What Is 1018 Carbon Steel Made Of?

1018 carbon steel has low carbon content and relatively high manganese content. It also contains trace amounts of iron, phosphorus, and sulfur. The low carbon content makes 1018 soft, while manganese adds hardness and creates a more uniform surface compared to other soft steels like C1020. These properties make 1018 ideal for machining, especially when cold drawn.

Composition:

• Carbon: 0.15-0.20% (low carbon)
• Manganese: 0.60-0.90%
• Iron: Balance (major component)
• Trace Elements: Phosphorus and sulfur

How Does the Cold Drawn Steel Process Work?

Cold drawing shapes steel rods or sheets while increasing their strength. First, raw steel is cleaned to remove surface iron oxide. The rods are then pulled through a die, shaping them to the desired size and dimension. This process occurs at room temperature, hence the term “cold drawn.” It results in steel with higher yield strength, tensile strength, and hardness, along with improved surface quality.

However, cold drawing slightly reduces ductility. Fortunately, 1018 steel maintains high workability, so it remains easy to machine and form.

How Is 1018 Carbon Steel Used?

1018 cold drawn steel is commonly used for carburized parts like gears, pins, ratchets, and machine components. Its combination of hardness and workability makes it ideal for applications where strength isn’t critical. It’s also highly machinable for threading, drilling, or punching.

1018 steel’s high workability allows for easy welding and cutting. It’s compatible with most welding methods and produces strong joints. When carburized, the steel develops a hard outer case while retaining a soft core, thanks to its manganese content.

Why Choose Bergsen Metals for 1018 Steel?

Bergsen Metals offers a wide range of 1018 cold finished bar in various shapes and sizes. We keep 1018 in stock, ensuring fast delivery anywhere in the U.S.