SAE/AISI 1059 Carbon Steel (UNS G10590)

Image of SAE/AISI 1059 bars

SAE/AISI 1059 steel is known for its moderate strength and good toughness. It is commonly used in applications where a balance between strength and ductility is required, such as shafts, gears, axles, and other mechanical components.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Iron98.46%98.95%
Carbon0.55%0.65%
Manganese0.50%0.80%
Phosphorous0.04%
Sulfur0.05%

The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 1059 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

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

Table of SAE/AISI 1059 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density7870 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Young’s Modulus (E)190 - 210 GPa
Bulk Modulus (K)140 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)80 GPa
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.27 - 0.30
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Thermal Conductivity52 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)470 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)1.15×10-5 1/°C

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 1059 Carbon Steel

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Good StrengthLimited Corrosion Resistance
Good Wear ResistanceLower Toughness at Low Temperatures
Good MachinabilityLimited Hardenability
Cost-Effective

Applications of 1059 Carbon Steel

AISI 1059 carbon steel is commonly used in various applications where a balance between strength, toughness, and cost-effectiveness is required. Some of the typical applications of 1059 carbon steel include:

  • Shafts and Axles: AISI 1059 steel’s moderate strength and good toughness make it suitable for use in shafts and axles in machinery, vehicles, and equipment.
  • Gears: The wear resistance and machinability of AISI 1059 make it a suitable material for gears and gear components that are subjected to moderate loads and wear.
  • Springs: AISI 1059 can be used for manufacturing coil springs, flat springs, and other spring components where a combination of strength and resilience is necessary.
  • Bolts, Nuts, and Fasteners: Carbon steels, including AISI 1059, are often used in the production of bolts, nuts, and fasteners due to their good strength and ease of machining.
  • Hand Tools: Carbon steel grades like AISI 1059 are commonly employed in the production of hand tools such as wrenches, pliers, hammers, and screwdrivers.
  • Agricultural Equipment: Components in agricultural machinery, such as tillage equipment, harvesters, and tractors, can be made using AISI 1059 steel due to its moderate strength and affordability.
  • General Machinery Parts: Various parts of machinery, including brackets, levers, connecting rods, and structural components, can be manufactured from AISI 1059 carbon steel.
  • Construction and Infrastructure: AISI 1059 can be used in the construction industry for applications such as structural supports, brackets, and other components where moderate strength is required.
Similar Alloys