AISI 1050 Carbon Steel Properties and Applications

1050 Carbon Steel is a versatile medium-carbon steel grade commonly used in various industrial applications. Understanding its composition and properties is key to selecting the right material for your needs.

1. Chemical Composition of 1050 Steel

The designation 1050 under the AISI/SAE system indicates a plain carbon steel with a nominal carbon content of 0.50%.

• Carbon (C):  0.47% – 0.53%
• Manganese (Mn): 0.60% – 0.90%
• Phosphorus (P): Maximum 0.040% (as per standards like ASTM A 29/A 29M)
• Sulfur (S): Maximum 0.050% (as per standards like ASTM A 29/A 29M)

Trace amounts of other elements like Silicon (Si), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), and Copper (Cu) may be present within specified limits depending on the standard (e.g., UNS G10500).

2. Mechanical Properties and Heat Treatment

The mechanical properties of 1050 steel are highly dependent on its condition, primarily determined by heat treatment and processing. As a medium-carbon steel, it balances strength and ductility well.

2.1 Hot Rolled:

• Tensile Strength: Approx. 570 – 930 MPa (83 – 135 ksi)
• Yield Strength: Approx. 345 – 570 MPa (50 – 83 ksi)
• Hardness: Approx. 170 – 260 HB
• Elongation (in 50mm): Approx. 10% – 30%

2.2 Cold Drawn:

• Increases strength and hardness compared to hot rolled.
• Tensile Strength: Can reach approx. 965 MPa (140 ksi)
• Yield Strength: Can reach approx. 580 MPa (84 ksi)
• Ductility is generally reduced.

2.3 Quenched and Tempered (Hardened & Tempered):

2.3.1 This process significantly increases strength and hardness.

2.3.2 Properties depend heavily on the tempering temperature:

• Lower tempering temperatures = Higher strength/hardness, lower ductility.
• Higher tempering temperatures = Lower strength/hardness, higher ductility/toughness.

2.3.3 Example Range: Tensile strength can range from 686 to 980 MPa (70 – 100 kgf/mm²) with 8% to 14% elongations.

3. Available Forms and Standards

Aobo Steel can supply 1050 steel in various forms to meet your manufacturing requirements, including:

• Bars (Hot Rolled, Cold Finished)
• Forgings
• Shafting

This grade conforms to various international standards, including:

• ASTM A 29 / A 29M: General Requirements for Steel Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought.
• ASTM A 108: Standard Specification for Steel Bar, Carbon and Alloy, Cold-Finished.
• UNS: G10500

4. Typical Applications for 1050 Steel

Due to its medium carbon content and ability to be hardened, 1050 steel is suitable for components requiring moderate strength, wear resistance, and toughness. Common uses include:

• Shafts and Axles
• Gears
• Pivot Pins
• Springs
• Agricultural Implements
• Guide Rails
• Certain tooling applications (e.g., woodworking cutters, cold stamping dies)

5. Selecting the Right 1050 Steel Specification

Specifying your required mechanical properties and the intended end-use is critical when ordering 1050 steel. This ensures the material receives the appropriate processing and heat treatment to meet performance demands.

At Aobo Steel, with our extensive experience in tool and alloy steels, we can help you determine the optimal condition of 1050 steel for your specific application. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

FAQs

1. Is 1050 mild steel?

The defining characteristic that distinguishes 1050 steel from mild steel is its carbon content. Mild steel has a carbon content below 0.3%, while 1050 steel has a carbon content around 0.50%, placing it firmly in the medium-carbon steel category.

2. What is AISI 1050 steel used for?

AISI 1050 steel is a versatile medium-carbon steel grade with many applications, particularly where a balance of strength, ductility, and moderate wear resistance is required. Its common uses include shafting, pivot pins, certain gears and axles, components in agricultural implements, and some less demanding tooling applications. The applied heat treatment processes significantly influence the final performance in these applications.