Mild steel is a type of carbon steel with a low amount of carbon – it is actually also known as “low carbon steel.” 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. Less carbon means that mild steel is typically more ductile, machinable, and weldable than high carbon and other steels, however, it also means it is nearly impossible to harden and strengthen through heating and quenching. The lack of alloying elements such as those found in stainless steels means that the iron in mild steel is subject to oxidation (rust) if not properly coated. It is the affordability, weldability and machinability that make it such a popular choice of steel for consumers.