1018 vs. 4140 steel
Choosing the right steel for a project can feel like navigating a web, especially when choosing from a list of types of steel. It is even more confusing when choosing between popular options like 1018 and 4140 steel. The two metals have very admirable properties for projects in structural, commercial, industrial, and many other areas.
The low-carbon mild steel, 1018 is very easy to machine. It is mainly comprised of iron with manganese as the alloying element. Axles, gears, panels, and many other structural and precision parts are made from this metal.
On its part, 4140 steel is extremely tough and therefore, has special applications in the industries. Popular uses of this low-alloy steel are shafts and axles. It is perfect for high-stress applications, especially where torsional strength is a priority.
These are the distinctions that emerge when you delve into this analysis of 1018 vs. 4140 steel and look keenly at the chart of steel grades.
ProleanTech – Your Custom Parts Manufacturing Partner– would like to assist with the distinction, and even provide custom machined parts. Our years of experience handling hundreds of different materials give a head start that can add value to your project.
So, what exactly is the demarcation between these valuable steel grades? Let’s jump right into it.
1018 Steel Overview On Composition and Importance
A member of the AISI 10xx series, 1018 steel is a mild steel with about 0.18% carbon. You can tell from the mild carbon steel grades classification alone that this steel is easy to machine.
The low carbon content steel also translates to easy welding and forming into different shapes. The material is commonly available as rods and bars for these and other attractive 10-18 steel qualities and characteristics.
1018 steel round bars
Its mechanical properties may not be the best, but the material still has wide use across industries. It is particularly valued for its good wear resistance that emanates from the manganese component.
For a more concrete review of the steel that helps explain these steel grades, let us look at the chemical composition and other aspects.
The Chemical Composition And Material Properties Of 1018 Steel
1018 steel, with its low carbon content and alloyed with manganese, has a relatively simple chemical composition. The results include suitable properties such as machinability.
The table below captures the specific elements and their percentages:
| Element | Percentage in 1018 steel |
| Carbon | Between 0.15 and 0.20 |
| Manganese | Between 0.60 and 0.90 |
| Phosphorus | Up to 0.04 |
| Sulfur | Up to 0.05 |
| Iron | The rest |
The table below shows other material properties of 1018 steel:
| Material property | Details for 1018 metal |
| Tensile strength | 440 to 540 MPa |
| Yield strength | 370 MPa |
| Hardness | 126-131 Brinell |
| Machinability | It is one of the easiest grades to machine in all conditions.. It produces continuous chips. |
| Weldability | Welding this steel grade is easy with almost all common methods – Gas, oxyacetylene, resistance, etc. |
| Thermal conductivity | 51.9 W/m·K – Good. The material can be used for heat dissipation applications. |
| Case hardening | Thicker sections of the steel can be case hardened to Rc 28-30, while thinner sections attain Rc 42. |
| Forming | The annealed type is easy to form |
| Magnetism | Good |
1018 Steel Processing And Using
One of the clear advantages of 1018 steel is ease of working, attributed to the low mild carbon steel grades classification.
Machining 1018 steel
The fact that the material is easy to weld and fabricate means that using it for most projects is flawless. This characteristic positively affects the cost and types of projects we can undertake with the material. It is one of the main attributes of common materials for CNC machining.
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1018 Steel Parts: Typical Applications To Consider
Due to the attractive physical properties and chemical composition highlighted above, 1018 steel has many applications. You will find its CNC machined parts in automotive, structures, consumer goods, and jigs & fixtures, among others.
Explore more about the capabilities in Exploring Micro CNC Machining Techniques and Benefits.
Our vast machining experience is evident in how we have managed to manufacture parts for these areas and more using 1018 steel. Get your quote now for parts if you are in an industry such as the following.
Automotive Industry
This steel grade has many applications in the automotive industry, from crankshafts to gears, and pistons to transmission parts.
A car engine crankshaft
The 1018 cold-rolled steel properties are suitable for fasteners, bolts, and other dependable CNC machined parts.
Aerospace Industry
Metal is also popular with aerospace manufacturers, and its strength comes in handy in producing fasteners and related components.
Another metal that is also popular for this industry is titanium. We covered its processing in more detail here: CNC machining of Titanium & Alloys.
Construction Industry
Those in the construction space use steel for stair parts, handrails, reinforcements, and fasteners.
Steel handrails
Commercial Applications
1018 is equally relevant in the wide commercial sector. You will find its parts in cutlery, golf equipment, bicycle frames, hardware tools, and many other areas where the low carbon content in 1018 steel, the density of 1018 steel, and other properties are preferable.
What Is 4140 Steel?
4140 steel is a popular and versatile alloy that is used for parts in many industries. It is termed as a low-alloy steel because the total weight of its alloying elements is low, about 5%.
The strength, toughness, and versatility synonymous with the steel emanate from these alloying elements, which include chromium and molybdenum. 4140 steel is renowned for its superior performance in demanding environments.
4140 steel round bars
4140 Steel Chemical Composition And Material Properties
As seen in the following table of composition of 4140 steel, there are other elements in 4140 steel apart from chromium and molybdenum, which contribute to the 4140 steel properties.
| Element | Percentage in 4140 metal |
| Chromium | 0.80 to 1.10 |
| Molybdenum | 0.15 to 0.25 |
| Manganese | 0.75 to 1.00 |
| Carbon | 0.380 to 0.430 |
| Silicon | 0.15 to 0.30 |
| Phosphorus | 0.035 |
| Sulfur | 0.040 |
| Iron | The remainder |
The Ease of Processing And Using 4140 Steel
Handling 4140 can be challenging, especially where welding is concerned. The effectiveness of the welding process depends on the thermal treatment to which the material is subjected.
