SAE 1045 Steel – Chemical Composition, Properties and Uses
by AMC
Posted on December 08, 2023 at 12:57 PM
SAE 1045, a widely utilized medium-carbon steel, stands out as a preferred choice globally. Renowned for its
exceptional blend of high strength, weldability, and impact resistance, this common steel grade offers
versatility and reliability. Moreover, its affordability enhances its popularity among consumers, making
AISI 1045 a practical and cost-effective option for various applications.
Before making a purchase, it's crucial to learn about the SAE 1045 steel to ensure you acquire the right
product for your needs. This article provides an in-depth exploration of SAE/AISI 1045 steel, covering its
hot-rolled, normalized, and cold-rolled variants, and discuss some of the key characteristics to aid in
making informed decisions about this versatile steel grade.
What does 1045 mean in steel?
- AISI or SAE Identification: Recognized by the American Iron and Steel Institute (A.I.S.I.) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (S.A.E.) as AISI or SAE 1045.
- Carbon Content: The first digit '1' in 1045 signifies that the steel is primarily composed of carbon.
- Alloy Components: The second digit '0' indicates that the steel has no significant alloying elements, making it a non-alloy or plain carbon steel.
- Carbon Percentage: The final two digits, '45,' specify the carbon content of the steel. In this case, 1045 steel contains 0.45 percent carbon.
SAE 1045 Carbon Steel Chemical Composition
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S |
| 1045 | 0.43-0.50 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.60-0.90 | ≤0.04 | ≤0.05 |
SAE 1045 Steel Physical Property
| 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
| Tensile,Mpa | Yield,Mpa | Elongation,% | Reduction,% | Charpy Impact,J | Hardness,HBW |
| ≥532 | ≥280 | ≥32 | ≥49 | ≥60 | 160-200 |
SAE 1045 Thermal Properties
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity | 51.9 W/mK | 360 BTU in/hr.ft2.°F |
| Thermal expansion co-efficient (@0.000-100°C/32-212°F) | 11.2 µm/m°C | 6.22 µm/m°C |
SAE 1045 Steel Heat Treatment
Normalizing Temperature: 830-880℃
Holding Time: The duration depends on the workpiece size and loading capacity. In our experience, shorter
holding times are suitable for smaller SAE 1045 steel sizes. As the size increases, the holding time may be
extended. However, an excessively prolonged holding time can result in coarse grains and material
overburning, adversely affecting material properties.
Cooling Method: Air cooling is recommended, and rapid cooling can be achieved by misting water. Caution
should be exercised to avoid overly fast cooling, as it may lead to material cracking.
Rationale: Normalizing is a crucial heat treatment process for SAE 1045 steel.
- For general-purpose parts, normalizing can serve as the final heat treatment, ensuring the material meets specified properties.
- As a preparatory step for the final quenching and tempering heat treatment, normalizing helps refine grain structure and homogenize the material, establishing a favorable foundation for subsequent heat treatment processes.
Balancing the duration of holding time and cooling methods is essential to achieving the desired material properties without compromising structural integrity during the heat treatment of SAE 1045 steel.
SAE 1045 Steel Annealing
Purpose of Annealing Heat Treatment: The primary objective of annealing for SAE 1045 steel, based on our
experience, is typically to soften surface hardness for improved machinability.
Annealing Temperature: The annealing temperature for SAE 1045 steel is typically maintained within the range
of 820-840°C.
Holding Time: A sufficient holding time at the annealing temperature is essential to achieve the desired
softening effect. The material is then allowed to cool to room temperature within the furnace.
Measured Surface Hardness: Post-annealing, the measured surface hardness of SAE 1045 steel usually falls
below 200 HBW (Brinell Hardness), significantly facilitating subsequent processing and machining operations.
SAE 1045 Steel Quenching & Tempering (QT)
Application Scenario: Quenching and tempering (QT) heat treatment is recommended for SAE 1045 steel when it is utilized in critical structural components such as connecting rods, gears, bolts, and shafts operating under alternating loads. This process enhances the overall mechanical properties of SAE 1045 steel, ensuring it meets stringent performance requirements.
Quenching Parameters:Tempering Parameters:
Rationale:
SAE 1045 Steel Tempering Temperature Vs Hardness
| Grade | Quenching | Tempering Temperature,ºC | |||||||
| Temperature,ºC | Hardness,HRC | 150ºC | 200ºC | 300ºC | 400ºC | 500ºC | 550ºC | 600ºC | |
| SAE 1045 | 840ºC | 58-59 | 58 | 55 | 50 | 41 | 33 | 26 | 22 |
SAE1045 Steel Supply Form & Size & Tolerance
| Surface Finish | Black-Forged | Black-Rolled | Turned | Grinding | Polished | Peeled | Cold Drawn |
| Tolerance | (0，+5mm) | (0，+1mm) | (0，+3mm) | Best h9 | Best h11 | Best H11 | Best H11 |
Where to buy 1045 Steel?
Discover the convenience of shopping for AISI 1045 steel at amardeepsteel.com, where you have the flexibility to order any quantity, at any time, on any day. Benefit from some of the most competitive pricing available online.
Our inventory includes:
For a seamless experience, contact us, and our friendly customer support representatives will be delighted to assist you with your metal request. At GetMetals.com, we strive to make your AISI 1045 steel procurement hassle-free and cost-effective.
Sheet Metal Gauge Chart
When working with sheet metal, the term "gauge" is commonly used to describe the thickness or thickness range of the material.
