If you are looking for metal tubing for a project, you need to look at the characteristics of different metals. That will help you to choose the right one for you. This is important as it can have an impact on everything from the strength to the formability. In a number of cases you may decide mild steel is the right option. It is cost effective, strong and useful for various applications. It is a material we regularly deal with as the top ERW steel tube supplier West Midlands has.
A lot of clients ask us why mild steel is so popular. It is the most common form of the metal and offers a number of advantages to users. Below are some of the top ones.
Low cost
Some metals are very expensive and therefore not viable for various projects. Mild steel is not one of them though. In fact, it is the cheapest of all the steels. This is generally because of the carbon content. Mass producing it is relatively easy and this can drive down the price per unit even more.
Welding
One of the things that make this kind of steel perfect for ERW tubes is it is easy to weld. The electric current can flow through the metal without disturbing its atomic structure. As a result it has excellent weldability. In turn that means a stronger bond and lower costs.
Ductility
How ductile a metal is can be very important for some projects. It is especially vital for tubing. Luckily mild steel is excellent here, being similar to copper and some thermoplastics. That means the metal can bend and stretch more without deforming. This is very useful for forming and shaping.
Carburising
A downside people will point to is that mild steel does not have great tensile strength. However, heat treatment can help to improve this. It can make the exterior harder, improving the strength and wear resistance. However, the core will still be softer and tough. That means the steel retains some of its ductility.
Recycling
Another great benefit of this metal is that it is easy to recycle. Scrap can be reprocessed to create new steel without losing the quality. That means you don’t need to worry about the waste.
Come to the top ERW steel tube suppliers in the West Midlands
Union Steel Tubes is a reputable company able to support businesses in many industries. We only use the best raw materials in our tubing, including quality mild steel. The end result is tubing with better properties.
If the quality alone wasn’t enough, we also offer one of the broadest selections of tubes in the UK. It includes different shapes, sizes, wall thicknesses, and finishes. As a result we can cater for almost any need, from standard applications to specialist ones.
It is also easy to order products from us. All it takes is one call and we can help you make your choice. We can then cut them to size and arrange delivery. So, if you need the best ERW steel tube suppliers the West Midlands has, please get in touch.
