When selecting carbon steel for use in pipes, structures or machinery parts, the most significant difference is attributable to the carbon content. It is important to note that even a minor alteration can have a significant impact on the strength, weldability, and performance of the steel under stress.
Low Carbon Steel (Mild Steel): Everyday Strength with Easy Processing
Low carbon steel—often called mild steel—is used in products that require shaping, bending, or welding such as Mild Steel Rectangular Pipe (Mild Steel RHS)and Mild Steel Square Pipe(Mild Steel SHS). For example, most square pipe, rectangular tube, and automotive body panels widely used low carbon steel because it can be formed repeatedly without cracking.
Key traits:
Carbon ≤ 0.25%
Very easy to weld
Flexible and impact-resistant
Best for large structures and pipes
Example:
A customer building a warehouse frame will choose low carbon steel for the first time because workers need to cut and weld the beams on site.
High Carbon Steel: When Maximum Strength Matters
High carbon steel is significantlyhard and strong because of their contains a higher percentage of carbon.Cutting tools,springs,wear-resistant components,and applicaitons where materials must withstand repeated movement or pressure are often use high carbon steel.
Key traits:
Carbon ≥ 0.60%
Very strong and hard
Difficult to weld
Excellent wear resistance
Example:
A buyer manufacturing industrial blades or cutting edges will always prefer high carbon steel because it can maintain a sharp edge over a longer period of time.
Carbon Steel vs Steel: Why the Terms Are Confusing
Many buyers ask “carbon steel vs steel”, but steel is actually a general term.Carbon steel is simply one category of steel, made mainly of iron and carbon.Other steel types include alloy steel and stainless steel.
Carbon Steel vs Mild Steel: A Common Misunderstanding
Mild steel is not separate from carbon steel—it is low carbon steel.
The difference is naming, not material.
If a project needs easy welding and shaping, mild steel is almost always the recommended option.
Quick Example Summary
Low carbon/mild steel:
l Warehouse frames, steel pipes, automotive panels
High carbon steel:
l Tools, blades, industrial springs
Carbon steel vs steel:
l Carbon steel is a type of steel
Carbon steel vs mild steel:
l Mild steel = low carbon steel
Post time: Nov-27-2025
