AISI 1018 Mild Steel CNC Machining
AISI 1018 is the most commonly available grade of cold-rolled mild steel. It is a low-carbon steel characterized by a good balance of strength, ductility, and toughness. Unlike hot-rolled equivalents, 1018 is processed cold, which gives it a superior surface finish and tighter dimensional tolerances straight from the mill. At JUCHENG, we utilize 1018 extensively for precision machined components that require a smooth surface and reliable carburizing properties. It is the go-to material for manufacturing jigs, fixtures, and machine parts where high core strength is not the primary requirement but precision fits are essential.
1018 Mild Steel
JUCHENG's 1018 Machining Capabilities
We optimize our CNC processes to leverage the precision of cold-rolled steel:
- Precision Milling: 1018 machines cleanly. We use high-speed steel (HSS) and carbide tools to produce parts with excellent surface roughness (Ra 1.6 or better) without grinding.
- Fixture Manufacturing: Due to its stability and finish, we machine thousands of CMM fixtures, welding jigs, and assembly nests from 1018 blocks annually.
- Case Hardening: We provide Carburizing services to harden the surface of 1018 parts (for wear resistance) while keeping the core soft and ductile to absorb shock.
- Welding & Fabrication: We offer expert MIG/TIG welding for 1018 components, creating complex assemblies that retain structural integrity.
Advantages of CNC Machining 1018
| Advantage | Detailed Description | Key Benefit |
| Superior Surface Finish | Cold rolling produces a smooth, scale-free surface. | Reduces the need for secondary polishing; looks professional immediately after machining. |
| Tight Size Tolerances | Raw material dimensions are more precise than hot rolled steel. | Ideal for parts that need to fit into precise assemblies without extensive machining of all faces. |
| Excellent Weldability | Low carbon content prevents cracking during welding. | Perfect for brackets and frames that will be welded to other structures. |
| Case Hardening | Can be surface hardened to RC 42+. | Creates a hard wear surface for pins and bushings while maintaining a tough core. |
| Machinability | Machines easily with continuous chips. | Allows for fast production speeds and reduced tool wear. |
Technical Parameters & Material Standards
We process 1018 primarily in the Cold Finished condition:
| Grade Category | Specification | Characteristics & Ideal Uses |
| AISI 1018 (CRS) | Cold Rolled | Characteristics: Higher tensile strength and yield point than hot-rolled low carbon steels (due to work hardening). Bright, smooth finish. Uses: Shafts, spindles, pins, rods, mounting plates, spacers. |
| Equivalent Grades | C15 / S235JRC | Characteristics: European equivalents with similar chemistry and forming properties. Uses: General engineering components. |
CNC Machining Guidelines for 1018
- Chip Control: 1018 is ductile and can produce long, stringy chips. We use chip breakers and peck drilling cycles to prevent bird-nesting around the tool.
- Coolant: Flood coolant is recommended to improve surface finish and flush chips.
- Finishing: Since it is not stainless, 1018 must be coated. We recommend Black Oxide, Nickel Plating, or Zinc Plating to prevent rust.
- Stress Relief: Extensive machining on one side of a cold-rolled plate can cause warping due to internal stress release. We machine symmetrically or perform stress-relief heat treatment for critical flat parts.
Application Scenarios
- Tooling: Locating pins, clamp pads, CMM fixtures, go/no-go gauges (unhardened).
- Machinery: Spacers, tie rods, mounting brackets, simple shafts.
- Automotive: Welded sub-assemblies, brackets, simple fasteners.
- Consumer Goods: Painted housings, internal structural frames.
Physical Properties Table
Typical properties for Cold Drawn 1018:
| Property | Value | Unit |
| Density | 7.87 | g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 440 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 370 | MPa |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 126 | HB |
| Elongation | 15 | % |
| Machinability | 78% | (Ref: B1112=100%) |
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