What is 1050 steel？
1050 steel, also referred to as AISI 1050, is a high-carbon steel with a carbon content of approximately 0.50%. It is known for its strength, hardness, and moderate machinability. It can be heat-treated to enhance its mechanical properties, reaching a maximum hardness of around Rockwell C 58. Globally, it is recognized under various standards such as 50# steel in China and S50C in Japan. Due to its balanced properties, 1050 steel is widely used across industries like automotive, construction, and tool manufacturing.
What is 1050 Steel
1050 steel is classified as high-carbon steel due to its 0.50% carbon content, which contributes to its excellent hardness and strength. It is a cold-rolled steel, making it ideal for applications requiring wear resistance and durability. As a high-carbon steel, it is best suited for heat treatment, such as quenching and tempering, to achieve desired mechanical properties.
In global standards, 1050 steel is commonly referred to as 50# steel in China and S50C in Japan. Its adaptability to different forms of processing, including soft spheroidizing for cold forming and moderate forming processes, makes it a popular material for various industrial uses.
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of 65Mn further illustrate its suitability for various applications:
| Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength σb (MPa) | ≥ 980 |
| Yield Strength σ0.2 (MPa) | ≥ 720 |
| Elongation δ5 (%) | ≥ 14 |
| Reduction of area ψ (%) | ≥ 30 |
| Hardness | ≤ 302 HB |
Applications of 1050 Steel
1050 steel is widely utilized in several industries due to its versatility. Here are some of its key applications:
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Automotive Industry: In this sector, 1050 steel is used for components like engine plates, gears, and shafts, where wear resistance and high durability are critical.
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Oil and Gas Industry: 1050 steel is a reliable material for drilling and offshore equipment, offering excellent durability under harsh environmental conditions.
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Food Processing: Its ease of cleaning and long-lasting performance make 1050 steel suitable for food processing equipment and machinery.
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Knife and Tool Manufacturing: Known for its edge retention and toughness, 1050 steel is often chosen for making cutting tools, blades, and industrial knives.
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Construction: In construction projects such as bridges and railways, 1050 steel is used for metal components that need to withstand high static loads.
Chemical Composition of 1050 Steel
The chemical composition of 1050 steel is consistent across various global standards, providing it with the strength and wear resistance required for heavy-duty applications. Below is a comparison of its composition across standards:
| Standard | Grade | Carbon (C) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) | Nickel (Ni) | Chromium (Cr) | Copper (Cu) |
| GB/T 711 | 50 | 0.47-0.55 | 0.17-0.37 | 0.50-0.80 | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.25 |
| JIS G4051 | S50C | 0.47-0.53 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.60-0.90 | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.20 | – |
| AISI | 1050 | 0.48-0.55 | – | 0.60-0.90 | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.035 | – | – | – |
| NF A 35-552 | XC48H1 | 0.47-0.55 | ≤ 0.40 | 0.60-0.90 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.10 |
| BS970 | EN9 | 0.50-0.60 | 0.10-0.40 | 0.50-0.90 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | – | – | – |
| EN 10250 | C50/1.0540 | 0.47-0.55 | ≤ 0.40 | 0.60-0.90 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.10 |
| UNI 7845 | C50 | 0.47-0.55 | ≤ 0.40 | 0.60-0.90 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.10 |
| DIN 17200 | CK50/1.1206 | 0.47-0.55 | ≤ 0.40 | 0.60-0.90 | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 0.03 | – | – | – |
This composition gives 1050 steel its excellent wear resistance and strength, making it suitable for applications such as automotive components and cutting tools.
Mechanical Properties of 1050 Steel
The mechanical properties of 1050 steel are well-suited for heavy-duty applications. Here are its key mechanical properties:
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
| Hardness, Brinell | 170-210 HB | 170-210 HB |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) | 640 MPa | 92,800 psi |
| Yield Strength | 320-450 MPa | 46,400-65,300 psi |
| Elongation at Break | 16-18% | 16-18% |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa | 29,000 ksi |
| Shear Modulus | 80 GPa | 11,600 ksi |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 0.27-0.30 |
These properties provide 1050 steel with a balance between toughness and hardness, making it ideal for components subjected to stress and wear.
Machinability of 1050 Steel
1050 steel offers moderate machinability, with a rating of around 60-65%. While it can be efficiently machined when annealed, higher hardness levels after heat treatment can make machining more challenging. Proper lubrication and cooling are essential during machining to prevent excessive tool wear.
This steel is suitable for both hot and cold forming processes, depending on the specific application, and performs well in cutting, forming, and shaping processes after heat treatment.
Common Forms of 1050 Steel
1050 steel is available in various forms to meet the demands of different industries. These include:
- Bars: Commonly used for shafts, gears, and other mechanical components.
- Sheets and Plates: Often used in automotive components and large structural applications.
- Wire Rods: Used for spring production, fasteners, and wire products.
- Forged Components: Suitable for automotive and heavy machinery components, such as crankshafts and connecting rods.
- Coils: Frequently used in the manufacture of springs and other industrial parts.
Heat Treatment of 1050 Steel
Heat treatment plays a vital role in enhancing the mechanical properties of 1050 steel. Common heat treatment processes include:
- Annealing: Heat to 760°C – 800°C (1400°F – 1472°F) and cool slowly to improve ductility.
- Normalizing: Heat to 870°C – 920°C (1598°F – 1688°F) and air cool to refine the grain structure.
- Stress-Relieving: Heat to 540°C – 700°C (1004°F – 1292°F) to reduce internal stress.
- Hardening (Quenching): Heat to 780°C – 820°C (1436°F – 1508°F) and quench in water or brine to increase hardness.
- Tempering: Reheat to 370°C – 650°C (698°F – 1202°F) to improve toughness.
These processes can enhance the strength, hardness, and toughness of 1050 steel, making it ideal for specific applications requiring these properties.
Global Equivalents of 1050 Steel
| Country | Standard | Grade |
| China | GB/T 711 | 50 |
| Japan | JIS G4051 | S50C |
| USA | ASTM A29 | 1050 |
| France | NF A 35-552 | XC48H1 |
| UK | BS970 | EN9 |
| EU | EN 10250 | C50/1.0540 |
| Italy | UNI 7845 | C50 |
| Germany | DIN 17200 | CK50/1.1206 |
Advantages and Disadvantages of 1050 Steel
Advantages:
- Good Machinability: 1050 steel is relatively easy to machine in its annealed state.
- Cost-Effective: Its balance of performance and price makes it an affordable choice for a range of industries.
- Wear Resistance: Heat-treated 1050 steel has excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for cutting tools and automotive parts.
- Versatility: Can be used in numerous applications from automotive to construction due to its adaptability to heat treatment.
Disadvantages:
- Corrosion Resistance: 1050 steel lacks significant corrosion resistance, requiring protective coatings for use in moist environments.
- Welding Challenges: High-carbon content makes welding more difficult, requiring specialized techniques to prevent cracking.
- Brittleness After Hardening: 1050 steel can become brittle after hardening if not properly tempered.
Conclusion
1050 steel is a versatile and cost-effective high-carbon steel that offers good machinability, wear resistance, and strength. Its ability to be heat-treated makes it suitable for a wide variety of applications, including automotive components, cutting tools, and structural parts. While it has some limitations in terms of corrosion resistance and welding, its performance in terms of hardness and toughness makes it a reliable choice across industries.
For custom solutions and further information, ZGT Special Steel is a leading supplier of carbon and wear-resistant plates with processing centers in Foshan and Shanghai, offering a range of custom services to meet your needs.
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