Mild Steel A36
Generic / House Brand
☀ UV Stable
Overview
ASTM A36 structural carbon steel — the most common steel grade in North America. 250 MPa yield strength, good weldability, and straightforward machinability. Foundation of fabrication and structural manufacturing. Must be coated or painted to prevent rust.
Properties
Difficulty
intermediate
Flexibility
rigid
Layer Adhesion
excellent
Enclosure
no
Heated Bed
no
Dry Storage
no
Pros
- Most affordable structural metal — ~$1/lb
- Available everywhere in every stock shape
- Excellent weldability (MIG, TIG, stick)
- Machines predictably with HSS or carbide
- Easily welded, brazed, or fastened
- Can be case-hardened for surface wear resistance
Cons
- Rusts rapidly without coating — even fingerprints cause surface rust
- Heavy (7.87 g/cc)
- Work-hardens at cut edge if dull tooling
- Requires cutting fluid at high speeds
- Not corrosion-resistant
- Cannot be hardened by heat treatment (only case harden)
Best For
- Structural frames|Machine frames and bases|Brackets and gussets|Weldments|Tooling fixtures|Automotive chassis
Avoid For
- Outdoor uncoated use|Food contact without certified coating|Marine/saltwater|Weight-critical applications|Highly corrosive chemical environments
Storage
Store dry and off the ground. Apply oil to machined surfaces immediately. Paint or powder coat for long-term rust prevention. Inspect for surface rust before precision machining.
Brands
Online MetalsMetals DepotMcMaster-CarrSpeedy Metalslocal steel service centers