Steel 1008 vs 1026
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 1008 and 1026 are both steel grades, both low carbon steel. 1026 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for 1008, about 57% more; tensile strength follows at 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). In exchange, 1008 is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 24% for 1026, and 1026 is harder (126 HB vs 86 HB). 1008 conducts heat better (60 W/m·K vs 51.9 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 1026 machines more easily (good vs fair) and 1008 welds better (95 vs 85 out of 100).
1008Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
1026Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
1008 vs 1026: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 1008 | 1026 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Default condition | HR | HR |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 1.6 µm |
| AlCrN | — | Yes |
| AlTiN | — | Yes |
| CVD Al2O3 | — | Yes |
| CVD TiCN | — | Yes |
| CVD TiN | — | Yes |
| CrN | — | Yes |
| DLC | — | Yes |
| HVOF Coating | — | Yes |
| MoS2 | — | Yes |
| Multilayer CVD | — | Yes |
| TiAlN | — | Yes |
| TiB2 | — | Yes |
| TiCN | — | Yes |
| TiN | — | Yes |
| WC/C | — | Yes |
| ZrN | — | Yes |
Both are offered for Sheet metal. They share 22 finishes: Black Oxide, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Hot-Dip Galvanizing, Manganese Phosphate, Nickel Plating and 10 more.
1008 vs 1026 — frequently asked
Is 1026 stronger than 1008?
Yes. 1026 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for 1008 — about 57% more. Tensile strength is 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 1008 or 1026?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 1008 or 1026?
1026. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (48/100) for 1008; for welding the order is 1008 first (excellent, 95/100) then 1026 (excellent, 85/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1008 and 1026 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.