What type of steel is 1018? Is it mild steel?

Yes. 1018 is a low-carbon (mild) plain carbon steel, AISI/SAE 1018 (UNS G10180), with 0.14–0.20% carbon and 0.60–0.90% manganese. It is tough, easy to machine and easy to weld. It is not stainless, so parts used in humid environments get a protective finish.

How does 1018 steel machine?

It machines predictably with good chip formation and an AISI machinability rating of about 70%. We CNC turn and mill it with standard carbide tooling and coolant, from simple bushings to multi-feature parts.

How hard is 1018 steel?

Cold drawn 1018 is about 126 HB (Brinell), roughly 71 HRB. When carburized, the surface can reach about 55–62 HRC.

Can 1018 steel be heat treated?

It doesn’t through-harden because of its low carbon content. It is commonly carburized (case hardened) to get a hard, wear-resistant surface over a tough core.

How much do custom 1018 steel parts cost?

It depends on size, geometry, finish and quantity. As a reference, a 1018 steel stepped bushing of Ø40 × 35 mm with a through bore costs $70.79 USD for 1 part, $10.15 each at 25 and $8.12 at 100. Upload your file to get the exact price of your part instantly.

Do you machine custom steel parts from a single piece?

Yes. Upload your CAD file (STEP) and get an instant price and delivery date, from one part to production.

CNC turning and milling · From 1 part

1018 Steel
CNC Machining

1018 steel bushings, shafts, pins, flanges and plates, turned and milled from your file. Upload your CAD and order online, starting at a single part.

See 1018 properties

Stepped bushing

1018 Steel · Ø40 × 35 mm · Stepped with through bore

1 pc

$70.79 USD

per part

25 pcs

$10.15 USD

per part

-85.66%

100 pcs

$8.12 USD

per part

-88.53%

Loading…

Manufacturing services

CNC turning and milling · From 1 part

1018 Steel
CNC Machining

1018 steel bushings, shafts, pins, flanges and plates, turned and milled from your file. Upload your CAD and order online, starting at a single part.

See 1018 properties

Stepped bushing

1018 Steel · Ø40 × 35 mm · Stepped with through bore

1 pc

$70.79 USD

per part

25 pcs

$10.15 USD

per part

-85.66%

100 pcs

$8.12 USD

per part

-88.53%

Material Overview

What is Steel 1018?

1018 is a low-carbon steel (about 0.18% carbon) and the most common choice for general-purpose machined parts: it machines well, welds easily and costs little. It is usually supplied cold drawn (cold rolled), which gives a better finish and tighter stock size. At PREMSA we CNC turn and mill it from your file into bushings, shafts, pins, flanges, spacers, plates and tooling, starting at a single part with an instant price.

CNC machined and fabricated Steel 1018 components

Specifications

Steel 1018 Specifications

Engineering-grade properties of Steel 1018, including mechanical, physical, and manufacturing characteristics relevant to machining, forming, and welded fabrication. This data supports material selection for cost-driven production programs and general-purpose industrial components.

Steel 1018 Engineering Properties

Material Type

Low Carbon Steel (~0.18% Carbon)

Primary Characteristics

Good machinability, excellent weldability, high ductility, cost-effective

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

63 ksi (440 MPa)

Tensile Strength (Yield)

53 ksi (370 MPa)

Shear Strength

≈ 45 ksi (310 MPa)

Elongation at Break

15–20%

Brinell Hardness

120 HB (cold drawn)

Density

7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³)

Elastic Modulus

29,000 ksi (200 GPa)

Poisson’s Ratio

0.29

Thermal Conductivity

51.9 W/m·K

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

11.7 µm/m·°C

Melting Range

1425–1540 °C (2600–2800 °F)

Machinability

Good (AISI machinability rating ≈ 70%)

Weldability

Excellent (ideal for MIG, TIG, and resistance welding)

Formability

Excellent (suitable for bending, forming, and stamping)

Corrosion Resistance

Poor (requires coating such as plating, painting, or galvanizing)

Heat Treatment

Can be carburized for surface hardening

Common Forms

Bar, plate, sheet, tubing

Typical Applications

Machined parts, shafts, pins, welded structures, brackets, fixtures, automotive components

Material Composition

Iron (Fe): Balance, Carbon (C): 0.14–0.20%, Manganese (Mn): 0.60–0.90%, Phosphorus (P): ≤0.04%, Sulfur (S): ≤0.05%

ASTM Standard

ASTM A108 / A29

Performance

Material Performance Overview

Rating across key engineering and manufacturing criteria.

