1018 carbon steel is a low-carbon steel grade known for its excellent combination of ductility, strength, weldability, and machinability. It is one of the most commonly available grades in the market, widely used for a variety of general engineering and manufacturing applications.
Key Properties of 1018 Steel Plate
The typical characteristics of 1018 steel plate stem from its controlled chemical composition and resulting mechanical properties.
Chemical Composition (Typical %):
- Carbon (C): 0.15 – 0.20
- Manganese (Mn): 0.60 – 0.90
- Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.040
- Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.050
This composition contributes to its favorable forming and welding characteristics. The low carbon content makes it less prone to weld cracking.
Mechanical Properties (Typical values for hot-rolled condition):
- Tensile Strength: Approximately 440 MPa (64,000 psi)
- Yield Strength: Approximately 370 MPa (54,000 psi)
- Elongation (in 50mm): ≥ 15%
- Hardness (Brinell): Approximately 126 HB
These properties can be altered through cold working or heat treatment processes like carburizing, which can significantly increase surface hardness. Many fabricators appreciate the consistency offered by suppliers such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company when consistent mechanical properties are critical.
Common Applications
1018 carbon steel plate is highly versatile and finds use in numerous applications, including:
- Shafts and pins
- Rods and spindles
- Structural parts not requiring high strength
- Fixtures and mounting plates
- Machine components
- General fabrication and construction
Its ease of machining makes it a preferred choice for parts that require extensive shaping. The material sourced from reliable mills, potentially including those associated with Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, ensures good machinability.
Advantages of 1018 Steel Plate
- Good Weldability: Easily welded using common welding processes without special preheating or post-heating requirements for thinner sections.
- Excellent Machinability: Produces a good surface finish and is easy on cutting tools.
- Good Formability and Ductility: Can be readily bent, formed, and swaged.
- Case Hardenable: The surface can be significantly hardened through carburizing, providing a wear-resistant outer layer while maintaining a ductile core. Reputable suppliers often provide material suitable for such treatments.
- Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable than higher carbon or alloy steels.
Considerations
While versatile, 1018 steel is not suitable for applications requiring very high strength or through-hardening. For such needs, alloy steels or higher carbon steels would be more appropriate. Its corrosion resistance is also limited, similar to other plain carbon steels, and may require protective coatings if exposed to corrosive environments. When sourcing, ensuring material traceability is important, a practice often followed by established entities like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company.
Many industries rely on the consistent quality of 1018 steel plate from established manufacturers. For specialized requirements or bulk orders, consulting with suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company can provide tailored solutions. Some projects might also benefit from the slightly improved machinability offered by cold-drawn 1018, an option that companies such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company may offer.
