Standards & Equivalents8–10 min read
ASTM, SAE, EN and UNS Material Numbers Explained
Separate alloy identities, product specifications and test methods before comparing equivalents.
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SAE 1018 Carbon Steel
Primary Designation:SAE 1018
Mat Grades internal verification confirms source-backed fidelity and data integrity. It does not constitute external certification or guaranteed lot conformity. Read engineering disclaimer →
Data Completeness:4 composition elements and 16 condition-specific property values cataloged.
Omitted fields represent unverified properties. "Missing is better than invented."
Key Engineering Properties
Representative source rows, qualified by their reported conditions. Inspect the tables below for all values, limits, and source notes.
Density
7.87 g/cm³TYPICAL · temperature not stated
Thermal Conductivity
51.9 W/(m·K)TYPICAL · at 100 °C
Specific Heat Capacity
486 J/(kg·K)TYPICAL · temperature not stated
Composition Excerpt
C 0.15–0.2 wt%Carbon (range)
Standard Elemental Basis: RANGETensile Strength
≥ 399.9 MPaMINIMUM · Hot rolled (estimated minimum) · temperature not stated
Engineering Summary
SAE 1018 Carbon Steel. Source-scoped engineering data is shown with its reported limits and conditions. Unreported properties are not inferred.
Recognized Aliases
Source-backed commercial trade name and short designations cataloged in canonical data.
SAE 1018 Carbon Steel Specifications & Designations
Standard Designations & Applicable Specifications — Semantically classified designations distinguishing primary standard identifiers, commercial trade names, and applicable specification references.
Direct Standard DesignationsDIRECT DESIGNATION
2 Primary IdentifiersScroll horizontally for full designation data
| System | Identifier | Standard System Name | Classification Notes & Provenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAEPRIMARY | 1018 | SAE | —Ref: Practical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition |
| AISI | 1018 | AISI | —Ref: Practical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition |
Applicable Specifications & Product Form ReferencesSPECIFICATION REFERENCE
1 Applicable StandardsScroll horizontally for full standard specifications
| Standards Body | Specification Code | Specification Title / Scope | Relationship Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAE | SAE 1018 Carbon Steel Engineering Datasheet | Applicable specification reference. | Specification Reference |
Engineering Notice: Applicable specifications establish manufacturing requirements, dimensional tolerances, and test criteria for specific product forms (e.g. bus bar, wire, plate, pipe). They represent applicable technical standards, not alternative or equivalent alloy grades.
SAE 1018 Carbon Steel Chemical Composition
Chemical Composition (Weight %) — Elemental limits and values from the cited source. Preserves exact semantic limits (minimums, maximums, and ranges).
Scroll horizontally for full elemental limits
| Element | Symbol | Atomic No. | Semantic Basis | Specified Value | Unit | Metallurgical Notes & Qualification | Data Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon | C | 6 | RANGE | 0.15 – 0.20 | wt% | Source cell: .15/.20. Scope: p4, SAE 1018.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
| Manganese | Mn | 25 | RANGE | 0.60 – 0.90 | wt% | Source cell: .60/.90. Scope: p4, SAE 1018.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
| Phosphorus | P | 15 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.04 | wt% | Source cell: .040max. Scope: p4, SAE 1018.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
| Sulfur | S | 16 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.05 | wt% | Source cell: .050max. Scope: p4, SAE 1018.Ref: Metallus | VERIFIED |
* Elemental percentages are expressed in weight percent (wt%). Values represent applicable specification limits. Unspecified trace elements are not fabricated or assumed.Preserves exact semantic basis
Property Display UnitsSwitch between Canonical SI and Source / US Customary units:
SAE 1018 Carbon Steel Physical Properties
Source-specific physical properties. Test temperatures are shown only where reported.
