“MS fabrication works” covers a huge range of jobs, from a villa gate to a factory platform. MS stands for mild steel, the low-carbon steel that makes up most of the steel used in construction. If you need something made in steel in Dubai, there is a good chance it will be MS. Here is what to know.
What is mild steel?
Mild steel is carbon steel with a low carbon content. That makes it ductile, easy to cut, bend, drill, and weld, and very economical. It comes in a wide range of standard shapes, which is why it is the default for most fabrication. Its main weakness is that it rusts if left unprotected.
Common MS sections
- Beams and columns: I-sections and H-sections (IPE, HEA, UB, UC)
- Channels and angles: for frames, bracing, and supports
- Hollow sections: square, rectangular, and circular tubes (SHS, RHS, CHS)
- Flats and bars: for brackets, balustrades, and gates
- Plate and chequered plate: for base plates, decks, and treads
- Grating: for walkways, platforms, and trench covers
What MS fabrication works include
- Gates, grilles, fencing, and security doors
- Handrails, guardrails, and balustrades
- Frames for AC units, tanks, signage, and solar panels
- Platforms, catwalks, and access ladders
- Racks, shelving, and storage systems
- Embeds, base plates, and brackets for construction
- Industrial items: skids, hoppers, ducts, and vessels
- Decorative metalwork and light fixtures
Grades
For structural use, common grades are S275 and S355 under the European standard EN 10025, or ASTM A36 and A572 Grade 50 under American standards. Higher grades are stronger, so members can be lighter. For general fabrication such as gates and frames, standard commercial grades are usually fine. If your item carries significant load, the grade should be specified by an engineer.
Protecting MS from corrosion
In Dubai, unprotected MS will rust, especially outdoors and near the coast. Choose the protection by location:
- Indoors, air-conditioned: primer and paint
- Indoors, not air-conditioned: a multi-coat paint system
- Outdoors: hot-dip galvanizing, with paint or powder coat for colour
Surface preparation matters as much as the paint. Read galvanizing vs painting in the UAE.
MS vs stainless steel vs aluminium
| Mild steel | Stainless steel | Aluminium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | High | High | Lower, lighter |
| Corrosion | Needs coating | Resistant | Resistant |
| Cost | Lowest | Highest | Medium |
| Typical use | Structures, frames, gates | Food, marine, premium railings | Cladding, windows, light frames |
How to brief a fabricator
- Send a drawing, or a sketch with all dimensions.
- Say where it will be used (indoors or outdoors) and what it must carry.
- State the finish and colour.
- Give the quantity and the date you need it.
- Say whether you need installation.
Examples from our workshop
Galvanised grating for Emkay, a heavy-duty rack for Xybe Engineering, and 78 custom light fixtures. Need MS fabrication works in Dubai? Send us your drawing.
Need steel fabricated in Dubai? DPSC designs, fabricates, and erects structural steel from our Al Quoz workshop. Send your drawings for a quote or call +971 56 889 7671.