Strength

Weight

Machinability

Weldability

Formability

Corrosion Resistance

Thermal Resistance

Cost Efficiency

Need custom 1018 steel parts?

Upload your CAD file and get an instant price and delivery date. CNC turning and milling from one part to production.

Custom 1018 Steel Parts We Machine

We CNC turn and mill 1018 steel parts for machinery, automation, tooling and industrial maintenance.

Plain, stepped and threaded bushings

Shafts, axles and pins

Flanges and end caps

Spacers and standoffs

Base plates and mounting plates

Machined brackets and mounts

Fixtures, jigs and tooling

Carburized wear parts

Custom machinery replacement parts

Material FAQs

1018 Steel FAQs

Common questions about custom 1018 steel parts: what it is, machining, hardness, heat treating, welding, tolerances and cost.

Material Guide

1018 Steel: Properties, Machining, Tolerances and Finishes

1018 is one of the most widely used low-carbon steels in manufacturing. It machines predictably, welds without preheat and is easy to source in round, square, flat bar and plate, so it is the starting point for most general-purpose steel parts.

At PREMSA Industries we machine 1018 with CNC turning and milling from your file, from prototype to production.

Key manufacturing characteristics of Steel 1018

Low-carbon steel composition: 1018 typically contains around 0.18% carbon, giving it a practical balance of strength, ductility, and ease of processing.
Good machinability: Steel 1018 machines predictably and is commonly used for CNC milling, CNC turning, drilling, tapping, and general production machining.
Carburizing capability: While not a through-hardening steel, 1018 can be carburized to create a harder wear-resistant surface with a tougher core.
Broad manufacturing flexibility: It works well across machining, welding, light forming, and secondary finishing operations, which makes it a strong general-purpose industrial material.

Mechanical and physical properties of Steel 1018

1018 is chosen when a part needs moderate strength, good toughness and a material that is easy to source and machine.

Typical performance profile

Moderate strength for general industrial applications
Stable and predictable machining behavior
Good ductility for bending, forming, and fabrication

Why engineers choose it

More versatile for mixed machining and fabrication programs
Widely available in bar, plate, sheet, and tubing-related forms
Works well for shafts, brackets, mounts, fixtures, supports, and general industrial parts

Strengths and advantages of Steel 1018

Balanced manufacturability: Steel 1018 offers a practical combination of machinability, weldability, formability, and cost efficiency.
Reliable machining behavior: It supports repeatable results in CNC machining workflows, especially for general industrial parts.
Good fabrication flexibility: It can be used in machined parts, welded frames, mounts, and light formed components.
Carburizing option for wear surfaces: 1018 can be selected when a part needs a relatively soft core with a harder surface case.
Strong supply availability: It is commonly stocked and specified across manufacturing industries, which supports cost stability and sourcing flexibility.

Trade-offs and limitations of Steel 1018

Poor corrosion resistance: Like most plain carbon steels, 1018 typically requires plating, painting, powder coating, or another protective finish in exposed environments.
Limited through-hardening response: It does not respond to heat treatment like higher-carbon or alloy steels designed for hardness and wear resistance.
Not ideal for highly abrasive or high-fatigue service: For aggressive load, wear, or impact conditions, stronger steels or tool steels may be more appropriate.

Fabrication and machining considerations for Steel 1018

Tolerances on 1018 steel parts

If your drawing doesn’t specify tolerances, we machine to ISO 2768-m (medium). On dimensions you call out we can hold ±0.025 mm, and critical dimensions are checked in inspection.

1018 cold rolled (cold drawn) steel

1018 is almost always supplied cold drawn: the bar is pulled through a die that gives it a better surface finish, tighter size tolerances and somewhat higher strength than hot rolled bar. That is why it is the most common form for machined parts.

Machining behavior

Steel 1018 is a common choice for machined components because it offers stable cutting behavior and good overall production efficiency. It is suitable for CNC milling, CNC turning, drilling, tapping, and general machining operations.

Supports consistent cycle times from prototype through production
Produces reliable results for shafts, pins, mounts, and fixture components
Works well for tolerance-driven parts when workholding and tooling are controlled

Hole features and geometry

Drilled and tapped features are generally straightforward in most common geometries
Threads perform reliably when wall thickness and engagement are appropriate
Long, slender parts may require support to control chatter and deflection during machining

Welding and joining

Steel 1018 is often selected when designs combine machining with welded fabrication. It responds well to common joining methods.

