SAE/AISI 1040 Carbon Steel (UNS G10400)
SAE/AISI 1040 steel is a versatile and well-rounded material that is suitable for a wide variety of applications. It is a good choice for engineers and designers who need a material with good mechanical properties, machinability, and hardenability.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Iron | 98.60% | 99.0% |
| Carbon | 0.37% | 0.44% |
| Manganese | 0.60% | 0.90% |
| Phosphorous | 0.04% | |
| Sulfur | 0.05% | |
The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 1040 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 7845 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 620 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 415 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 190 - 210 GPa |
| Bulk Modulus (K) | 140 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 80 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 25% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.27 - 0.30 |
| Brinell Hardness | 201 |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Thermal Conductivity | 51 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 470 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 1.13×10-5 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Conductivity | 4.1×106 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 2.4×10-7 Ω·m |
The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.
Advantages & Disadvantages of 1040 Carbon Steel
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Good Strength | Limited Hardenability |
| Good Wear Resistance | Low Corrosion Resistance |
| Good Machinability | Moderate Toughness |
| Cost-Effective | Limited Temperature Resistance |
Applications of 1040 Carbon Steel
AISI 1040 carbon steel finds application in various industries due to its favorable combination of strength, toughness, and machinability. Here are some common applications of 1040 carbon steel:
- Machinery Components: AISI 1040 steel is used to manufacture a wide range of machinery components, such as gears, shafts, couplings, and spindles. Its strength and wear resistance make it suitable for transmitting power and withstanding mechanical stresses.
- Bolts, Nuts, and Fasteners: Due to its good strength and machinability, 1040 carbon steel is commonly used to produce bolts, nuts, and fasteners. These components provide secure and reliable connections in various structures and machinery.
- Axles and Shafts: 1040 carbon steel’s combination of strength and toughness makes it suitable for axles and shafts in automotive and machinery applications. These components transmit torque and support rotational motion.
- Springs: Carbon steel, including 1040, is often utilized for manufacturing springs due to its resilience and ability to withstand repeated loadings. It finds application in automotive suspension systems, mechanical devices, and industrial equipment.
- Hand Tools: AISI 1040 steel is used to manufacture a variety of hand tools, including wrenches, hammers, chisels, and screwdrivers. The steel’s good strength and machinability enable the production of durable and effective tools.
- Construction Components: 1040 carbon steel may be employed in construction applications, such as structural beams, supports, and brackets. Its strength and structural integrity contribute to the stability and load-bearing capacity of structures.
- Agricultural Equipment: The toughness and wear resistance of AISI 1040 steel make it suitable for components in agricultural machinery, such as plowshares, blades, and tillage equipment.
- Railroad Components: Certain railroad components, including axles, wheelsets, and couplers, can be made from AISI 1040 carbon steel. Its strength and fatigue resistance ensure safe and reliable operation under demanding conditions.