MIG steel welding
The basic welding techniques can be used, but post-weld heat treatment is necessary to safeguard the mechanical 4140 steel properties of heat-treated materials.
Besides that, the annealed condition is easy to machine, and forming is also possible, though with relatively higher force.
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The Typical Applications of 4140 Steel
A metal with high strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance is preferable in many areas. 4140 steel is visible in numerous projects where high stress and generally tough conditions are common.
We CNC machine the steel for gears, shafts, axles, and spindles, among many other areas. If you are in an industry that uses such components, we are the right company for a partnership. No one does it better in tolerances (±0.0002″ (0.005mm), material options (100+), and quality control (ISO 9001:2015).
When I talk about material variety, thermoplastics and other nonmetals are also involved. Get insight into the exciting world of machining these materials in this guide: CNC Machining of Thermoplastics: A Comprehensive Guide.
Contact us now to get perfectly CNC machined parts for of 4140 steel for industries such as these:
Aerospace Industry 4140 Steel Uses
4140 steel has heat resistance, strength, and other attributes suitable for critical parts of this demanding industry. Parts that are commonly made from the metal are landing gear and structural members.
Aircraft landing gear
It is a critical material for this industry, similar to composites, which are covered in this machining guide: CNC Machining of Composites: Everything You Need to Know.
Automotive Industry 4140 Steel Uses
Like the aerospace industry, the automotive industry has many components that require a combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. 4140 steel is therefore common in axles, gears, and shafts, particularly for off-road vehicles.
4140 steel for the drive shaft in off-road vehicle
4140 Steel Applications In The Construction Industry
The high tensile strength of 4140 steel is one of the attractive properties for the construction industry. Hooks, bolts, and connecting rods need this characteristic to be reliable. The 4140 steel’s hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance also make the steel preferable here.
4140 steel bolts for construction
Agricultural Equipment
Agricultural operations are rigorous and unpredictable, something that demands machinery components that are tough enough. That’s exactly what 4140 steel offers, particularly in axles and shafts for machinery.
4140 steel shafts
Oil And Gas
The conditions in the oil and gas industry are very punishing. Only a material capable of withstanding high forces and tough weather can suit the components for the industry. 4140 steel is found in drill collars, wellhead machines, and related areas.
4140 steel drill collars
How 1018 and 4140 Steel Compare: Composition, Properties, And Application
Some similarities and differences emerge with the above analysis of 1018 steel and 4140 steel. It is incontestable that the two metals are widely used across many industries.
The way the steel grades are explained shows many positive attributes explaining why CNC machined parts are common on both sides. Like zinc alloys as captured in the guide on Understanding Zinc Machining Alloys and Processes, these metals are rightfully popular.
However, your choice of steel from the two should be informed by differences in strength, ease of use, material hardness, and so forth.
For an easier comparison and consideration of the different types of steel, we prepared the following comparison table of 1018 vs. 4140 steel.
1018 vs. 4140 Steel Comparison Table
| Comparison Element | 1018 Steel | 4140 Steel |
| Chemical composition | Manganese is the primary alloying element and carbon is at 0.18% | The primary alloying elements are chromium, molybdenum, and manganese |
| Mechanical properties | Tensile strength of up to 500MPa. Yield strength of 250 MPa. High ductility. | Maximum tensile strength is 650MPa. Has a higher yield strength. Good ductility. |
| Weldability | Very easy to weld | Welds, but requires preheating and post-weld treatment |
| Machinability | Excellent | Good, especially with the right machining equipment |
| Heat treatment | Case hardening is the main option | Excellent with many options |
| Cost | Machining, material, and welding costs are low | Machining, material, and welding costs are higher |
For more on how the properties of these materials align to CNC machining requirements, read this Guide to CNC Machining.
In Conclusion
With the above analysis and comparison, choosing between 1018 vs. 4140 steel for parts is now easier. Considering these points and your project requirements as well as the long-term view, helps make this decision.
The expertise of ProleanTech is wholesome, encompassing both technical consultancy and parts manufacturing. Our unmatched knowledge of the pros and cons of different types of steel and our involvement in diverse projects provide a robust background for the reliable delivery of the parts you require for either 1018 metal or 4140 metal.
Contact us today for tailored CNC Machining Services to transform your project performance and minimize costs.
FAQs
What is steel material?
Steel material is an alloy of carbon and iron with elements such as chromium and molybdenum added for enhanced properties.
Is 4140 stronger than 1018?
Yes, 4140 is stronger than 1018 steel.
What are the disadvantages of 4140 steel?
The biggest disadvantage of 4140 steel is welding difficulty. When compared to 1018 steel, the cost disadvantage is evident.
What is 1018 steel used for?
1018 steel is used for crankshafts, gears, axles, and many other applications.
How to tell 4140 from 1018?
The alloying elements in 4140 steel make it stronger and darker. On the contrary, 1018 steel is lighter in appearance and softer/more ductile.
What is 1018 steel equivalent to?
1018 steel is equivalent to SO grade C18E and European grade S235JR.
Is 4140 hot rolled or cold rolled?
The specific requirement determines whether 4140 is hot rolled or cold rolled.
Can 1018 be welded?
Yes, 1018 steel can be welded.
Is 4140 good for knives?
Since 4140 steel is not a high-carbon steel, it does not have the edge-retaining capabilities required for knives.
Is 4140 ductile or brittle?
The annealed condition of 4140 is ductile, but hardening makes the material more brittle.
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