Works well in welded assemblies, supports, and frames
Suitable for general industrial joining workflows
Can also be used with mechanical fastening where disassembly or service is required

Forming and finishing

Can be painted, powder coated, plated, or black oxide finished depending on application needs
May be carburized when a harder wear surface is required

Common applications for Steel 1018

Because of its balance of machinability, weldability, and general-purpose mechanical performance, Steel 1018 is widely used across CNC machined components and fabricated industrial hardware.

Shafts, pins, and spacers
Machined brackets and mounts
Industrial fixtures and jigs
Welded frames and supports
Base plates and machine components
Automotive and equipment hardware
General-purpose structural and fabricated parts
Carburized wear components

When Steel 1018 is a strong material choice

Steel 1018 is often the right choice when a project needs a low-carbon steel that machines well, welds reliably, and supports flexible fabrication without the added complexity of higher-strength alloys.

When machinability and weldability both matter
When the part may move between machining and fabrication processes
When moderate strength is sufficient for the application
When cost control and material availability are important
When a versatile general-purpose steel is needed for repeat production

Material Overview

What is Steel 1018?

Specifications

Steel 1018 Specifications

Steel 1018 Engineering Properties

Material Type

Low Carbon Steel (~0.18% Carbon)

Primary Characteristics

Good machinability, excellent weldability, high ductility, cost-effective

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

63 ksi (440 MPa)

Tensile Strength (Yield)

53 ksi (370 MPa)

Shear Strength

≈ 45 ksi (310 MPa)

Elongation at Break

15–20%

Brinell Hardness

120 HB (cold drawn)

Density

7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³)

Elastic Modulus

29,000 ksi (200 GPa)

Poisson’s Ratio

0.29

Thermal Conductivity

51.9 W/m·K

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

11.7 µm/m·°C

Melting Range

1425–1540 °C (2600–2800 °F)

Machinability

Good (AISI machinability rating ≈ 70%)

Weldability

Excellent (ideal for MIG, TIG, and resistance welding)

Formability

Excellent (suitable for bending, forming, and stamping)

Corrosion Resistance

Poor (requires coating such as plating, painting, or galvanizing)

Heat Treatment

Can be carburized for surface hardening

Common Forms

Bar, plate, sheet, tubing

Typical Applications

Machined parts, shafts, pins, welded structures, brackets, fixtures, automotive components

Material Composition

Iron (Fe): Balance, Carbon (C): 0.14–0.20%, Manganese (Mn): 0.60–0.90%, Phosphorus (P): ≤0.04%, Sulfur (S): ≤0.05%

ASTM Standard

ASTM A108 / A29

Performance

Material Performance Overview

Rating across key engineering and manufacturing criteria.

Strength

Weight

Machinability

Weldability

Formability

Corrosion Resistance

Thermal Resistance

Cost Efficiency

Need custom 1018 steel parts?

Upload your CAD file and get an instant price and delivery date. CNC turning and milling from one part to production.

Custom 1018 Steel Parts We Machine

We CNC turn and mill 1018 steel parts for machinery, automation, tooling and industrial maintenance.

Plain, stepped and threaded bushings

Shafts, axles and pins

Flanges and end caps

Spacers and standoffs

Base plates and mounting plates

Machined brackets and mounts

Fixtures, jigs and tooling

Carburized wear parts

Custom machinery replacement parts

Material FAQs

1018 Steel FAQs

Common questions about custom 1018 steel parts: what it is, machining, hardness, heat treating, welding, tolerances and cost.

Material Guide

1018 Steel: Properties, Machining, Tolerances and Finishes

Key manufacturing characteristics of Steel 1018

Low-carbon steel composition: 1018 typically contains around 0.18% carbon, giving it a practical balance of strength, ductility, and ease of processing.
Good machinability: Steel 1018 machines predictably and is commonly used for CNC milling, CNC turning, drilling, tapping, and general production machining.
Carburizing capability: While not a through-hardening steel, 1018 can be carburized to create a harder wear-resistant surface with a tougher core.
Broad manufacturing flexibility: It works well across machining, welding, light forming, and secondary finishing operations, which makes it a strong general-purpose industrial material.

Mechanical and physical properties of Steel 1018

1018 is chosen when a part needs moderate strength, good toughness and a material that is easy to source and machine.

