Mild steel is a type of carbon steel with a low amount of carbon – it is actually also known as “low carbon steel.” Although ranges vary depending on the source, the amount of carbon typically found in mild steel is 0.05% to 0.25% by weight, whereas higher carbon steels are typically described as having a carbon content from 0.30% to 2.0%. If any more carbon than that is added, the steel would be classified as cast iron.
Mild steel is not an alloy steel and therefore does not contain large amounts of other elements besides iron; you will not find vast amounts of chromium, molybdenum, or other alloying elements in mild steel. Since its carbon and alloying element content are relatively low, there are several properties it has that differentiate it from higher carbon and alloy steels.
