Cold Rolled Flat Bars
About Cold Rolled Flat Bars
1018 cold rolled flat bar provides a smooth, scale-free finish, tight dimensional tolerances, and excellent machinability. Conforms to ASTM A108. Ideal for brackets, base plates, and structural components.
Quick Facts
- Material: 1018 Cold Rolled Steel
- ASTM Standard: A108
- Temper/Condition: Cold Drawn
- Available Sizes: Widths from 1/4", thicknesses from 1/8"
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
Cold Rolled 1018 Steel Flat Bar is a low-carbon steel product known for its excellent case-hardening properties and superior surface finish compared to hot rolled alternatives. The cold drawing process increases its strength and hardness while maintaining tight dimensional accuracy. This makes it a reliable material for applications requiring precision without the need for extensive secondary processing, ensuring components fit correctly in assemblies.
With a typical tensile strength of 63,800 PSI and yield strength of 53,700 PSI, 1018 flat bar offers a good balance of strength, ductility, and toughness. It is easily welded and machined, making it a versatile choice for general fabrication. This material is commonly used for parts that will be carburized, a process that hardens the surface while keeping the core ductile and shock-resistant.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 63,800 | PSI |
| Yield Strength | 53,700 | PSI |
| Elongation | 15 | % |
| Hardness | 126 | HB |
Applicable Standards
- ASTM A108: Standard Specification for Steel Bar, Carbon and Alloy, Cold-Finished
Common Applications
- Fabrication: Base plates, mounting brackets, and gussets - due to its flatness and weldability.
- Machinery: Levers, linkages, and machine frames - where tight tolerances and a smooth finish are required.
- Automotive: Non-critical drivetrain and suspension components - for its good balance of properties and machinability.
- Tooling & Fixtures: Jigs, fixtures, and templates - holds shape well and is easy to machine into precise forms.
- Construction: Ornamental ironwork and decorative trim - smooth finish is aesthetically pleasing and ready for paint.
- General Manufacturing: Straps, braces, and wear strips - a versatile and cost-effective choice for general use.
- Fixtures: Support arms and frame components - provides reliable strength and dimensional stability for displays and equipment.
Working with Cold Rolled Flat Bars
Machining
1018 steel has a machinability rating of 70% of 1212 steel, making it excellent for drilling, turning, and milling. The cold finish provides a clean surface that requires minimal prep. Use of proper speeds, feeds, and coolant is recommended for best results and tool life.
Welding
This grade is readily weldable using common methods including MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Preheating and post-heating are generally not required for thinner sections, but may be beneficial for thicknesses over 2 inches to prevent cracking. A low-hydrogen electrode is recommended for best results.
Finishing
The smooth surface of cold rolled steel is ideal for painting, powder coating, or plating with minimal surface preparation. It can also be case-hardened through carburizing to create a wear-resistant surface while maintaining a softer, more ductile core for impact resistance.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between 1018 cold rolled and A36 hot rolled flat bar?
A: 1018 cold rolled bar has a smoother, scale-free surface, tighter dimensional tolerances, and higher yield strength (53,700 PSI) due to the cold finishing process. A36 hot rolled is less expensive with a rougher surface, making it better for structural applications where finish is not critical.
Q: Is 1018 steel good for parts that need to be hardened?
A: Yes, 1018 is an excellent choice for case hardening (carburizing). This process creates a hard, wear-resistant outer layer while the inner core remains soft and ductile, which is ideal for parts like gears, pins, and shafts that experience surface wear but also need to resist shock.
Q: Can I weld 1018 cold rolled steel?
A: Yes, 1018 steel is easily welded using standard techniques. Its low carbon content makes it less prone to cracking than higher carbon steels. No pre- or post-heating is typically needed for sections under 2 inches thick. It forms strong, ductile welds.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available widths: 1/4" to 12". Thicknesses: 1/8" to 2". Standard lengths: 12 ft. Custom size available.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
View Sizes & PricingNeed Cold Rolled Flat Bars? Contact Bobco Metals for availability and Los Angeles pickup.
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