Top 5 Common Mistakes When Working with Mild Steel and How to Avoid Them

8th Oct 2024

Mild steel, often referred to as MS, is widely used in construction, manufacturing, and fabrication due to its versatility, strength, and affordability. However, working with mild steel requires precision and care to avoid common mistakes that can compromise the quality and durability of your projects. Whether you're using MS plates, MS pipes, or MS beams, avoiding these errors can save time, money, and resources.

In this article, we'll cover the top five common mistakes people make when working with mild steel and practical solutions to avoid them. By following these tips, you can ensure the best outcomes for your projects.

1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Mild Steel

Not all mild steel is the same. Different types of MS products serve different purposes. For example, MS plates are thick and good for heavy-duty projects, while MS sheets are thin and ideal for covering surfaces or lightweight projects. Many people make the mistake of choosing the wrong type of steel for their project.

How to Avoid It:

• Learn the difference between MS plates and MS sheets. MS plates are thicker and stronger, while MS sheets are thinner and more flexible. If you want to know more, check out our blog on MS Plate vs. MS Sheet.
• Always check the requirements of your project. Are you building something heavy, like a foundation or a roof? Or are you doing smaller projects like fencing? Each type of work needs different types of mild steel.
• If you’re not sure which steel to use, talk to your supplier. At Kesar Steel, we offer both MS plates and MS sheets to meet your needs.

2. Using Improper Welding Techniques

Welding is a key process when working with mild steel, but doing it wrong can weaken the structure or cause cracks. Many people think that because mild steel is easy to work with, any welding technique will work. However, that's not always the case.

How to Avoid It:

• Use the right welding technique based on the type of mild steel and its thickness. For example, MIG welding works best for thicker pieces, while TIG welding is good for thinner materials.
• Always clean the steel surface before welding. Dirt, rust, or grease can interfere with the process, leading to weak joints.
• For welding products like MS pipes or MS flat bars, proper preparation is key. 

3. Not Protecting Mild Steel from Corrosion

Mild steel can rust easily if it's not protected, especially in outdoor environments. If you’re using steel for construction, like MS beams, MS pipes, or MS channels, rust can damage the material and make it unsafe.

How to Avoid It:

• Apply a protective coating like galvanizing, paint, or powder coating to keep moisture and oxygen away from the steel.
• In areas where steel will be exposed to moisture, consider using galvanized steel. This is particularly important for MS pipes and MS sheets.
• Inspect your steel regularly and maintain it by repainting or reapplying protective coatings when needed. 

4. Improper Storage and Handling

Many people don’t realize how important proper storage is for steel. If steel is stored incorrectly, it can warp, dent, or rust before it’s even used. Large products like MS plates, MS beams, and MS channels are especially vulnerable to damage if not stored properly.

How to Avoid It:

• Store steel in a dry place, away from moisture, to prevent rust.
• Handle large steel pieces with care to avoid bending or denting. For example, MS round bars or MS beams should be carefully transported and stored.
• Make sure larger items, like MS plates and MS beams, are well-supported so they don’t bend over time. 

5. Poor Cutting and Bending Techniques

Cutting and bending mild steel can be tricky. If done improperly, you may end up with uneven cuts or damaged steel. This is a common issue with MS pipes, MS sheets, or MS angles.

How to Avoid It:

• Use the correct cutting tools for the type and thickness of the steel. For example, use laser cutting for thin materials like MS sheets, and plasma cutting for thicker materials like MS plates.
• When bending steel, follow the proper methods for either hot bending or cold bending, depending on the project. Check out our blog on hot bending vs. cold bending MS pipes for more information.

Mild steel is a great material for many projects, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes. By choosing the right type of steel, using proper welding and cutting techniques, protecting it from rust, and storing it correctly, you’ll get the most out of your materials.

At Kesar Steel, we supply a wide range of mild steel products, including MS plates, MS sheets, MS TMT bars, and more. If you need high-quality Mild Steel products in Vapi for your next project, reach out to our team.