1018 is the most common low-carbon (mild) steel for machined and welded parts. It is easy to cut, easy to weld, and inexpensive. It is not corrosion-resistant — protect with paint, plating, or powder coat.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 440 MPa |
| Yield strength | 370 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 15% |
| Density | 7.87 g/cm³ |
| Modulus | 205 GPa |
| Hardness | ~70 HRB |
| Machinability rating | Excellent |
Process compatibility
| Process | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CNC milling | Excellent | Common stock material. |
| CNC turning | Excellent | Default for shafts, pins. |
| Sheet metal | Good | Use S275 / Q235 for sheet equivalents. |
| Welding | Excellent | Easily welded with MIG/TIG/SMAW. |
| Heat treatment | Limited | Low carbon; case-harden if surface hardness needed. |
Typical applications
- Structural brackets and frames.
- Welded fabrications.
- Shafts and pins (hardened or plated).
- Prototype parts to be plated and painted.
Corrosion
Bare 1018 will rust in days outdoors. Always specify a finish — zinc plate, powder coat, paint, or oil.
Specifying it on Uretyco
- 1Pick 1018 from the dropdown
Cold-rolled or hot-rolled.
- 2Specify the finish
Zinc plate, powder coat, black oxide, or paint.
- 3Decide on case-hardening
Optional for surface hardness on shafts.
- 4Add MTR if structural
On request for regulated or critical structural parts.
Related materials
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