{"id":626,"date":"2024-07-09T19:18:22","date_gmt":"2024-07-09T13:48:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solitaire-overseas.com\/blog\/?p=626"},"modified":"2026-06-30T17:58:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T12:28:43","slug":"sae-1018-steel-composition-properties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solitaire-overseas.com\/blog\/sae-1018-steel-composition-properties\/","title":{"rendered":"SAE 1018 Steel \u2013 Chemical Composition, Equivalent Material, Properties and Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"
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SAE 1018 mild carbon steel has very good weldability and is a versatile material for fabrication. It is suitable for carburizing, and can be used to make parts with uniform and hard surface. AISI 1018 is a very common material due to its high ductility, strength and toughness. It has strong mechanical properties in the hot-rolled state, which can be used in many aspects. It also has good machining characteristics, which is ideal for projects requiring precise work. Moreover, SAE 1018 has a high Brinell hardness, which makes the material hard and effective for use in applications when hardness is required. In summary, AISI 1018 is a reliable mild carbon steel that provides a good balance of properties for various industrial applications. Get top-quality <\/span>pipes and tubes<\/span><\/a> from Solitaire Overseas.
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SAE 1018 Chemical Composition<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Chemical Composition<\/b><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Carbon<\/span><\/td>\nC %<\/span><\/td>\n0.150\u20130.200<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Manganese<\/span><\/td>\nMn %<\/span><\/td>\n0.600\u20130.900<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Phosphorus<\/span><\/td>\nP %<\/span><\/td>\n0.030 max.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sulphur<\/span><\/td>\nS %<\/span><\/td>\n0.035 max.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Boron<\/span><\/td>\nB %<\/span><\/td>\n0.0005\u20130.003<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chromium<\/span><\/td>\nCr %<\/span><\/td>\n0.150 max.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Copper<\/span><\/td>\nCu %<\/span><\/td>\n0.200 max.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Molybdenum<\/span><\/td>\nMo %<\/span><\/td>\n0.060 max.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nickel<\/span><\/td>\nNi %<\/span><\/td>\n0.200 max.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lead<\/span><\/td>\nPb %<\/span><\/td>\n0.150\u20130.350<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Iron<\/span><\/td>\nFe %<\/span><\/td>\nBalance<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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SAE 1018 Chemical Properties<\/b><\/h2>\n

SAE 1018 is a low-carbon steel with around 0.6% to 0.9% manganese and small amounts of other elements. This composition makes it ideal for a variety of automotive and machinery uses. In its cold-drawn or polished form, AISI 1018 offers higher yield and tensile strength compared to hot-rolled or regular AISI 1010 steel. The steel’s chemical properties also give it excellent weldability, allowing for strong and reliable welds in different applications. Its versatility makes SAE 1018 suitable for many industrial uses, from construction machinery to small parts like screws and nuts. Overall, AISI 1018 is a dependable choice for creating tools and equipment due to its balanced and effective chemical composition.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mechanical Properties of SAE\/AISI 1018 Steel<\/b><\/h2>\n

SAE\/AISI 1018 steel is known for its balanced mechanical properties. It has a tensile strength between 380 MPa and 540 MPa, and a yield strength ranging from 310 MPa to 420 MPa. The steel also features an elongation at break of about 21\u201323%, which indicates good ductility. The hardness of SAE\/AISI 1018 can be adjusted through heat treatment processes, allowing customization for different applications. These properties make AISI 1018 a versatile steel choice for many industrial uses, where both strength and flexibility are required.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Mechanical Property<\/b><\/td>\nMetric<\/b><\/td>\nImperial<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hardness, Brinell<\/span><\/td>\n126<\/span><\/td>\n126<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hardness, Knoop (Converted from Brinell)<\/span><\/td>\n145<\/span><\/td>\n145<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hardness, Rockwell B (Converted from Brinell)<\/span><\/td>\n71<\/span><\/td>\n71<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hardness, Vickers (Converted from Brinell)<\/span><\/td>\n131<\/span><\/td>\n131<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tensile Strength, Ultimate<\/span><\/td>\n440 MPa<\/span><\/td>\n63,800 psi<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tensile Strength, Yield<\/span><\/td>\n370 MPa<\/span><\/td>\n53,700 psi<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Elongation at Break (In 50 mm)<\/span><\/td>\n15.0%<\/span><\/td>\n15.0%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reduction of Area<\/span><\/td>\n40.0%<\/span><\/td>\n40.0%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Modulus of Elasticity<\/span><\/td>\n205 GPa<\/span><\/td>\n29,700 ksi<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bulk Modulus<\/span><\/td>\n140 GPa<\/span><\/td>\n20,300 ksi<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Poisson’s Ratio<\/span><\/td>\n0.290<\/span><\/td>\n0.290<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Machinability (vs AISI 1212 = 100%)<\/span><\/td>\n70%<\/span><\/td>\n70%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shear Modulus<\/span><\/td>\n80.0 GPa<\/span><\/td>\n11,600 ksi<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Physical Properties of SAE\/AISI 1018 Steel<\/b><\/h2>\n

