SAE/AISI 1046 Carbon Steel (UNS G10460)
SAE/AISI 1046 is a medium carbon steel that offers a balance between strength, toughness, and wear resistance. It is commonly used in applications where moderate strength and hardness are required, such as gears, shafts, bolts, studs, and general machinery components.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Iron | 98.41% | 98.88% |
| Carbon | 0.42% | 0.50% |
| Manganese | 0.70% | 1.0% |
| Phosphorous | 0.04% | |
| Sulfur | 0.05% | |
The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 1046 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 7850 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 650 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 545 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 190 - 210 GPa |
| Bulk Modulus (K) | 140 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 80 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 12% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.27 - 0.30 |
| Brinell Hardness | 187 |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Thermal Conductivity | 50 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 470 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 1.15×10-5 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Conductivity | 6.38×106 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 1.57×10-7 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 1046 Carbon Steel
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Good Strength | Limited Hardness |
| Good Machinability | Susceptible to Corrosion |
| Cost-Effective | Limited Temperature Resistance |
Applications of 1046 Carbon Steel
AISI 1046 carbon steel finds application in various industries where a combination of strength, toughness, and cost-effectiveness is required. Some common applications of 1046 carbon steel include:
- Gears and Shafts: Due to its strength and moderate ductility, 1046 carbon steel is commonly used in the manufacture of gears, shafts, and other mechanical components.
- Bolts and Fasteners: 1046 carbon steel’s good machinability and cost-effectiveness make it suitable for producing bolts, nuts, screws, and other fasteners.
- Axles and Spindles: The combination of strength and toughness in 1046 carbon steel makes it suitable for manufacturing axles, spindles, and other load-bearing components.
- Structural Components: 1046 carbon steel can be employed in structural applications where strength and cost-effectiveness are key factors.
- Hand Tools: Carbon steels, including 1046, are commonly used in the production of hand tools such as wrenches, pliers, hammers, and chisels.
- Springs: Certain types of springs, such as coil springs and leaf springs, can be manufactured using 1046 carbon steel.
- Agricultural Equipment: 1046 carbon steel is utilized in the manufacturing of various agricultural equipment, including tillage tools, harrow discs, and plowshares.