SAE/AISI 1146 Carbon Steel (UNS G11460)

Image of SAE/AISI 1146 bars

SAE/AISI 1146 steel has good machinability and strength, and it can be heat treated to improve its properties. It is also relatively inexpensive, making it a good choice for a variety of applications.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Iron98.34%98.88%
Carbon0.42%0.49%
Manganese0.70%1.0%
Phosphorous0.04%
Sulfur0.08%0.13%

The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 1146 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

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

Table of SAE/AISI 1146 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density7700 - 8030 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)670 - 730 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)360 - 630 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)190 - 210 GPa
Bulk Modulus (K)140 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)80 GPa
Elongation at Break13 - 17%
Reduction of Area40 - 45%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.27 - 0.30
Brinell Hardness190 - 200
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Thermal Conductivity51 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)470 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)1.3×10-5 1/°C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Conductivity4.12×106 S/m
Electrical Resistivity2.43×10-7 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 1146 Carbon Steel

AdvantagesDisadvantages
High strength and toughnessSusceptible to corrosion
Good machinabilityCan be brittle at high temperatures
Can be heat treated to improve propertiesWelding can be difficult
Relatively inexpensive

Applications of 1146 Carbon Steel

AISI 1146 carbon steel is typically used for applications that require good machinability thanks to the addition of sulfur as a free-machining agent. Some common applications for this type of steel include:

  • Automotive: 1146 carbon steel is used in a variety of automotive components, including gears, crankshafts, camshafts, axles, connecting rods, pistons, and other components.
  • Machinery: 1146 carbon steel is used in a variety of machinery components, including gears, shafts, bearings, and other components.
  • Tools: 1146 carbon steel is used in a variety of tools, including dies, saw blades, drill bits, and other cutting tools.
  • Welding: 1146 carbon steel is used in a variety of welding applications, including electrodes and wire.
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