Many of our customers have such a question: 1080 vs 1018 Steel – what’s the difference? Today, we will delve into the differences between 1080 steel and 1018 steel, two popular carbon steel grades with distinct characteristics and applications. Let’s start with the basics: the composition of these two steel grades.
1080 vs 1018 Steel – What’s the Difference?
1080 vs 1018 Steel – 1. Composition:
1080 Steel:
1080 steel, also known as high-carbon steel, contains a significant amount of carbon, ranging from 0.75% to 0.90% by weight. This high carbon content gives 1080 steel its characteristic hardness and strength. However, the increased carbon content also makes it less ductile and tougher to machine, weld, or form.
1018 Steel:
1018 steel, on the other hand, is a low-carbon steel with a carbon content of approximately 0.15% to 0.25%. This lower carbon content results in improved machinability, weldability, and ductility. 1018 steel is also known for its good strength and impact resistance.
1080 vs 1018 Steel – 2. Properties:
1080 Steel:
Due to its high carbon content, 1080 steel exhibits excellent hardness and wear resistance. It is particularly suitable for applications where durability and resistance to abrasion are crucial. However, its hardness comes at a cost: it is brittle and prone to fracturing under impact. Additionally, the high carbon content makes 1080 steel more susceptible to corrosion and requires regular maintenance to prevent rusting.
1018 Steel:
With its lower carbon content, 1018 steel offers a balance of strength and ductility. It is relatively easy to machine, weld, and form, making it a popular choice for manufacturing components that require these processes. 1018 steel also has good impact resistance and can withstand repeated stress without fracturing. While it is not as hard as 1080 steel, it is less prone to corrosion and easier to maintain.
1080 vs 1018 Steel – 3. Applications:
1080 Steel:
1080 steel’s hardness and wear resistance make it ideal for applications where durability is paramount. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of knives, axes, and other cutting tools as well as in the agricultural industry for parts that require resistance to abrasion and wear. However, its brittleness and difficulty in machining limit its use in complex components or parts that require precision fitting.
1018 Steel:
Due to its excellent machinability, weldability, and ductility, 1018 steel is widely used in a variety of applications. It is a popular choice for general-purpose structural components, bolts, nuts, shafts, and other mechanical parts. 1018 steel is also used in the automotive industry for parts that require strength and ductility, such as suspension components and axles. Additionally, its resistance to corrosion makes it suitable for outdoor applications where exposure to the elements is a concern.
Conclusion
In summary, 1080 steel and 1018 steel differ significantly in their composition, properties, and applications. 1080 steel, with its high carbon content, offers excellent hardness and wear resistance but is brittle and difficult to machine. It is ideal for applications where durability and abrasion resistance are crucial, such as knives and cutting tools.
On the other hand, 1018 steel, with its lower carbon content, provides a balance of strength and ductility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications that require machining, welding, and forming. It is commonly used in general-purpose structural components and mechanical parts where strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance are desired.
Thank you for reading our article and we hope it can help you to have a better understanding of the differences between 1080 vs 1018 Steel. If you are looking for 1080 & 1018 Steel suppliers online now, please don’t hesitate to contact Huaxia Steel.
As a leading supplier of carbon steel products from Shanghai, China, Huaxia Steel provides customers with high-quality 1080 Steel and 1018 Steel products, carbon steel, tool steel, alloy steel, carbon steel tubes, and carbon steel pipes at a very competitive price.