Typical performance profile

Moderate strength for general industrial applications
Stable and predictable machining behavior
Good ductility for bending, forming, and fabrication

Why engineers choose it

More versatile for mixed machining and fabrication programs
Widely available in bar, plate, sheet, and tubing-related forms
Works well for shafts, brackets, mounts, fixtures, supports, and general industrial parts

Strengths and advantages of Steel 1018

Balanced manufacturability: Steel 1018 offers a practical combination of machinability, weldability, formability, and cost efficiency.
Reliable machining behavior: It supports repeatable results in CNC machining workflows, especially for general industrial parts.
Good fabrication flexibility: It can be used in machined parts, welded frames, mounts, and light formed components.
Carburizing option for wear surfaces: 1018 can be selected when a part needs a relatively soft core with a harder surface case.
Strong supply availability: It is commonly stocked and specified across manufacturing industries, which supports cost stability and sourcing flexibility.

Trade-offs and limitations of Steel 1018

Poor corrosion resistance: Like most plain carbon steels, 1018 typically requires plating, painting, powder coating, or another protective finish in exposed environments.
Limited through-hardening response: It does not respond to heat treatment like higher-carbon or alloy steels designed for hardness and wear resistance.
Not ideal for highly abrasive or high-fatigue service: For aggressive load, wear, or impact conditions, stronger steels or tool steels may be more appropriate.

Fabrication and machining considerations for Steel 1018

Tolerances on 1018 steel parts

If your drawing doesn’t specify tolerances, we machine to ISO 2768-m (medium). On dimensions you call out we can hold ±0.025 mm, and critical dimensions are checked in inspection.

1018 cold rolled (cold drawn) steel

Machining behavior

Supports consistent cycle times from prototype through production
Produces reliable results for shafts, pins, mounts, and fixture components
Works well for tolerance-driven parts when workholding and tooling are controlled

Hole features and geometry

Drilled and tapped features are generally straightforward in most common geometries
Threads perform reliably when wall thickness and engagement are appropriate
Long, slender parts may require support to control chatter and deflection during machining

Welding and joining

Steel 1018 is often selected when designs combine machining with welded fabrication. It responds well to common joining methods.

Works well in welded assemblies, supports, and frames
Suitable for general industrial joining workflows
Can also be used with mechanical fastening where disassembly or service is required

Forming and finishing

Can be painted, powder coated, plated, or black oxide finished depending on application needs
May be carburized when a harder wear surface is required

Common applications for Steel 1018

Because of its balance of machinability, weldability, and general-purpose mechanical performance, Steel 1018 is widely used across CNC machined components and fabricated industrial hardware.

Shafts, pins, and spacers
Machined brackets and mounts
Industrial fixtures and jigs
Welded frames and supports
Base plates and machine components
Automotive and equipment hardware
General-purpose structural and fabricated parts
Carburized wear components

When Steel 1018 is a strong material choice

When machinability and weldability both matter
When the part may move between machining and fabrication processes
When moderate strength is sufficient for the application
When cost control and material availability are important
When a versatile general-purpose steel is needed for repeat production

1018 SteelCNC Machining

1018 SteelCNC Machining

What is Steel 1018?

Steel 1018 Specifications

Steel 1018 Engineering Properties

Material Performance Overview

Need custom 1018 steel parts?

Custom 1018 Steel Parts We Machine

1018 Steel FAQs

1018 Steel: Properties, Machining, Tolerances and Finishes

Key manufacturing characteristics of Steel 1018

Mechanical and physical properties of Steel 1018

Typical performance profile

Why engineers choose it

Strengths and advantages of Steel 1018

Trade-offs and limitations of Steel 1018

Fabrication and machining considerations for Steel 1018

Tolerances on 1018 steel parts

1018 cold rolled (cold drawn) steel

Machining behavior

Hole features and geometry

Welding and joining

Forming and finishing

Common applications for Steel 1018

When Steel 1018 is a strong material choice

What is Steel 1018?

Steel 1018 Specifications

Steel 1018 Engineering Properties

Material Performance Overview

Need custom 1018 steel parts?

Custom 1018 Steel Parts We Machine

1018 Steel FAQs

1018 Steel: Properties, Machining, Tolerances and Finishes

Key manufacturing characteristics of Steel 1018

Mechanical and physical properties of Steel 1018

Typical performance profile

Why engineers choose it

Strengths and advantages of Steel 1018

Trade-offs and limitations of Steel 1018

Fabrication and machining considerations for Steel 1018

Tolerances on 1018 steel parts

1018 cold rolled (cold drawn) steel

Machining behavior

Hole features and geometry

Welding and joining

Forming and finishing

Common applications for Steel 1018

When Steel 1018 is a strong material choice

1018 Steel
CNC Machining

1018 Steel
CNC Machining