SAE 1045 Steel Chemical Composition, Properties and Uses
SAE 1045, also known as AISI 1045, is a widely used medium-carbon steel recognized for its excellent combination of strength, weldability, and impact resistance. Its versatility and reliability make it a go-to choice for various industries worldwide. Additionally, its affordability adds to its appeal, offering a practical and cost-effective solution for numerous applications.
Understanding the properties and options available in SAE 1045 steel is essential for selecting the right product for your needs. This article provides a clear overview of SAE/AISI 1045 steel, including its hot-rolled, normalized, and cold-rolled forms. We’ll highlight its key features to help you make informed decisions when choosing this versatile material.
1045 Steel Composition
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Carbon, C | 0.420 – 0.50 % |
| Iron, Fe | 98.51 – 98.98 % |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.60 – 0.90 % |
| Phosphorous, P | ≤ 0.040 % |
| Sulfur, S | ≤ 0.050 % |
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SAE 1045 Carbon Steel Properties
| Density, g/cm3 | 7.86 |
| Melting point,℃ | 1433 |
| Specific heat capacity，(0~100℃),J/(kg.k) | 577.78(200℃) |
| Linear expansion coefficient,10^-6/k | 0~100℃ |
| 11.7 | |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.269 |
| Elastic Modulus,Mpa | 209000 |
| Shear modulus,Mpa | 82300 |
| Thermal conductivity,W/(m.K) | 46.89(200℃) |
| Resistivity，10^-8 Ω.m | 32.0(200℃) |
SAE 1045 Mechanical Property
| Mechanical Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness, Brinell | 163 | 163 |
| Hardness, Knoop (Converted from Brinell hardness) | 184 | 184 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B (Converted from Brinell hardness) | 84 | 84 |
| Hardness, Vickers (Converted from Brinell hardness) | 170 | 170 |
| Tensile Strength, Ultimate | 565 MPa | 81900 psi |
| Tensile Strength, Yield | 310 MPa | 45000 psi |
| Elongation at Break (in 50 mm) | 16.0 % | 16.0 % |
| Reduction of Area | 40.0 % | 40.0 % |
| Modulus of Elasticity (Typical for steel) | 200 GPa | 29000 ksi |
| Bulk Modulus (Typical for steel) | 140 GPa | 20300 ksi |
| Poissons Ratio (Typical For Steel) | 0.290 | 0.290 |
| Shear Modulus (Typical for steel) | 80 GPa | 11600 ksi |
AISI 1045 Heat Treatment
AISI 1045 steel undergoes several heat treatment processes to improve its properties. Here’s a simplified breakdown of each process:
- Forging
- Heat the steel to a temperature between 850°C and 1250°C (1562°F – 2282°F).Hold until the steel is evenly heated, then allow it to cool slowly in a furnace.
- Annealing
- Heat the steel to 800°C – 850°C (1472°F – 1562°F).Ensure uniform heating, then cool it gradually in a furnace.
- Normalizing
- Heat the steel to 870°C – 920°C (1598°F – 1688°F).Keep the temperature steady for 10-15 minutes, then cool in still air.
- Stress-Relieving
- Heat to 550°C – 660°C (1022°F – 1220°F).Soak for 1 hour per 25mm thickness, then cool in still air to reduce internal stresses.
- Hardening
- Heat to 820°C – 850°C (1508°F – 1562°F).Soak for 10-15 minutes per 25mm thickness, then quickly cool in water or brine to harden the steel.
- Tempering
- Reheat the steel to 400°C – 650°C (752°F – 1202°F), depending on the desired hardness.Soak for 1 hour per 25mm thickness, then cool in still air to stabilize the steel’s properties.
These processes help enhance the steel’s strength, toughness, and durability for various industrial applications.
Applications of SAE 1045 Steel
SAE 1045 steel is a popular choice for many industrial applications due to its strength, machinability, and toughness. Here are some common uses:
- Axles: SAE 1045 steel’s high strength and impact resistance make it ideal for manufacturing axles that endure heavy loads and stress.
- Pins: The steel’s good machinability allows for the production of durable, reliable pins used in mechanical systems.
- Shafts: Thanks to its strength and impact resistance, SAE 1045 is commonly used for making shafts in various machines.
- Gears: With its excellent wear resistance, SAE 1045 is a preferred material for gears that need to perform under tough conditions.
- Sockets: SAE 1045’s toughness and machinability make it suitable for producing sockets in mechanical applications.
- Rams: The steel’s strength and impact resistance make it a dependable material for rams used in hydraulic systems.
Conclusion
SAE 1045 steel offers a great balance of strength, machinability, and impact resistance, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications like axles, gears, and shafts. Its cost-effectiveness and ability to be heat-treated further enhance its performance in demanding environments. Whether in its hot-rolled or normalized form, SAE 1045 steel provides reliability and durability across various industries.
FAQs
SAE 1045 steel is used for machinery parts, gears, crankshafts, shafts, axles, bolts, and other high-strength components due to its medium tensile strength and machinability.
1045 grade steel is a medium tensile carbon steel, offering a tensile strength of 570-700 MPa and Brinell hardness of 170-210, supplied in hot-rolled or normalized condition.
Carbon steel 1045 is equivalent to 080M46 (BS), 50E (CSN), and C45E (ISO), based on similar mechanical and chemical properties.
