Known in industry for its adaptability and machinability, 1018 is a low-carbon, mild steel used to make many different parts with clean cuts and smooth surfaces. These include structural and precision parts, fasteners, pistons, sprockets, gears, shafts, pins, hinges, bolts, studs, axles, and vehicle panels, among many others.

SAE-AISI 1018 steel is a carbon (non-alloy) steel formulated for primary forming into wrought products. 1018 is the designation in both the SAE and AISI systems for this material. G10180 is the UNS number.

SAE 1018 is a low-carbon steel containing approximately 0.6% to 0.9% manganese and trace amounts of other elements. This composition renders it well-suited for numerous automotive and machinery applications.

1018 steel is the most commonly available of the cold-rolled steels, it has a good combination of all of the typical traits of steel - strength, some ductility, and comparative ease of welding and machining. Chemically, it is very similar to A36 Hot Rolled steel, but the cold rolling process creates a better surface finish and better properties.

When using steel 1018, it’s made up of iron and carbon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur. Other elements can also be included in small amounts, such as aluminum, copper, and silicon. 1018 cold-drawn steel has improved machinability, better tensile strength, and higher yield than 1018 hot-rolled steel.