1.What do the numbers in 1045 steel mean?
The first number '1' in 1045 signifies that the steel is carbon. The second digit '0' indicates that the steel has no significant alloy components. The final two digits, '45,' indicate that this steel contains 0.45 percent carbon content.1045 usually refers to a grade of steel, specifically medium carbon steel with a carbon content of about 0.45%. Carbon steel is usually divided into low carbon steel (carbon content of 0.04%~0.25%), medium carbon steel (carbon content of 0.25%~0.6%), and high carbon steel (carbon content of 0.6%~1.35%) according to the carbon content.
2.1045 Steel Plate Properties
1045 steel plate is a high-strength medium carbon quenched and tempered steel with certain plasticity and toughness, high strength, good machinability, and good comprehensive mechanical properties can be obtained by quenching and tempering. However, the welding performance of this steel is low. It can still be welded, but the weldment should be preheated before welding and annealed after welding to eliminate welding stress. Due to its low price and wide supply, 1045 steel is widely used in industrial machinery manufacturing industry.2.What is the difference between A36 and 1045 steel?
| Attribute | AISI 1045 Steel | A36 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Medium Carbon Steel | Low Carbon Mild Steel |
| Tensile Strength | 570 - 700 MPa | 400 - 550 MPa (58,000 - 79,800 psi) |
| Impact Resistance | High | Moderate |
| Machinability | Good, may work-harden during machining | Excellent, less prone to work-hardening |
| Weldability | Good, requires preheating due to high carbon content | Excellent, no preheating required |
| Chemical Composition | Carbon content of 0.45% | Carbon content of approximately 0.26% |
| Yield Strength | Typically above 550 MPa | ≥250 MPa for thickness ≤ 200mm (8 in) |
| Hardness | Can be adjusted through heat treatment, specific values not provided | Specific values not provided, generally lower than 1045 Steel |
| Applications | Mechanical parts and structural components requiring high strength and wear resistance | General construction, fabrication projects, etc. |
| Work Hardening | Yes, likely to harden during machining operations | No, not likely to harden during machining |
| Welding Difficulty | More challenging, preheating recommended | Easier to weld, preheating not typically required |
3.1018 Steel vs 1045 Steel
| Attribute/Property | 1018 Steel | 1045 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | ||
| Carbon (C) Content | 0.18% | 0.45% |
| Manganese (Mn) Content | 0.60-0.90% | 0.60-0.90% |
| Phosphorus (P) Max | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| Sulfur (S) Max | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Tensile Strength | ~58,000 psi | ~95,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 54,000 psi | 77,000 psi |
| Elongation in 2" | 15% | 12% |
| Reduction of Area | 40% | 35% |
| Brinell Hardness | ~126 HB | ~179 HB |
| Rockwell Hardness | ~70 HRB | ~85 HRB |
| Corrosion Resistance | Less susceptible due to lower carbon content | More susceptible, but improvable through heat treatment |
| Weldability | Excellent, low carbon reduces risk of cracking | Fair to poor, higher carbon can lead to cracking, requires preheat and post-weld treatment |
| Machinability | Good, easy to machine due to low carbon | Difficult, high carbon makes it harder and more abrasive |
| Applications | Automotive parts, appliances, general machinery | Gears, shafts, components under high load and stress |
| Cost | Generally more affordable than 1045 | Typically more expensive due to higher carbon content |
| Availability | Widely available in various forms | Less common, may require longer lead times or higher MOQs |
| Heat Treatment | Annealing for ductility, hardening and tempering for strength | Same, heat treatment can significantly alter properties |
| Other Considerations | Better toughness, resistant to impact and fracture | Higher strength and hardness |
| Conclusion | 1018 offers excellent weldability and machinability, suitable for complex geometries and ease of fabrication | 1045 provides greater strength and hardness, ideal for applications requiring durability and wear resistance |
4.Which Steel is Harder 1045 or 4140?
Between 1045 and 4140 steel, 4140 steel is generally recognized as the harder material due to its higher carbon content and the presence of alloying elements like chromium and molybdenum, which significantly enhance its hardness and wear resistance.| Attribute/Property | 1045 Steel | 4140 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Carbon steel known for strength and impact resistance | Alloy steel with added chromium, molybdenum, and manganese for superior hardness, toughness, and wear resistance |
| Carbon Content | 0.43-0.50% | 0.38-0.43% |
| Composition (by ASTM A29) | C: 0.43-0.50, Mn: 0.60-0.90, P: 0.04, S: 0.050 | C: 0.38-0.43, Mn: 0.75-1.00, P: 0.035, S: 0.040, Si: 0.15-0.35, Cr: 0.8-1.10, Mo: 0.15-0.25 |
| Mechanical Properties | Offers good weldability and machinability; lower hardness | Better strength and hardness due to alloying elements |
| Heat Treatment | Easily heat treated to improve strength | Achieves higher hardness and strength with heat treatments like quenching and tempering (QT) |
| Applications | Preferable for parts requiring impact resistance | Ideal for high-stress components such as axles, gears, and shafts |
| Cost | More cost-effective due to simpler composition | More expensive due to alloy content; offers superior properties |
| Working Characteristics | Easier to machine | Harder material may require advanced machining techniques |
