Steel 1018-CD vs 1045-CD
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 1018-CD and 1045-CD are both steel grades, compared here in the CD condition. 1045-CD is the stronger of the two: yield strength 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) against 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) for 1018-CD, about 43% more; tensile strength follows at 625 MPa (90.6 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi). In exchange, 1018-CD is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 12% for 1045-CD, and 1045-CD is harder (179 HB vs 126 HB). On the shop floor, 1018-CD machines more easily (good vs fair) and 1018-CD welds better (excellent vs fair).
1018-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
1045-CDChoose it when strength drives the design.
1018-CD vs 1045-CD: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
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 · 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
Same in both: 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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V
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
Polishability
Castability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb
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 | 1018-CD | 1045-CD |
|---|---|---|
| Casting & forging | — | Yes |
| Default condition | HR | CD |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.
1018-CD vs 1045-CD — frequently asked
Is 1045-CD stronger than 1018-CD?
Yes. 1045-CD has a typical yield strength of 530 MPa (76.9 ksi) against 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) for 1018-CD — about 43% more. Tensile strength is 625 MPa (90.6 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 1018-CD or 1045-CD?
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, 1018-CD or 1045-CD?
1018-CD. Its machinability rates good (66/100) against fair (52/100) for 1045-CD; for welding the order is 1018-CD first (excellent, 92/100) then 1045-CD (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1018-CD and 1045-CD 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.