CNC Machining Mild Steel: Le guide ultime

Mild steel is a material commonly used in versatile applications due to its properties. Most of the mild steel components are manufactured using CNC machining.

If you are inclined to learn about the types of mild steel, applications, and surface finishing options, this guide below features everything.

What is CNC Machining Mild Steel?

The process of CNC machining mild steel uses CNC machines that are controlled by CAD software. These machines allow the tools to move in a programmed way, which helps cut and shape the mild steel components.

Mild steel is known for its malleability and low content of carbon. It is used in manufacturing components that need ductility and strength. The mild steel parts manufactured by CNC machining are uniform and accurate and can even have complex geometries and tight tolerance. These parts, after CNC machining, also have excellent surface finish.

Advantages of Mild Steel for CNC Machining

There are various advantages associated with machining mild steel, and some of them are discussed here.

Rapport coût-efficacité

Mild steel is one of the most affordable metals. Hence, manufacturing components through Usinage CNC may cost quite less for large-volume production. Industries that usually opt for mass production, like construction and automobiles, may find it a suitable option.

Excellent Machinability

Due to low carbon content, mild steel offers high machinability as it gets softer to process. Hence, cutting, shaping, and drilling mild steel is very easy. It causes less wear and tear on the machining tools and enhances its lifespan. The process of machining mild steel can also become faster due to this property it has and tends to reduce the manufacturing time.

Haute résistance à la traction

Mild steel is not as hard as high-carbon steel but offers great tensile strength and high ductility. It is suitable for a lot of such applications that need high strength. It can withstand stress as well without breaking down. It is reliable to opt for mechanical and structural parts of various applications.

Polyvalence

Mild steel is a versatile material that can be welded, shaped, and cut down into different forms without any compromise on structural integrity. It allows manufacturers to use mild steel in different applications from basic brackets to complex components of machinery.

Finition de surface améliorée

Mild steel and CNC machining make an ideal combination that ends up offering seamlessly finished and consistent mild steel components. Hence, such applications where precision and appearance are important CNC machined mild steel parts can easily be opted for.

Common Types of Mild Steel that are Used in CNC Machining.

There are different types and grades of mild steel used in CNC machining, and some of these are the following:

Acier doux A36

Mild steel A36 is a low-carbon steel that has less content of carbon which is around 0.3%. Due to the low carbon content of carbon, machining is very easy and can be used for multiple applications.

This type of mild steel consists of alloying elements like silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur, which offer adequate mechanical properties. However, this type of mild steel is not corrosion-resistant due to a lack of nickel and chromium.

Acier doux 1018

Mild steel 1018 is plain carbon steel, which has high weldability and offers a great balance of strength, ductility, and toughness. It has high machinability and is also a little hard, which makes it suitable for processes involving heat treatment. This type of steel offers wear resistance and is also affordable, with most people opting for carburized parts.

Acier doux S275JR

S275JR is a mild steel that has a carbon content of around 0.2% and offers a great tensile strength. It is suitable for constructions consisting of welded, riveted, and bolted components. Due to its excellent strength, it is opted for building construction. It offers great weldability and high machinability.

Mild Steel S355JR

S355JR mild steel has a carbon composition of 0.24%. It is chosen for applications that require high yield, followed by excellent weldability and formability. It is used in overhead cranes and other structural applications after CNC machining.

Surface Finishes for Mild Steel Parts

After the process of CNC machining, if your applications need finition de surface for the mild steel parts, you can opt for the options below.

Revêtement par poudre

The process uses a dry powder application on the surface of the mild steel components. The part on which the application has to be carried out is heated first, and the powder melts to form a durable and smooth coating. It makes the component corrosion-resistant and suitable for harsh environments.

Placage électrolytique

The electroplating process creates a layer deposited using metals like chromium, nickel, or zinc in the mild steel components through an electrochemical process. It helps to enhance the finish and appearance of the component. It even makes the part corrosion-resistant and adds electrical conductivity to it.

Anodisation

The process of anodizing is used mostly for aluminum, but mild steel can also be anodized to ensure durability and résistance à la corrosion. The anodizing process enhances the wear resistance of the part and even offers it a decorative finish. However, it is a very rarely opted surface finish for the mild steel parts.

Oxyde noir

Black oxide is a chemical process that creates a layer on the mild steel, which gives a black appearance. It is mostly used for the purpose of adding a decorative finish, which also helps to reduce glare and improve the wear resistance of the mechanical components of mild steel.

Applications of Mild Steel Machined Parts

Mild steel machined parts are used in various applications, and some of these are given below.

Industrie de la construction

It is widely used in the construction industry, especially in building construction. It offers structural support for buildings as machined mild steel rods and beams can be used.

Moreover, sheets of mild steel are used in roofing. For transportation of gas and water, mild steel pipes are opted for. It offers the required strength and durability to the construction industry.

Transport Industry

Mild steel is used in trains, ships, cars, and even aircraft. It offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and hence, a balance between sturdiness and lightweight can easily be achieved. It is used in the frames, beams, chassis and mild steel plates for different vehicles.

Equipment and Tools

Mild steel is a versatile material, and CNC machining is also a versatile process. Therefore, the machined components of mild steel are used on various tools and appliances.

Refrigerators, ovens, and other industrial equipment and tools like pliers and wrenches are all made of mild steel. It can withstand stress as well as heat and hence can easily be shaped as needed.

Conclusion

The detailed assessment of mild steel must have provided you with all the useful information that you might be seeking.

If you are looking for a reliable custom manufacturer offering CNC machining of mild steel, contact us. We at DEK offer a wide range of components manufactured with mild steel.

FAQ

Is mild steel hard to machine?

No, mild steel is low-carbon steel, which makes it highly machinable.

Does mild steel crack easily?

Mild steel offers high tensile strength, and since carbon content is low, therefore the chances of cracking are also very low.