Scroll horizontally for full property parameters
| Property Parameter | Canonical SI Value | Semantic Basis | Test Temperature / Context Range | Source Raw Reference | Source Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.87 g/cm³ | TYPICAL | 7.87 g/cm3 | Metallus | VERIFIED | |
| Elastic Modulus | 205 GPa | TYPICAL | 205 GPa | Metallus | VERIFIED | |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.29 dimensionless | TYPICAL | 0.29 dimensionless | Metallus | VERIFIED |
SAE 1018 Carbon Steel Thermal & Thermodynamic Properties
Phase change temperatures, thermal conductivity, specific heat, mean coefficients of thermal expansion across standardized temperature ranges, and recommended thermal processing windows.
Scroll horizontally for full property parameters
| Property Parameter | Canonical SI Value | Semantic Basis | Test Temperature / Context Range | Source Raw Reference | Source Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Heat Capacity | 486 J/(kg·K) | TYPICAL | 486 J/(kg·K) | Metallus | VERIFIED | |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 11.7 µm/(m·K) | TYPICAL | Test Temp: 100 °C | 11.7 10^-6/K | Metallus | VERIFIED |
| Thermal Conductivity | 51.9 W/(m·K) | TYPICAL | Test Temp: 100 °C | 51.9 W/(m·K) | Metallus | VERIFIED |
SAE 1018 Carbon Steel Mechanical Properties
Contextual Mechanical Properties & Tempers: Engineering strength, ductility, and hardness values grouped by product form, temper, and section thickness. Mechanical properties are contextual and not isotropic averages.
Showing 5 of 5 conditions
Scroll horizontally for all conditions & tempers
| Product Form | Temper / Condition | Section Size | Tensile (UTS) | Yield Strength | Elongation | Shear Strength | Fatigue Strength | Hardness (Scales Preserved) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bar | Hot rolled (estimated minimum)Source values and qualifiersTensile Strength: ≥ 399.9 MPa (MINIMUM)Producer estimated minimum, not a certified or guaranteed specification limit. Section size and test temperature are not stated.Metallus — p118, SAE and AISI 1018 Yield Strength: ≥ 220.6 MPa (MINIMUM)Producer estimated minimum, not a certified or guaranteed specification limit. Section size and test temperature are not stated.Metallus — p118, SAE and AISI 1018 Elongation: ≥ 25 % (MINIMUM)Producer estimated minimum, not a certified or guaranteed specification limit. Section size and test temperature are not stated. Elongation gauge length: 2 in.Metallus — p118, SAE and AISI 1018 Reduction Of Area: ≥ 50 % (MINIMUM)Producer estimated minimum, not a certified or guaranteed specification limit. Section size and test temperature are not stated.Metallus — p118, SAE and AISI 1018 HB Hardness: ≥ 116 HB (MINIMUM)Producer estimated minimum, not a certified or guaranteed specification limit. Section size and test temperature are not stated.Metallus — p118, SAE and AISI 1018 | — | ≥ 399.9 MPa | ≥ 220.6 MPa | ≥ 25 % | — | — | ≥ 116 HB | VERIFIED |
| Bar | Cold Drawn Bar · Cold DrawnSource values and qualifiersUltimate Tensile Strength: ≥ 440 MPa (MINIMUM)ASTM A108Metallus — p119, Estimated Minimum Mechanical Properties of Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Bars, SAE 1018 Reduction of Area: ≥ 40 % (MINIMUM)ASTM A108Metallus — p119, Estimated Minimum Mechanical Properties of Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Bars, SAE 1018 | — · 19 to 32 mm (3/4 to 1-1/4 in) | ≥ 440 MPa | — | — | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Bar | Cold Drawn Bar · Cold DrawnSource values and qualifiersYield Strength: ≥ 370 MPa (MINIMUM)ASTM A108 (0.2% offset)Metallus — p119, Estimated Minimum Mechanical Properties of Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Bars, SAE 1018 | — · 19 to 32 mm (3/4 to 1-1/4 in) | — | ≥ 370 MPa | — | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Bar | Cold Drawn Bar · Cold DrawnSource values and qualifiersElongation at Break: ≥ 15 % (MINIMUM)ASTM A108Metallus — p119, Estimated Minimum Mechanical Properties of Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Bars, SAE 1018 | — · in 50 mm (2 in) | — | — | ≥ 15 % | — | — | — | VERIFIED |
| Bar | Cold Drawn BarSource values and qualifiersHB Hardness: ≥ 126 HB (MINIMUM)Metallus — p119, Estimated Minimum Mechanical Properties of Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Bars, SAE 1018 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ≥ 126 HB | VERIFIED |
Hardness Integrity Notice: Rockwell B (HRB), Rockwell F (HRF), and Superficial 30T (HR30T) scales are reported on their measured scales without cross-scale mathematical conversion.
