Wexmar offers CNC machining of 1018 steel, the low-carbon, cold-drawn bar that shows up on more general industrial prints than almost any other steel. 1018 is inexpensive, widely stocked in precise cold-finished sizes, easy to weld and responds well to case hardening. It is a natural fit for shafts, pins, spacers, bushings, brackets and fixture components where strength requirements are moderate and cost matters.
1018 steel machinability
Cold-drawn 1018 has an approximate machinability rating of 78 against AISI 1212 steel at 100. It cuts at good speeds with predictable tool life, but it is not a free-machining grade. Without sulfur or lead additions, chips tend to be longer and the material can tear or smear at low speeds. When a part is purely turned and does not need welding or carburizing, 12L14 (approximately 170) is sometimes a lower-cost option, and we will point that out when it applies.
1018 is also supplied hot-rolled, which is cheaper per pound but carries mill scale and looser size tolerances. Hot-rolled stock needs more cleanup stock and is harder on inserts at the scale layer, so it makes sense mainly for larger parts that are machined all over. For most precision 1018 turned parts, cold-drawn bar is the more economical choice once machine time is counted. When a print simply says low-carbon steel, we quote 1018 cold-drawn unless the customer asks otherwise.
Tolerances and finish
Typical 1018 work holds plus or minus 0.001 in. on turned and milled features, with plus or minus 0.0005 in. achievable on selected diameters and bores. Surface finish is typically 63 Ra on turned diameters and 63 to 125 Ra on milled surfaces, and 32 Ra is achievable with a finish pass at higher surface speed. Cold-drawn bar is close to size, which sometimes allows a diameter to be left as drawn. These are typical figures, not guaranteed values.
Machining gotchas for 1018
- Built-up edge. Low-carbon steel welds to the tool at low surface speeds. Running faster with a sharp, coated insert gives a cleaner finish than slowing down.
- Chip control. 1018 produces long ribbons on finishing passes. Chipbreaker selection and programmed chip breaks keep chips off the part.
- Residual stress. Cold drawing leaves stress in the bar. Heavy asymmetric cuts, such as flats or keyways on long shafts, can cause bow. Stress-relieved bar or a balanced sequence limits movement.
- Burrs. Soft 1018 forms rolled burrs on cross holes and slots, so deburring is planned into each operation.
- Rust. Bare 1018 rusts quickly. Parts get rust preventive between operations and before shipping unless a finish follows.
Heat treat and finishing options
1018 has too little carbon to through harden, but it carburizes well. Carburizing, carbonitriding and case hardening are performed through qualified outside processors, typically producing a hard case over a tough core. Zinc plating, black oxide, electroless nickel, phosphate and powder coat are also available through qualified outside processors. We can grind hardened journals on our centerless grinder when required.
Common 1018 parts and process fit
- Shafts, axles, pins and dowels on CNC lathes with live tooling
- Spacers, bushings and small pins on Maier Swiss machines
- Brackets, fixture plates and mounting blocks on horizontal machining centers
- Case-hardened sprockets, cam followers and wear pins
- Welded assembly details and weld-on bosses
Our horizontal CNC milling centers use pallet changers for efficient production of prismatic 1018 parts.
Cost index vs 6061 aluminum
| Material | Approx. machinability (1212 = 100) | Cost index vs 6061 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 aluminum | ~180 | 1.0 | Baseline |
| 1018 CD steel | ~78 | 1.1 | Low carbon, carburizes well |
| 1045 CD steel | ~57 | 1.3 | Medium carbon, induction hardenable |
| 4140 annealed | ~66 | 1.6 | Through hardening alloy |
| 303 stainless | ~78 | 1.8 | Corrosion resistant |
Values are typical and illustrative for a comparable part; actual quotes depend on geometry, quantity, tolerances and mill pricing.
Industries and applications
1018 steel machining services at Wexmar support industrial OEMs in power transmission, material handling, fluid power, agricultural and general machinery, plus government replacement parts built to print. Our Canastota, NY shop runs prototype through production quantities, uses second-shift capacity for repeat orders, and ships nationwide. When more strength is required, see 1045 steel.
Getting a quote
Include quantity, finish and any case depth callout. You can upload a drawing for an instant estimate or call (315) 400-2654. A human estimator confirms every quote.