Steel 1018-CD vs 1018-HR
Steel · 1018 temper comparison
1018-CD and 1018-HR are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1018: CD (cold drawn) versus HR (hot rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1018-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for 1018-HR, about 68% more; tensile strength follows at 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). In exchange, 1018-HR is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 15% for 1018-CD, and 1018-CD is harder (126 HB vs 116 HB).
1018-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
1018-HRChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Buyer's decision notes
Choose cold-drawn 1018 when bar size, straightness, surface and as-supplied mechanical consistency reduce machining work. Choose hot-rolled 1018 when stock removal, welding or rough fabrication makes the cold-finished premium and residual-stress tradeoff less useful.
Compare the same condition
This is a process-condition comparison within one chemistry. Match section shape and size, then use the governing hot-wrought or cold-finished specification; properties from a small cold-drawn round should not be applied to a large hot-rolled flat.
- Tolerance and stock
- Cold-finished bar can reduce cleanup allowance and support closer stock-size control. Hot-rolled bar carries scale and broader as-rolled surface variation, so quote the machining envelope and finished dimensions rather than comparing only price per unit mass.
- Residual stress
- Cold drawing raises strength and can leave residual stress that releases during asymmetric turning, keyway cutting or heavy pocketing. Plan rough machining, stress relief and finish cuts where straightness or runout matters.
- Welding and forming
- Both share low-carbon chemistry, but cold work changes strength and forming response. If the part is welded or bent after purchase, qualify the delivered condition and do not assume the cold-drawn property advantage remains through the completed process.
- Surface processing
- Hot-rolled scale must be removed where it interferes with machining, coating or inspection. For cold-drawn stock, identify laps, seams, decarburization or surface-quality supplementary requirements if the as-supplied surface remains on the part.
Put this on the RFQ
- State 1018 chemistry, HR or CD condition, section, size, length, straightness, surface quality and applicable ASTM specification.
- Provide machining stock, final runout or straightness, stress-relief permission and whether any mill surface remains on the finished part.
- Identify welds, bends, plating and fatigue-critical surfaces plus any supplementary defect-inspection requirement.
Primary references
- ASTM — A108 — Active specification for cold-finished carbon and alloy steel bars and their purchasing options.
- ASTM — A29/A29M — Active general-requirements specification for hot-wrought carbon and alloy steel bars.
FabDigit resources: 1018-CD datasheet, 1018-HR datasheet, CNC design guide and sheet-metal design guide.
1018-CD vs 1018-HR: 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.
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
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 220 MPa31.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 110 MPa·√m100 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.87 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,510°C2,750 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51.9 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 486 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · 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)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 75 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
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.
1018-CD vs 1018-HR — frequently asked
Is 1018-CD stronger than 1018-HR?
Yes. 1018-CD has a typical yield strength of 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for 1018-HR — about 68% more. Tensile strength is 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CD or HR?
HR is the default 1018 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, 1018-CD or 1018-HR?
1018-CD, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 66/100 against 58/100 for 1018-HR.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1018-CD and 1018-HR 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.