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AISI 1018 carbon steel is a widely used low-carbon alloy with the main chemical composition including carbon (C) 0.15-0.20%, manganese (Mn) 0.60-0.90%, sulfur (S) less than 0.050%, phosphorus (P) less than 0.040%, and iron (Fe) as a matrix element. In addition, it may contain small amounts of other elements such as silicon (Si). Due to its low carbon content, it has excellent weldability, good ductility and reliable machinability, making it a practical choice for many general applications. Common uses include shafts, pins, and machine parts that require moderate strength without extremely high hardness or wear resistance.
1. Main Characteristics
1.1 Machinability:
AISI 1018 carbon steel has good machinability and is suitable for various machining operations such as turning, milling, drilling, etc.
1.2 Plasticity:
The steel can meet the processing needs of various complex shapes and has good plasticity. Very suitable for cold forming and forging operations.
1.3 Weldability:
AISI 1018 carbon steel has excellent weldability. It supports arc welding, gas welding, and TIG welding. Welding temperature must be carefully controlled. Excessive heat may cause deformation or cracking.
1.4 Strength and hardness:
AISI 1018 carbon steel has high strength and hardness and can withstand large loads and pressures. When not heat treated, the hardness is ≤197HB, and its performance can be further improved after heat treatment. However, compared with high carbon steel, its hardness level is still relatively low.
1.5 Cold working performance:
Due to its low carbon content, AISI 1018 steel has good cold working performance and can be plastically deformed by common cold working operations such as press working, bending, and stretching.
1.6 Corrosion:
Like most carbon steels, AISI 1018 is prone to corrosion if not protected, so surface treatment or coating is usually recommended in humid or corrosive environments.
2. Main uses
2.1 Mechanical manufacturing:
AISI 1018 carbon steel is widely used in the field of mechanical manufacturing and can be used to manufacture various parts, such as pistons, screws, transmission shafts, machine tools, springs, bearings, self-tapping screws, etc.
2.2 Automobile manufacturing:
Due to its excellent mechanical properties and processing performance, AISI 1018 carbon steel is often used in the manufacture of parts in the automobile manufacturing industry, such as bearings, pins, bolts, etc.
2.3 Construction field:
AISI 1018 carbon steel is also suitable for the manufacture of some metal components in construction projects, such as steel bars in reinforced concrete structures.
2.4 Electronic equipment:
AISI 1018 carbon steel also has certain applications in precision electronic equipment.
2.5 Other fields:
In addition, AISI 1018 carbon steel can also be used in furniture manufacturing (such as metal furniture coffee tables, chairs, etc.) and various types of mechanical equipment (such as woodworking machinery, ceramic machinery, papermaking machinery, etc.).
In summary, AISI 1018 carbon steel plays an important role in many fields with its excellent performance characteristics. During use, it is necessary to pay attention to controlling the processing and welding temperature to prevent its surface from corrosion and oxidation in order to extend its service life.