact our team today to talk about tube bending services

At Multiform Tubes Engineering Ltd, we can provide our clients with the most professional services. The array of options we provide are useful for making things like chair frames, barriers, and railings. We can also create other items that have a tubular form. What’s more, we can supply solutions for all sorts of materials, including titanium, stainless steel, and mild steel.

So, if we can be of assistance to you, please get in touch. You can ask us about our tube bending services and if we can provide the products you need. We will offer advice and explain the advantages of working with us.