1010 Carbon Steel: Low-Carbon Mild Steel for General Engineering & Cold Forming Applications
1010 carbon steel, classified under the AISI/SAE designation system, is a low-carbon mild steel grade renowned for its exceptional formability, weldability, and machinability. With a nominal carbon content of 0.10%, this grade offers a balanced combination of strength and ductility, making it ideal for cold-headed fasteners, automotive components, and general-purpose fabrication. This article explores its chemical composition, mechanical properties, manufacturing processes, and industry-specific applications.
1. Chemical Composition (ASTM A108/A29 Standards)
| Element | Content Range | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.08-0.13% | Low carbon content ensures high ductility and excellent cold-forming capability |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.30-0.60% | Enhances strength and hardenability while maintaining formability |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040% | Controlled impurity to prevent embrittlement and maintain toughness |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.050% | Limited to improve machinability without compromising weldability |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Base metal providing structural integrity and magnetic properties |
2. Mechanical Properties (Typical Values)
- Tensile Strength: 365 MPa (53,000 psi) – Hot rolled condition
- Yield Strength: 305 MPa (44,200 psi) – Minimum guaranteed
- Elongation in 50mm: 20% minimum (excellent ductility for forming operations)
- Hardness (Brinell): 111 HB (annealed condition, easy to machine)
- Modulus of Elasticity: 205 GPa (29,700 ksi) – Standard for carbon steels
- Shear Modulus: 80 GPa (11,600 ksi) – Important for structural applications
3. Manufacturing & Processing Characteristics
- Hot Rolling: Processed at 900-1200°C to achieve uniform grain structure, followed by air cooling to room temperature. Produces hot rolled bars with characteristic blue-gray finish.
- Cold Drawing: Cold worked through dies to achieve precise dimensional tolerances (±0.1mm) and improved surface finish (Rmax ≤ 3.2μm). Increases strength through work hardening.
- Annealing: Full annealing at 870-920°C followed by slow furnace cooling to relieve internal stresses and restore ductility after cold working operations.
- Machining: Excellent machinability rating (65% of B1112) when normalized. Recommended cutting speeds: 120-150 m/min for turning, 30-40 m/min for drilling.
- Welding: Easily weldable by all conventional methods (MIG, TIG, stick). Preheating not required for sections <25mm. Post-weld stress relief recommended for critical applications.
4. Key Application Sectors
Automotive Components
Cold-headed bolts, nuts, and fasteners; chassis brackets; fuel system components. Meets SAE J403 standards for automotive structural applications.
Industrial Fasteners
Grade 2 bolts, screws, and rivets (ASTM F568M). Ideal for non-critical applications requiring good thread rolling characteristics and moderate strength.
Machined Parts
Gears, shafts, and spindles for general machinery. Excellent for parts requiring secondary machining operations due to consistent hardness and chip formation.
Construction & Fabrication
Structural shapes for non-load-bearing applications, architectural metalwork, and decorative ironwork. Easily formed into complex shapes without cracking.
5. Comparison with Similar Carbon Steel Grades
| Grade | Carbon Content | Key Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1010 | 0.08-0.13% | Best formability, lowest strength in 10xx series | Cold-headed fasteners, deep-drawn parts |
| 1018 | 0.15-0.20% | Higher strength with good machinability | Shafts, pins, and machinery parts |
| 1045 | 0.43-0.50% | Medium carbon for heat treatment applications | Gears, axles, and forged components |
| 12L14 | 0.15% max | Free-machining with lead addition | High-volume screw machine products |
6. Selection & Processing Recommendations
- Cold Forming: Optimal for bending, stamping, and deep drawing operations. Minimum bend radius of 0.5x material thickness recommended for 90° bends.
- Heat Treatment: Not typically heat treated due to low carbon content. Stress relief at 540-650°C may be applied to relieve machining stresses.
- Surface Finishes: Available in hot rolled (HR), cold drawn (CD), or turned/ground/polished (TGP) conditions. CD provides best surface for plating.
- Corrosion Protection: Requires protective coatings (zinc plating, painting) for outdoor applications. Not suitable for corrosive environments without treatment.
- Quality Certification: Verify material test reports (MTR) confirm compliance with ASTM A108 (cold-finished) or ASTM A29 (hot-rolled) standards.
7. Request a Carbon Steel Quote
For customized 1010 carbon steel products including hot rolled bars, cold drawn rods, or precision machined components, contact our technical sales team. We provide mill-certified materials with full traceability and competitive pricing for bulk orders.