Steel 1117 · supply condition · default condition
Steel 1117-HR
Properties of the HR condition, compared with the other 1117 tempers.
Cheapest stock form for machined parts where a rough surface and ±loose size tolerance are acceptable.
What is 1117-HR?
1117-HR is 1117 supplied in the HR condition — cheapest stock form for machined parts where a rough surface and ±loose size tolerance are acceptable. 1117-HR has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) — weaker than 96% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 33% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). 1117-HR has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 33%, better than 96% of steel grades
- Easy to machine — 70/100, better than 96% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 51 W/m·K (29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of steel grades
- Low embodied carbon — 1.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 235 MPa (34.1 ksi), worse than 96% of steel grades
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
1117-HR properties
Typical room-temperature values for 1117-HR — 13 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 1117 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
1117-HR has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).
Mechanical13
1117-HR has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) — weaker than 96% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 33% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
1117-HR is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 51 W/m·K (29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.7 µm/m·K (6.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
1117-HR conducts electricity at 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 87% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 1117-HR takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 1.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
1117-HR's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 96% of steel grades); weldability fair (50/100); formability good (60/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other 1117 tempers and conditions
1117 is also supplied in 5 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the 1117 overview.
- HRDefaultCheapest stock form for machined parts where a rough surface and ±loose size tolerance are acceptable.235 MPa yield · 121 HB
- CDStandard free-machining bar stock: bright surface, close diameter tolerance and ~70 % higher yield strength than hot rolled.415 MPa yield · 143 HB
- CarburizedPick when a machined 1117 part needs a hard wear surface (0.3–1.0 mm case) over a tough low-carbon core.400 MPa yield · 60 HRC
- CRCold-rolled flats and strip for machined or stamped-then-machined parts needing a bright, dimensionally accurate section.395 MPa yield · 137 HB
- AnnealedSoftest, most stable condition — use before heavy cold forming, deep upsetting or to relieve cold-drawn residual stress.220 MPa yield · 116 HB
Working with 1117-HR
Is 1117 easy to machine?
Excellent — free-cutting sulfides give short chips, low tool wear and good finish at high speeds; cold-drawn bar turns best, annealed stock can be slightly gummy.
Can 1117 be welded?
Fair at best — the 0.08–0.13 % S promotes hot cracking and porosity; use low-hydrogen or high-Mn filler, low heat input, and avoid critical structural welds.
Can 1117 be formed, bent or molded?
Adequate cold bending in the rolling direction only; transverse ductility is poor because of sulfide stringers, so anneal or bend generously and avoid tight transverse radii.
What surface finishes work on 1117?
No corrosion resistance — specify zinc, nickel or Zn-Ni plating, black oxide, phosphate-and-oil or paint; sulfide inclusions can cause slight pitting/pull-out on mirror-polished or plated surfaces.
1117 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.14 – 0.2 | 0.17 |
| Mn | 1 – 1.3 | 1.15 |
| Sresulfurized for free machining (MnS inclusions) | 0.08 – 0.13 | 0.1 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Sinot specified for basic open-hearth/BOF bar; typical residual | ≤ 0.35 | 0.2 |
| Fe | balance | — |
1117-HR — frequently asked
What is 1117-HR used for?
1117-HR is typically used for splines, gears and screw machine products. In short: free-machining carbon steel.
What is the yield strength of 1117-HR?
1117-HR has a typical yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) — weaker than 96% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is 1117-HR easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 96% of steel grades). Excellent — free-cutting sulfides give short chips, low tool wear and good finish at high speeds; cold-drawn bar turns best, annealed stock can be slightly gummy.
Can 1117-HR be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (50/100). Fair at best — the 0.08–0.13 % S promotes hot cracking and porosity; use low-hydrogen or high-Mn filler, low heat input, and avoid critical structural welds.
What surface finishes work on 1117-HR?
No corrosion resistance — specify zinc, nickel or Zn-Ni plating, black oxide, phosphate-and-oil or paint; sulfide inclusions can cause slight pitting/pull-out on mirror-polished or plated surfaces.
Can 1117-HR be formed, bent or molded?
Adequate cold bending in the rolling direction only; transverse ductility is poor because of sulfide stringers, so anneal or bend generously and avoid tight transverse radii.
What is the maximum service temperature of 1117-HR?
1117-HR is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 1117-HR and 1117-CD?
HR is the default condition — cheapest stock form for machined parts where a rough surface and ±loose size tolerance are acceptable. CD: standard free-machining bar stock: bright surface, close diameter tolerance and ~70 % higher yield strength than hot rolled. Yield strength is 235 MPa in HR versus 415 MPa in CD.
Can FabDigit make parts in 1117-HR?
Yes — 1117-HR is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A29/A29M — Steel Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought, General Requirements — ASTM (2020)
- SAE J403 — Chemical Compositions of SAE Carbon Steels — SAE International (2014)
- GB/T 8731 (Y15) — SAC (2008)
- EN 10087 — Free-cutting steels (11SMn30, 1.0715) — CEN (1998)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.16 — Machining — ASM International (1989)
- Mysteel / SMM Y15 (2025)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.