Mild Steel (MS) pipes are an integral part of modern construction because of the unparalleled versatility of the materials and cost-effectiveness. From domestic construction usage like the skeletal framework of residential buildings to heavy industrial usage like designing the fuel line of airplanes, and building conduits to houses, Mild Steel pipe has versatile applicabilities. MS Pipe is also often called a low-carbon pipe because of the low carbon content of mild steel pipes. The carbon percentage in the Mild Steel pipe usually varies from 0.05% to 0.25%, reducing the risk of hardening the mild steel pipe fittings. The versatile usability of mild steel pipe fittings is popular in modern construction due to their combined strength and adaptability. As trusted mild steel pipe suppliers like Shree Ji Steel Private Limited, we explore the key properties and top applications of MS pipes.
Essential Properties of Mild Steel Pipes
Ductility: Mild steel pipes are highly ductile and for this reason, it is often renamed as the ductile iron pipe. Due to low carbon content mild steel pipe can tolerate strain up to 20% before failure. It is significantly higher than many high-carbon steels. This higher ductility of MS pipe allows them to have higher bendability and weldability. Mild steel pipe fittings are very suitable in earthquake-prone areas because the higher ductility ensures the buildings can absorb and dissipate seismic energy without breaking. Hence, the usage of mild steel round pipes in earthquake-prone areas reduces the risk of catastrophic collapse of buildings in the seismic zones.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Strength-to-Weight Ratio is the measure of strength relative to the weight of a material. It indicates the efficiency of bearing loads by materials while minimizing mass. Mild Steel (MS) pipe has a tensile strength of 400-550 MPa and a density of 7,850 kg/m³, which is highly efficient in terms of bearing high loads with minimum weight. The lower strength-to-weight ratio makes the mild steel pipe fittings an ideal choice for the construction, plumbing, and irrigation sectors. A detailed weight size chart is provided in the MS Pipe section of Shree Ji Steel at https://shreejisteelcorp.com/ms-pipes/.
Corrosion Resistance (with treatment): Mild steel is not naturally corrosion resistant. Applying protective coatings such as galvanization can increase the corrosion resistance by up to 50%. It increased the use of Galvanized MS pipes commonly in outdoor fencing to withstand rain and humidity for decades.
Cost-Effectiveness: The low carbon content and wide availability of raw materials in MS pipes make it one of the most economical choices in the construction industry. According to industry reports, mild steel pipe prices are 30-50% cheaper than stainless steel alternatives. Mild Steel pipes (MS pipes) are more versatile than joists, channels, and MS angles due to their round, hollow design. It can efficiently distribute loads and reduce stress concentration in the building structure. Pipes are also lightweight with higher strength. So it is one of the most cost-effective and corrosion-resistant construction elements. It helps in gaining design flexibility while putting very low weight in the construction. If it is compared to joists, channels, and angles in construction, the MS Pipe can be used in specialized roles in construction. A detailed mild steel pipe price list for all the possible weights, sizes, and thickness combinations is given on the Website of Shree Ji Steel Corp at – https://shreejisteelcorp.com/ms-pipes/#tab-ms-pipe-price-list.
Weldability and Machinability: Mild steel round pipes are popular as mild steel pipe price is low along with weldability and machinability properties. The low carbon content ensures ease of fabrication without compromising the structural integrity of the weld. In the automobile industry, precise components like exhaust pipes and roll cages are efficiently made for the machinability of MS pipes.
Top Five Applications of Mild Steel Pipes
Construction Industry:
Structural steel pipes in skyscrapers can support loads exceeding 10,000 kg/m². According to a report by Global Construction Review, over 60% of structural projects in developing countries use mild steel pipe fittings due to their affordability and performance.
Water and Plumbing Systems:
Mild steel pipes are extensively used for water transportation in residential, and industrial projects. Mild steel round pipe can handle water pressures of up to 16 bar (232 psi). For this reason, mild steel round pipes are ideal for high-pressure water distribution systems. In 2022, a study by the International Plumbing Association showed that almost 40% of pipelines in urban water supply systems use ductile iron pipe and mild steel pipe fittings.
Automobile and Transport Industry:
The automotive sector uses MS pipes to manufacture exhaust systems, chassis components, and roll cages. A Mild steel round pipe with a wall thickness of 3 mm can withstand temperatures up to 500°C. Also, mild steel pipe price is comparatively low, which makes it suitable for exhaust systems design.
Irrigation and Agriculture:
MS pipes are used for irrigation systems, bore wells, and agricultural machinery. Their ability to transport water efficiently over long distances makes them a preferred choice. According to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the highly ductile iron pipe accounts for 35% of the total irrigation pipeline infrastructure in developing countries.
Oil and Gas Sector: Mild Steel pipes play a critical role in transporting oil, natural gas. Mild steel pipe fittings can handle high pressure (up to 100 bar) and temperatures, which makes them suitable for pipeline systems. The IEA report claims that the global oil and gas industry consumed 25% of the overall mild steel round pipe demand in 2022.
Numerical Snapshot of MS Pipe Advantages
| Property | Value/Statistics |
| Tensile Strength | 400-550 MPa |
| Corrosion Resistance | Up to 50% improvement with galvanization |
| Cost Savings | 30-50% cheaper than stainless steel |
| Strain Tolerance | Up to 20% |
| Pressure Handling | Up to 16 bar (water) and 100 bar (oil & gas) |
| Temperature Tolerance | Up to 500°C |
Conclusion
Mild steel pipes are an essential material in industries ranging from construction to agriculture. Their combination of strength, versatility, and cost-effectiveness ensures their continued demand in modern applications. According to Statista, the global demand for MS pipes in the automotive sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% by 2028. Reputed suppliers like Shree Ji Steel Private Limited play a pivotal role in providing high-quality MS pipes that meet stringent industrial standards.
