SAE/AISI 1055 Carbon Steel (UNS G10550)

Image of SAE/AISI 1055 bars

SAE/AISI 1055 steel offers good toughness, wear resistance, and machinability. It is commonly used in various applications, including forging, axles, gears, shafts, and other components that require strength and durability.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Iron98.41%98.9%
Carbon0.50%0.60%
Manganese0.60%0.90%
Phosphorous0.04%
Sulfur0.05%

The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 1055 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of SAE/AISI 1055 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density7850 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)660 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)560 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)190 - 210 GPa
Bulk Modulus (K)140 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)80 GPa
Elongation at Break10%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.27 - 0.30
Brinell Hardness197
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Thermal Conductivity50 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)470 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)1.1×10-5 1/°C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Conductivity6.38×106 S/m
Electrical Resistivity1.57×10-7 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 1055 Carbon Steel

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Good Strength and HardnessLimited Corrosion Resistance
Cost-EffectiveLower Toughness
Good MachinabilityLimited Alloying Options
Good Weldability

Applications of 1055 Carbon Steel

AISI 1055 carbon steel finds application in various industries and sectors due to its desirable properties. Here are some common applications:

  • Blades and Cutting Tools: 1055 carbon steel is used in the production of knives, swords, machetes, and other cutting tools. Its good strength, hardness, and ability to retain sharpness make it suitable for these applications.
  • Automotive and Machinery Components: Due to its strength and toughness, 1055 carbon steel is utilized in the manufacturing of automotive parts like crankshafts, camshafts, gears, axles, and couplings. It is also used in machinery components such as shafts, sprockets, and machine parts subjected to moderate loads.
  • Hand Tools and Hardware: Hand tools like hammers, chisels, wrenches, and screwdrivers can be made from 1055 carbon steel. It provides durability and wear resistance required for such tools. Additionally, it is used in hardware applications like hinges, brackets, and fasteners.
  • Springs and Spring Clips: The spring properties of 1055 carbon steel, combined with its moderate strength and hardness, make it suitable for manufacturing various types of springs, including coil springs, flat springs, and spring clips.
  • Agricultural Implements: 1055 carbon steel is employed in the fabrication of agricultural tools such as sickles, scythes, hoes, and shovels. Its robustness and ability to retain an edge make it suitable for these demanding applications.
  • Construction and Structural Components: Certain construction and structural components, such as brackets, supports, and frames, can be made from 1055 carbon steel due to its strength, weldability, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Railroad and Transport Industry: Some components in the railroad and transport industry, including railway spikes, bolts, and connecting rods, can be manufactured using 1055 carbon steel for its strength and durability.
  • General Manufacturing: 1055 carbon steel is used in various general manufacturing applications, including shafts, pins, couplings, and gears, where a balance of strength, hardness, and machinability is required.
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