What is the difference between mild steel & stainless steel?/ Mild steel Vs. stainless steel.

 Let us observe the differences between mild steel & stainless steel in a table format.

Sl. no.	Description	Mild steel	Stainless steel
1.	Main factor that differentiates them.	Carbon as main alloying element.	Chromium as main alloying element.
2.	Fabrication.	Easy to cut, bend, & fabricate.	Comparatively not easy to cut, bend, & fabricate.
3.	Corrosion resistance.	No.	Yes.
4.	Rusting prevention.	Iron present in the steel reacts with oxygen forming iron oxide i.e. rust.	Chromium present in the steel reacts with oxygen forming chromium oxide which forms a layer to prevent rusting of iron.
5.	Appearance.	Not attractive.	Attractive & aesthetic in appearance.
6.	Cost.	Comparatively cheaper.	Comparatively  Expensive.
7.	Surface look.	Dull.	Shiny.
8.	Welding work.	Easy to weld.	Comparatively not easy to weld.
9.	Hardness.	Comparatively less hard	Comparatively more hard.
10.	Toughness.	Less tough.	More tough.
11.	Ductility.	More ductile.	Less ductile.
12.	Application.	Reinforcement bars, sheets, angels, bolts, beam sections, channels, etc.	Utensils, surgical equipments, railing pipes, bathroom fixtures, etc.
13.	Working & finishing cost.	Less expensive.	Comparatively more expensive.
14.	Malleability.	Comparatively more malleable.	Less malleable.
15.	Brittleness.	Less brittle.	Comparatively more brittle.
16.	Lifespan.	Comparatively less due to corrosion.	More lifespan due to corrosion resistance.
17.	Maintenance.	More maintenance cost in preventing the material from rusting.	Less maintenance cost.
18.	Magnetic.	Yes.	Ferritic  stainless steels are generally magnetic but austenitic steels are not.

 

Thank you for going through this table content ❤. Have a good day 😄.

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