SAE 1018 Carbon Steel: Properties, Composition, and Industrial Applications
SAE 1018 carbon steel is a widely used low-carbon mild steel grade with excellent weldability, machinability, and surface finish. Commonly supplied in cold-drawn or hot-rolled form, SAE 1018 is known for its uniformity and consistency in mechanical properties, making it ideal for precision machining and general engineering.
Whether you’re manufacturing parts, components, or structures, SAE 1018 steel provides a balance between strength, ductility, and affordability.
📘 What is SAE 1018 Carbon Steel?
SAE 1018 is a standard low-carbon steel grade under the AISI-SAE system. It is part of the 10xx steel series, where the last two digits indicate the approximate carbon content—0.18% carbon in this case.
SAE 1018 is commonly used in:
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Machined parts
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Automotive components
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Shafts and spindles
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Cold-formed and welded products
Its tight chemistry and smooth finish make it particularly useful for applications requiring dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
🧪 Chemical Composition of SAE 1018
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.15 – 0.20 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.60 – 0.90 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.050 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The low carbon content improves machinability, weldability, and cold forming capabilities.
🔧 Mechanical Properties of SAE 1018
| Property | Cold Drawn | Hot Rolled |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 440 – 500 MPa | 370 – 440 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 370 MPa | 250 MPa |
| Elongation (%) | 15 – 20 | 20 – 25 |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 126 – 170 HB | 111 – 137 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 205 GPa | 205 GPa |
SAE 1018 steel can also be case hardened for increased surface wear resistance without compromising the soft, ductile core.
💡 Key Features of SAE 1018 Carbon Steel
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Excellent machinability and weldability
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Uniform mechanical properties
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Good surface finish in cold-drawn condition
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Easily carburized for wear resistance
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Suitable for moderate load-bearing components
🏭 Applications of SAE 1018 Carbon Steel
SAE 1018 is popular in precision machining and engineering industries due to its ease of processing and mechanical balance. Common applications include:
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Shafts, pins, rods, axles
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Gears, sprockets, couplings
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Studs, bolts, nuts, and fasteners
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Automotive parts and components
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Cold-headed parts
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Tooling and fixture components
Its suitability for case hardening makes it ideal for parts needing a hard surface and a tough core.
🔁 Equivalent Grades of SAE 1018
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| AISI/SAE | 1018 |
| UNS | G10180 |
| DIN | CK15 / 1.1141 |
| EN | C15E |
| JIS | S15C |
| IS | IS 1875 Gr. C15 |
While equivalent, always confirm grade compatibility based on specific project needs.
📏 Available Forms and Supply Range
We offer SAE 1018 in various formats:
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Bars: Round, Hex, Flat, Square
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Plates & Sheets: Hot rolled or cold rolled
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Wires & Coils: For cold heading and forming
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Custom sizes and lengths
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Heat-treated and surface-treated options
🇮🇳 SAE 1018 Steel Supplier in India
We are a leading supplier and stockist of SAE 1018 carbon steel in India, delivering to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ahmedabad.
✅ Why Choose Us?
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Ready stock in standard and custom sizes
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ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system
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Competitive pricing and fast delivery
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MTCs, third-party inspection, and export documentation
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Custom cutting, machining, and heat treatment services
📞 Contact Us
Looking for SAE 1018 carbon steel bar or plate at the best price in India?
📧 Email: sales@yourcompany.com
📞 Call: +91-XXXXXXXXXX
🌐 Visit: www.yourcompany.com
Get free technical assistance and competitive quotes today!
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✅ FAQs – SAE 1018 Steel
❓ What is the difference between SAE 1018 and SAE 1020?
SAE 1018 has slightly lower carbon content than 1020, offering better ductility and weldability, while SAE 1020 offers slightly higher strength.
❓ Is SAE 1018 good for welding?
Yes, its low carbon content allows excellent weldability using standard welding methods.
❓ Can SAE 1018 be hardened?
SAE 1018 can be case-hardened but not through-hardened due to its low carbon content.
❓ Is SAE 1018 suitable for precision machining?
Absolutely. Cold-drawn 1018 steel is widely used in CNC machining, shafts, and critical components requiring tight tolerances.
🔚 Conclusion
SAE 1018 carbon steel is an incredibly versatile and economical choice for a wide range of industrial and mechanical applications. Its excellent machinability, weldability, and consistent performance make it ideal for both small-scale and mass production.
As a top SAE 1018 steel supplier in India, we are committed to quality, service, and customer satisfaction. Get in touch with us to explore the full range of SAE 1018 round bars, plates, sheets, and more.
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