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Steel
Strength, Toughness, Machinability

Steel for CNC Machining

Thanks to its excellent weldability and machinability, steel serves as an ideal choice for manufacturers aiming to balance cost and functionality in their components. Beyond being cost-effective, steel's additional beneficial properties contribute to its versatility as a material.

Steel is a combination of iron with about 1% carbon. To enhance its characteristics, small quantities of other alloying elements such as molybdenum and chromium might be included. Steel provides an excellent balance of cost and functionality because it is simple to machine and weld. However, it is prone to oxidation over time, necessitating surface treatments for protection.

Steel is among the most extensively utilized materials in manufacturing, playing a crucial role in every major industry, from construction to automotive. Its affordability, combined with a range of beneficial properties, renders it a highly adaptable material.

Please note

The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control.

Finishing options

Black oxide, ENP, electropolishing, media blasting, nickel plating, powder coating, tumble polishing, and zinc plating.

Hardness

Material hardness is based on the Brinnell Hardness Number.

View spec sheet

Carbon and Alloy Steels

Steel 1018

STRENGTH, DUCTILITY, WELDABILITY

Commonly known as mild steel, 1018 is very weldable and ideal for surface hardening techniques like carburizing. 1018 Steel can be machined, welded, and is suitable for applications where high strength isn't necessary, such as in fixtures and mounting plates. It possesses magnetic properties and can be heat-treated.

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
65 ksi 55 ksi 11,300 ksi 126 15%

Steel 1045

STRENGTH, TOUGHNESS, MACHINABILITY

1045 carbon steel is a popular material recognized for its robustness, resilience, and adaptability. It is ideal for producing various components because of its high tensile strength and excellent machinability. Besides being stronger than 1018 steel, it is also easy to machine and can be heat-treated.

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
90 ksi 77-159 ksi 11,600 ksi 179-212 12-12%

Steel 1215

MACHINABILITY

This type of steel is classified as a free machining steel because of its elevated sulfur content. Nonetheless, its weldability is limited.

1215 is a carbon steel that undergoes re-sulfurization and re-phosphorization, enhancing its machinability. However, it contains a relatively low carbon content, resulting in less strength compared to other cold-drawn steel grades.

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
78 ksi 60 ksi 11,600 ksi 167 10%

Steel 4140

STRENGTH, TOUGHNESS, FATIGUE RESISTANCE

Steel Alloy 4140 is a low alloy steel that includes chromium, molybdenum, and manganese. It is extensively utilized in various industries and is an outstanding material choice for machining because of its durability, high fatigue strength, and resistance to abrasion and impact.

Steel 4140 closely resembles 4130 but contains more carbon. This additional carbon enhances its strength and improves its hardening capabilities. Additional chromium is also incorporated for better corrosion resistance. 

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
95 ksi 60 ksi 11,600 ksi 197 26%

Steel 4142

TOUGHNESS, DUCTILITY, WEAR RESISTANCE, STRENGTH

4142 is a medium carbon alloy steel known for its outstanding toughness, ductility, wear resistance, and strength, making it a favorite for numerous applications. It is easily machinable when annealed, though machining after treatment is not recommended.

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
205 ksi 140 ksi 11,600 ksi 380 10-20%

Steel 4340

STRENGTH, TOUGHNESS, HEAT RESISTANCE

4340 Alloy Steel is a medium carbon, low alloy steel that is exceptionally beneficial in conditions of intense impact, heat, and wear.

This metal is characterized by its high strength and low alloy composition. It demonstrates remarkable toughness and strength, retaining these qualities even at elevated temperatures. Common uses include gears, shafts, and various structural components.

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
108-180 ksi 68-125 ksi 10,000-11,300 ksi 217-360 12-22%

Steel 8620

STRENGTH, TOUGHNESS 

The 8620 alloy steel is a medium-strength, low-carbon material that offers excellent toughness and strength characteristics, as well as solid core strength. Its high case toughness and superior core toughness are attributed to its nickel content.

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
90 ksi 50 ksi 11,600 ksi 180 26%