SAE\/AISI 1018 is a versatile low-carbon steel known for its excellent physical properties, making it a popular choice in many industries. Its machinability is top-notch, allowing for easy fabrication and shaping. The steel’s cold-forming ability offers flexibility in manufacturing processes. With a yield strength of 393 MPa, AISI 1018 provides reliable strength for structural applications. It also exhibits durability and weldability, which are crucial for a wide range of uses. The steel’s good ductility ensures it can handle deformation without breaking, while its wear resistance supports applications subject to abrasion. AISI 1018’s high thermal conductivity supports efficient heat treatment, and its low thermal expansion rate ensures stability across different temperatures. These physical properties make SAE\/AISI 1018 a dependable choice for various engineering and manufacturing needs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Physical Property<\/b><\/td>\nMetric<\/b><\/td>\nImperial<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Density<\/span><\/td>\n7.87 g\/cc<\/span><\/td>\n0.284 lb\/in\u00b3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thermal Conductivity<\/span><\/td>\n51.9 W\/m\u00b7K<\/span><\/td>\n~30 BTU\/hr\u00b7ft\u00b7\u00b0F<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Melting Point (approx.)<\/span><\/td>\n1426\u20131538\u00b0C<\/span><\/td>\n2600\u20132800\u00b0F<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion<\/span><\/td>\n11.7 \u00b5m\/m\u00b7\u00b0C<\/span><\/td>\n6.5 \u00b5in\/in\u00b7\u00b0F<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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SAE 1018 Equivalent Grades<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Standard<\/b><\/td>\nAISI \/ SAE 1018 Equivalent<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
UNS<\/span><\/td>\nG10180<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
WERKSTOFF NR.<\/span><\/td>\n25CrMo4, GS-25CrMo4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
BS 970<\/span><\/td>\n708A30, CDS110<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
UNI<\/span><\/td>\n25CrMo4 (KB), 30CrMo4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
JIS<\/span><\/td>\nSCM 420, SCM 430, SCCrM1<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EN name<\/span><\/td>\n\u2014<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EN #<\/span><\/td>\n1.7218<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ASTM<\/span><\/td>\nA108 (Cold-Finished Carbon Steel Bars)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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SAE 1018 Cold-Rolled vs Hot-Rolled Steel<\/b><\/h2>\n

SAE 1018 steel is available in two primary production forms like cold-drawn (cold-rolled) and hot-rolled, each suited to different industrial requirements. Understanding the difference helps engineers and procurement teams select the right form for their application.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Property<\/b><\/td>\n1018 Cold-Drawn \/ Cold-Rolled<\/b><\/td>\n1018 Hot-Rolled<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Surface Finish<\/span><\/td>\nSmooth, bright, scale-free<\/span><\/td>\nRough, with mill scale<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dimensional Tolerance<\/span><\/td>\nTight (precision applications)<\/span><\/td>\nLooser (bulk fabrication)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tensile Strength<\/span><\/td>\n~440\u2013490 MPa<\/span><\/td>\n~380\u2013440 MPa<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Yield Strength<\/span><\/td>\n~370\u2013420 MPa<\/span><\/td>\n~310\u2013380 MPa<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ductility<\/span><\/td>\nSlightly lower<\/span><\/td>\nHigher<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Machinability<\/span><\/td>\nBetter (harder surface, consistent)<\/span><\/td>\nGood<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Use<\/span><\/td>\nShafts, pins, bushings, precision parts<\/span><\/td>\nStructural frames, plates, heavy fabrication<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/span><\/td>\nHigher<\/span><\/td>\nLower<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

For tubes and pipes in process industries, the cold-drawn form is preferred for heat exchangers and boiler applications due to tighter OD\/ID tolerances. For structural and general piping, hot-rolled 1018 provides a cost-effective solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

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SAE 1018 vs A36 Steel Key Differences<\/b><\/h2>\n

A frequently asked question is whether SAE 1018 and ASTM A36 can be used interchangeably. While both are low-carbon steels with good weldability, there are key practical differences:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Parameter<\/b><\/td>\nSAE 1018<\/b><\/td>\nASTM A36<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Carbon Content<\/span><\/td>\n0.15\u20130.20%<\/span><\/td>\nUp to 0.26%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Manufacturing Form<\/span><\/td>\nCold-drawn bars (primarily)<\/span><\/td>\nHot-rolled plates, beams, angles<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Surface Finish<\/span><\/td>\nSmooth, bright, precise<\/span><\/td>\nRough (mill scale)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tensile Strength<\/span><\/td>\n440 MPa (64,000 psi)<\/span><\/td>\n400\u2013550 MPa (58,000\u201380,000 psi)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Yield Strength<\/span><\/td>\n370 MPa<\/span><\/td>\n250 MPa minimum<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Machinability<\/span><\/td>\n70% (better)<\/span><\/td>\nLower<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Primary Use<\/span><\/td>\nPrecision machined parts, shafts, pins<\/span><\/td>\nStructural steel \u2014 beams, bridges, buildings<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/span><\/td>\nHigher per unit<\/span><\/td>\nLower (bulk structural supply)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard Body<\/span><\/td>\nAISI \/ SAE<\/span><\/td>\nASTM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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SAE 1018 Steel Corrosion Resistance<\/b><\/h2>\n

SAE\/AISI 1018 steel is a good choice for applications that require moderate corrosion resistance. As a low-carbon steel, it offers a balanced combination of strength and flexibility without the surface issues found in higher carbon steels. Its weldability further adds to its versatility, making it suitable for various manufacturing processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Compared to higher-strength alloys, SAE 1018 is also more cost-effective, which makes it an appealing option for projects with budget constraints. While it provides decent corrosion resistance, it is best used in environments where severe corrosion is not a major concern. Overall, the mix of corrosion resistance, weldability, and affordability makes SAE 1018 a practical choice for many engineering and manufacturing applications.<\/span><\/p>\n

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SAE 1018 Grade Application<\/b><\/h2>\n