Source: See fact-level citations
Practical Engineering & Fabrication Notes
By Mat Grades Editorial Desk · Updated 2026-11-14. Use alongside the specified product standard and supplier certificate.
Machining & shop-floor behavior
For SAE 1018 Carbon Steel, a qualified cutting-speed or tool-life recommendation is not supplied in the available record. A relevant hardness example is HB Hardness: minimum 116 HB (minimum; Hot rolled (estimated minimum), Bar). Use that supplied condition for a trial of the difficult feature. Record tool changes, burr removal, unclamped dimensions and accepted parts per hour. Relative machinability ratings from different reference scales should not be compared as if they were one common test.
Weldability, brazing & joining
No qualified weld procedure, filler selection or preheat/interpass schedule is established by this material record. Obtain a procedure for the actual joint, supplied condition and section rather than copying one from a nearby grade. The first cataloged strength example is Tensile Strength: minimum 399.9 MPa (minimum; Hot rolled (estimated minimum), Bar). Assess the final part after joining or thermal processing. Include distortion, cleanup and inspection in the quotation. A material designation or favorable process rating is a starting point for qualification, not evidence that an untested joint meets the drawing.
Corrosion & service environment
Plan corrosion protection and inspect how the finish affects threads, bearing fits and repaired surfaces. A steel strength value does not establish corrosion life. Where cyclic load or impact matters, retain the surface condition and the required toughness evidence with the material decision. The recorded thermal example is Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 11.7 µm/(m·K) (typical; ; test temperature 100 °C). State the exposure and inspection access in the design record so that a change of installation or cleaning method triggers a review. The selected composition entries are C 0.15–0.2 wt%, Mn 0.6–0.9 wt%, P maximum 0.04 wt%. Chemistry documents identity; it does not establish fluid compatibility.
Selection trade-offs & applications
For general machined spacers and pins, compare the delivered bar condition and coating route with the actual load. Cold-drawn properties should not be silently transferred to hot-rolled or subsequently heated stock. The listed forms include Bar; confirm the actual stock offered by the supplier. Compare the complete route through machining, joining, finish and inspection. Keep the certificate, required test location and acceptance criteria with the first-article record. A later change of grade, condition or source should be assessed against that same requirement.
Technical references: Metallus
SAE/AISI Low-Carbon Steel Cluster (1006–1026)
Plain carbon engineering steels with <0.26% C. Ordered by increasing nominal carbon content, illustrating the transition from maximum cold-formability to structural strength.
1018Current Grade
SAE 1018 Carbon Steel
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Sources
Sources & Provenance Trail: Authoritative reference publications, standards specifications, and data registers cited across this material record.
MetallusPractical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription; source document SHA-256 is recorded in the capture metadata. No cross-standard equivalence is asserted.
MetallusPractical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription from primary producer engineering datasheet.
MetallusPractical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription from primary producer engineering datasheet.
MetallusPractical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription from primary producer engineering datasheet.
MetallusPractical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription; source document SHA-256 is recorded in the capture metadata. No cross-standard equivalence is asserted.
MetallusPractical Data for Metallurgists, 19th edition
PRIMARY PRODUCER
Reviewed factual transcription from primary producer engineering datasheet.
Intellectual Property & Provenance Notice: Mat Grades cites technical literature from recognized industry associations and standards organizations. Underlying technical standards and publication data remain the intellectual property of their respective issuing organizations.