Month: January 2024

Pipework fabrication is a critical component of various industries, and selecting the right material is paramount to the success and longevity of any project. Two of the most popular choices, each with its unique set of properties, are mild steel and stainless steel. In the pipework industry, steel is an excellent choice of material. It’s strong, reliable and cost-effective, making it the perfect fit for pipework projects. But what exactly are the differences between mild and stainless steel? Let’s take a look at the differences of mild steel and stainless steel in pipework fabrication and which is best. What is Mild Steel? Mild steel pipework is used in a wide range of industries and applications due to its advantageous properties. Also known as ‘low carbon steel’, mild steel has a low percentage of carbon. This makes it an excellent choice of material for welders as it’s more malleable (compared to high carbon steel). What is Stainless Steel? Stainless steel is also used for various applications in a wide range of industries, including pipework. It is an alloy of iron, containing at least 10.5% chromium and a maximum of 1.2% carbon, making it a highly durable and heavy material. Stainless steel is often used in industries like construction, food and catering, and automotive. Differences between Mild and Stainless Steel Costs Mild Steel: Known for its affordability, mild steel is a cost-effective choice for projects where budget constraints are a primary consideration. Many project managers looking for pipework fabricators find mild steel a useful choice as it doesn’t compromise on the quality and performance of pipework. This gives space in their budget for other costly aspects of a project. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is generally more expensive than mild steel. This is due to it containing more chromium and other alloying elements, which add to the cost of production. The cost to produce stainless steel also depends on the grade and surface finishes of the steel made to suit the environment it will be used in. The price difference becomes far more substantial when a larger amount of stainless steel is required for a project. In the pipework industry, there is usually large volumes of pipework required. Therefore, it can be considerably more expensive compared to mild steel. Strength and Quality Mild Steel: Mild steel is renowned for its strength and durability, making it suitable for various industrial applications. Mild steel pipework also holds excellent resistance to external forces, making it a reliable choice for withstanding physical impacts and potential damage. Read more about the benefits of mild steel. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is also a very strong material with excellent durability, due to the higher level of chromium. Stainless steel can withstand high temperature and extreme environments. For example, stainless steel pipework is great for the oil and gas industry. This is because these pipes must be corrosion resistant and high pressure resistant in extreme environments. Therefore, stainless steel pipes play an important role in oil and gas extraction, transportation and storage due to their corrosion resistance and high strength. Weldability Mild Steel: An excellent advantage of mild steel is that it’s very easily weldable. Therefore, allowing for easy fabrication and on-site modifications. When it comes to fabricating pipework, mild steel is a great choice of material for those looking for high-quality, reliable pipework, yet with quicker turn-arounds. Stainless Steel: When it comes to welding stainless steel, it requires more time than welding mild steel. This is due to its higher thermal conductivity compared to other metals, therefore requiring more heat to weld correctly. This makes it more difficult to control the welding process and can cause distortion and warping of the material. Ductility Mild Steel: In terms of ductility, mild steel is far easier to twist and stretch compared to stainless steel. This means mild steel can be changed into different shapes without breaking, which is advantageous in pipework fabrication. This allows for quicker project completion times, which is always a bonus. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel, on the other hand, tends to be less ductile due to its composition. This means it is hard to twist or flex once designed into a particular shape. Therefore, pipework fabrication projects using stainless steel may take longer to complete. The choice between mild steel and stainless steel in pipework fabrication ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your project. If cost-effectiveness, quicker completion times, and strength are paramount, mild steel may be the ideal choice for you. It’s always a good idea to speak to the experts about which pipework materials are best. If you’re looking for pipework fabrication for your next project, get in touch with us for more information.