Mild Steel Laser Cutting
Precision laser cutting for mild steel including CRS, HRS and GR250. Ideal for general construction, automotive parts, machinery, and household items.
Mild steel specifications
| Thickness (mm) | Density (kg/m³) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Hardness (HB) | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Laser Tolerance* | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 | 7850 | 370–510 | ≥235 | 120–180 | Low (uncoated) | ±0.15mm | Panels, brackets, light fabrication |
| 1.2 | 7850 | 370–510 | ≥235 | 120–180 | Low (uncoated) | ±0.20mm | Brackets, trays, signage backing |
*Typical values for sheet mild steel used in laser cutting. Tolerance depends on geometry, nesting, and material condition.
| Thickness (mm) | Density (kg/m³) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Hardness (HB) | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Laser Tolerance* | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 7850 | 370–510 | ≥235 | 120–180 | Low (uncoated) | ±0.20mm | Plates, guards, general fabrication |
| 3.0 | 7850 | 370–510 | ≥235 | 120–180 | Low (uncoated) | ±0.25mm | Structural brackets, frames |
*Typical values for sheet mild steel used in laser cutting. Tolerance depends on geometry, nesting, and material condition.
| Thickness (mm) | Density (kg/m³) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Hardness (HB) | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Laser Tolerance* | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 7850 | 370–510 | ≥235 | 120–180 | Low (uncoated) | ±0.30mm | Mounting plates, heavy brackets |
| 5.0 | 7850 | 370–510 | ≥235 | 120–180 | Low (uncoated) | ±0.30mm | Base plates, structural components |
| 6.0 | 7850 | 370–510 | ≥235 | 120–180 | Low (uncoated) | ±0.35mm | Fabrication components, frames |
*Mild steel is commonly supplied uncoated; consider paint/powdercoat/galvanising for corrosion protection.
| Thickness (mm) | Density (kg/m³) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Hardness (HB) | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Laser Tolerance* | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 7850 | 370–510 | ≥235 | 120–180 | Low (uncoated) | ±0.40mm | Structural plates, heavy fabrication |
| 10.0 | 7850 | 370–510 | ≥235 | 120–180 | Low (uncoated) | ±0.50mm | Load-bearing parts, structural components |
| 12.0 | 7850 | 370–510 | ≥235 | 120–180 | Low (uncoated) | ±0.60mm | Heavy structural fabrication |
*Thicker plate may require slower cutting and larger internal radii. Confirm critical fits/tolerances in your notes.
- Strong, weldable and cost-effective for general fabrication
- Low corrosion resistance when uncoated (finishing recommended)
- Excellent for brackets, plates, frames, guards and base plates
- Consistent results for repeat parts and production runs
Cutting sizes
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Max sheet size | 1200 × 1200mm |
| Best for | Panels, covers, light brackets |
| Typical tolerance* | ±0.15–0.20mm |
| Notes | Great detail; consider corrosion protection (paint/powdercoat/galv) |
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Max sheet size | 1200 × 1200mm |
| Best for | Brackets, plates, guards |
| Typical tolerance* | ±0.20–0.25mm |
| Notes | Most common range for general fabrication |
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Max sheet size | 1200 × 1200mm |
| Best for | Mounts, base plates, heavier brackets |
| Typical tolerance* | ±0.30–0.35mm |
| Notes | Slower cutting; allow internal radii for tight corners |
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Max sheet size | 1200 × 1200mm (common) |
| Best for | Structural plates and heavy fabrication |
| Typical tolerance* | ±0.40–0.60mm |
| Notes | Heavier sections; consider kerf allowance for critical fits |
- Tolerances depend on part geometry, material condition, and laser parameters.
- Use these ranges as a guide. Actual capabilities can vary based on design complexity, hole sizes, and edge quality requirements.
Stocked materials
To keep turnaround times fast on smaller jobs, we recommend choosing from our stocked thicknesses, highlighted in blue. While we can cut many other thicknesses, availability may vary depending on project size.
CRS
0.75mm
0.95mm
1.2mm
HRS
1.5mm
2mm
3mm
4mm
GR250
5mm
6mm
8mm
10mm
12mm
16mm
Properties of mild steel
Mild steel, also known as low carbon steel, is a widely used steel alloy with a relatively low carbon content. This gives it excellent weldability, good ductility and predictable fabrication performance, making it a go-to choice for Australian manufacturers, fabricators and trades.
For mild steel laser cutting, the material responds well to precision profiling, allowing clean cut-outs, slots and repeatable parts for both one-off and production runs. Because mild steel is cost-effective and widely available, it’s commonly specified for brackets, mounting plates, machine guards, frames and structural components.
As mild steel has low corrosion resistance when uncoated, most outdoor or exposed applications use a protective finish such as primer + paint, powder coating, or galvanising. If your end-use environment is wet, coastal, or chemical-exposed, consider stainless steel or aluminium as alternatives.
What you can create
- Brackets, mounting plates and gussets
- Machine guards, covers and enclosures
- Frames, base plates and support plates
- Automotive and mechanical components
- Jigs, fixtures and teplates
- General fabrication parts for welding and assembly
FAQs
We commonly laser cut mild steel from 0.9mm up to 12mm depending on design complexity and edge quality requirements. If you need thicker plate, send details and we’ll confirm feasibility.
Yes. Mild steel has low corrosion resistance when uncoated. For outdoor use, we recommend a protective finish such as paint, powder coating, galvanising, or appropriate primers.
DXF, SVG and AI are preferred. Include thickness, quantity, and any tolerance-critical notes for the fastest quoting.
Mild steel is widely used for brackets, plates, frames, machinery parts, guards, base plates and general fabrication due to its strength, weldability and cost-effectiveness.
Alternative materials
If mild steel isn’t the best fit for your application, consider these options
Get a quote for mild steel
Our team supports mild steel laser cutting in Sydney for general fabrication, brackets, plates and production components.
Upload your file with thickness and quantity to get started.