AISI 1018 Cold Finished STEEL BAR & ROD
The general-purpose workhorse. Precision cold drawn steel with superior surface finish, straightness, and machinability.
Why Choose AISI 1018?
The perfect balance of strength, ductility, and machinability for general fabrication.
Machinability Rating
Rated at 78% of B1112. Continuous chips and good tool life. Ideal for high-volume CNC turning.
Excellent Weldability
Low carbon content (0.15-0.20%) allows welding without pre-heating or post-weld stress relief.
Case Hardening
Cannot be through-hardened, but excellent for Carburizing. Creates a hard wear-resistant shell with a tough core.
Bright Finish
Cold drawing removes mill scale. Result is a smooth, bright surface often usable without further machining.
1018 Cold Roll vs. A36 Hot Roll
The most common question we get: "Should I buy cold finished or hot rolled?" Here is the breakdown.
AISI 1018
Cold Finished (CF)
- Tolerance: Precise (Minus Tolerance)
- Surface: Smooth, Shiny, Oiled
- Strength: Higher (Work Hardened)
- Straightness: Superior
ASTM A36
Hot Rolled (HR)
- Tolerance: Loose (Oversized)
- Surface: Rough, Mill Scale
- Strength: Standard Yield
- Straightness: Fair
Technical Specifications
Typical properties for Cold Drawn 1018 Steel Bars (ASTM A108).
Mechanical Properties
Cold Drawn| Property | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 64,000 psi | 440 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 54,000 psi | 370 MPa |
| Elongation (in 2") | 15.0 % | 15.0 % |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 126 HB | - |
| Machinability | 78 % | of B1112 |
Chemical Composition
AISI 1018| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) |
0.15 - 0.20%
|
| Manganese (Mn) |
0.60 - 0.90%
|
| Phosphorus (P) |
0.040% Max
|
| Sulfur (S) |
0.050% Max
|
Need a printable Data Sheet?
Download the full PDF with detailed heat treatment and welding guidelines.
Typical Applications
From precision shafts to heavy-duty fixtures, 1018 is the industry standard.
Motor Shafts
Used in electric motors and pumps where surface finish and straightness are critical for bearing fit.
Straightness
Fixtures & Jigs
Base plates and mounting blocks. The material is stable and easy to drill, tap, and mill flat.
Machinability
Pins & Rods
Dowel pins, tie rods, and anchor bolts. Cold drawing ensures tight OD tolerances (h9) for precise fits.
Tolerance
Carburized Parts
Low-duty gears, worms, and slides that require a hard wear surface but a tough, ductile core.
Case HardeningStock Forms & Sizes
12ft and 24ft random lengths available. Mill Test Reports (MTRs) provided with all shipments.
Round Bar
Square Bar
Hexagon Bar
Flat Bar
Common Questions
Technical answers regarding heat treatment and fabrication properties.
Can AISI 1018 steel be hardened / heat treated?
Through-Hardening: NO. Due to its low carbon content (0.18%), it cannot be quenched and tempered like 1045 or 4140. It will not harden significantly if heated and quenched.
Case-Hardening: YES. 1018 is an excellent candidate for Carburizing (Case Hardening). This process adds carbon to the surface, creating a hard, wear-resistant outer shell (approx. Rc 60) while maintaining a tough, ductile core.
Does 1018 steel rust?
Yes. 1018 is a plain carbon steel with no chromium (unlike stainless steel). It will rust if exposed to moisture or humidity. We ship all bars with a light rust-preventative oil coating, but finished parts should be painted, plated (zinc/chrome), or blackened for protection.
Is 1018 easy to weld?
Extremely easy. It is considered one of the most weldable steels available. It can be welded using all standard methods (MIG, TIG, Stick) without the need for pre-heating or post-weld stress relief, preventing cracking in the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ).
Is 1018 steel magnetic?
Yes, strongly magnetic. It has high magnetic permeability, making it suitable for parts in electromagnetic devices, solenoids, and magnetic chucks.
Machinist's Tip: Carburizing
If you need a hard surface for gears or pins, request "Carburize and Harden". Standard case depth is typically 0.030" - 0.060".