Steel 1018

Annealing Procedure

A full anneal can be achieved by soaking at 1650 F followed by furnace cooling. Process annealing can be done at 1200 F.

Applications

The alloy is a free machining grade that is often employed in high volume screw machine parts applications. It is commonly employed in shafts, spindles, pins, rods, sprocket assemblies and an incredibly wide variety of component parts.

Cold Workability

Cold working 1018 will have a significant affect on hardness and mechanical properties. Intermediate annealing is required to overcome its tendency to work harden.

Forgeability

Forge this alloy in the range of 1825-2300 F.

Formability

1018 can be easily formed in the annealed condition.

Hardening Procedure

See heat treatment and cold working notes.

Heat Treatability

1018 can, in thin sections be case hardened to Rc 42. In thicker sections, over 4", Rc 28-30 can be obtained.

Hot Workability

1018 can easily be hot worked.

Machinability

1018 is rated at 62% of 1112 carbon steel. The alloy can be easily brought to a fine finish, its chips are continuous and hard and it can be machined in all conditions.

Principle Design Features

1018 is among the most commonly available grades available in the world. It is widely available in cold finished rounds, squares, flat bar and hexagons. Despite its unimpressive mechanical properties, the alloy is easily formed, machined, welded and fabricated. Due to its higher Mn content, it can, in thin sections, be hardened to Rc 42.

Weldability

1018 has been successfully welded using most all the common practices including gas, resistance, oxyacetylene, and submerged melt welding.