1018 Steel: Grade Anatomy

Known for its machinability  and affordability, 1018 steel packs a punch. Let's delve deeper into the world of 1018 steel and uncover why it's more than just your average metal.

What to Know About 1018 Steel Properties

When using steel 1018, it’s made up of iron and carbon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur. Other elements can also be included in small amounts, such as aluminum, copper, and silicon. 

1018 cold-drawn steel has improved machinability, better tensile strength, and higher yield than 1018 hot-rolled steel. It’s also ideal for welding purposes and works with many welding techniques to create strong joints.

Can 1018 Steel Be Hardened?

When considering the hardenability of steel, it's important to understand that 1018 steel, while versatile and widely used, is not typically chosen for applications requiring high hardenability. 

Hardenability refers to a steel's ability to achieve hardness through heat treatment, specifically by quenching in water or oil after heating. 

1018 steel lacks significant alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, or molybdenum that are known to enhance hardenability in other steel grades.

In contrast, steel grades like 8620 and 1117 are preferred for applications requiring higher hardenability. 

For instance, 8620 steel contains nickel, chromium, and molybdenum, which promote the formation of martensite and contribute to increased hardenability, resulting in improved core strength and toughness. 

Similarly, 1117 steel, with its higher manganese content compared to 1018, exhibits better hardenability.

What Applications is 1018 Steel Used For?

Good quality 1018 cold-finished steel is considered the most widely used low carbon SBQ grade. Some may call it the preeminent flat bar grade, and one that is available in the most shapes. 

In general, those looking for a highly ductile and weldable grade of steel often turn to 1018 steel. 

Understanding the characteristics and limitations of 1018 steel helps in making informed decisions about material selection based on specific application requirements.
 

Can 1018 Steel Be Heat Treated?

1018 steel, characterized by its low carbon content of approximately 0.18%, is generally not suitable for heat treatment to achieve significant changes in mechanical properties such as hardness and strength. 

For applications where heat treatment is desired to enhance mechanical properties such as hardness and strength, alloy steels with higher carbon content and additional alloying elements are typically recommended. 

Alloys like 8620, 4140, or 4340 are examples of steels that can be effectively heat treated to achieve desired properties due to their higher carbon content and alloying elements like chromium, nickel, and molybdenum.

Overall, while 1018 steel offers advantages such as good machinability, weldability, and cost-effectiveness, it is often not a suitable choice for applications requiring heat treatment to achieve significant improvements in hardness and strength. 

For such applications, alloy steels with higher carbon content and specific alloying elements should be selected to ensure the desired properties can be attained through heat treatment processes. 

Understanding the benefits and limitations of 1018 steel is essential for making informed decisions about material selection based on application requirements.

Shop for 1018 steel

1018 steel bar is considered one of the more affordable grades of steel. As previously stated, 1018 steel is available in many different shapes of bar. Click the link below for shop our selection.