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Steel 1145-IH (Induction hardened)

Heat-treated state

AISI/SAE 1145 · UNS G11450

Use when only bearing or wear surfaces must be hard (55–60 HRC) while the core stays tough and machinable.

Budget cost $

Values for the IH condition

Other 1145 tempers and conditions

1145 is listed in 9 conditions; see the grade overview at 1145.

Compare all 9 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Solution annealed
Softest state for maximum dimensional stability, deep drilling and any limited cold forming or heading.31057022163 HB—
Hot rolled
Cheapest form for large-diameter turned parts where the as-rolled surface will be machined away.32558518170 HB—
Normalized
Uniform fine pearlitic structure before machining or hardening; better and more consistent properties than as-rolled.37564020187 HB—
Cold drawn, stress relieved
Pick when unbalanced machining (keyways, deep slots) would otherwise bow the part after cutting.5306401510 HRC10 % IACS
IHThis page
Induction hardened
Use when only bearing or wear surfaces must be hard (55–60 HRC) while the core stays tough and machinable.5607001257 HRC9 % IACS
CDDefault
Cold drawn
Default stocked condition: straight, size-accurate bright bar with raised strength and good chip control for CNC turning.56565512187 HB—
quenched and tempered (high temper)
Tough general-purpose hardened condition for shafts and levers that still need drilling and tapping after heat treatment.6908301724 HRC—
quenched and tempered (medium temper)
Most common hardened spec for medium-duty gears, spindles and hydraulic parts needing strength with some machinability.8209651530 HRC—
quenched and tempered (low temper)
Highest practical through-hardened strength for this grade; accept reduced toughness and harder machining.9501,1001234 HRC—

What is 1145-IH?

1145-IH is 1145 heat treated to IH — use when only bearing or wear surfaces must be hard (55–60 HRC) while the core stays tough and machinable. 1145-IH has a yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) — stronger than 73% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi). 1145-IH has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,416°C (2,581 °F). CD is the default condition FabDigit quotes; IH is available on request or by drawing note.

Limitations

  • Difficult to weld — 10/100, worse than 99% of steel grades
  • Limited formability — 5/100, worse than 99% of steel grades
  • Difficult to machine — 15/100, worse than 98% of steel grades
  • Limited service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), worse than 93% of steel grades
  • Limited ductility — 12%, worse than 84% of steel grades

1145-IH properties

Typical room-temperature values for 1145-IH; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 1145 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.

Physical3

1145-IH has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,416°C (2,581 °F).

Density7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,416°C2,581 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,495°C2,723 °F

Mechanical13

1145-IH has a yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) — stronger than 73% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus205 GPa29.7 Msi
Shear Modulus80 GPa11.6 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.29
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)700 MPa102 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)560 MPa81.2 ksi
Elongation at Break12%
Reduction in Area30%
Shear Strength430 MPa62.4 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)480 MPa69.6 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)10 J7.4 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell600 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B93 HRB

Thermal6

1145-IH is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 45 W/m·K (26 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 66% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.7 µm/m·K (6.5 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity45 W/m·K26 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity486 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 Fusion250 J/g107 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)200°C392 °F
Min Service Temperature-30°C-22 °F

Electrical3

1145-IH conducts electricity at 9 % IACS, better than 71% of steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity9 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.48 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 86% of steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.65 V
Corrosion ResistanceNot recommended10/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryRusts freely in humid air and water; no resistance to acids or chlorides. Needs oil, phosphate, zinc plating, black oxide or paint. Sulfide inclusions act as pitting initiation sites.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 1145-IH takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water35 L/kg4.2 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content30%

Manufacturability7

1145-IH's machinability is poor (15/100, worse than 98% of steel grades); weldability not recommended (10/100); formability not recommended (5/100).

MachinabilityPoor15/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)15%
WeldabilityNot recommended10/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended5/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood60/100
PolishabilityFair50/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use black oxide, phosphate, zinc or hard chrome instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 1145-IH

Is 1145 easy to machine?

Excellent turning/drilling at ~70 % of 1212 — run high surface speeds with sharp carbide, positive rake and good coolant; sulfides give clean chip break and fine finish.

Can 1145 be welded?

Avoid where possible: 0.45 %C plus 0.04–0.07 %S cause hot cracking and hard HAZ; if unavoidable preheat 200–300 °C, use low-hydrogen filler and post-weld stress relief.

Can 1145 be formed, bent or molded?

Only modest cold bending in annealed or hot-rolled condition; hot forge 1100–1230 °C and slow cool or normalize afterwards — do not cold form heavily in the cold-drawn state.

What surface finishes work on 1145?

No inherent corrosion protection — specify black oxide, phosphate + oil, zinc or hard chrome; sulfide stringers can leave micro-pits after polishing or plating.

1145 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
CSAE/AISI 1145 per SAE J403 / ASTM A290.42 – 0.490.46
Mn0.7 – 10.85
P≤ 0.040.02
Sresulfurized for machinability0.04 – 0.070.06
Sinot specified for hot-rolled bar; 0.15–0.35 typical when ordered as killed steel≈ 0.220.22
Febalance—

1145-IH — frequently asked

What is 1145-IH used for?

1145-IH is typically used for shafts, axles and high-strength fasteners. In short: highest-carbon 11xx bar; between 1144 and 1146; strength over weldability.

What is the yield strength of 1145-IH?

1145-IH has a typical yield strength of 560 MPa (81.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) — stronger than 73% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 9 listed tempers.

Is 1145-IH easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (15/100, worse than 98% of steel grades). Excellent turning/drilling at ~70 % of 1212 — run high surface speeds with sharp carbide, positive rake and good coolant; sulfides give clean chip break and fine finish.

Can 1145-IH be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (10/100). Avoid where possible: 0.45 %C plus 0.04–0.07 %S cause hot cracking and hard HAZ; if unavoidable preheat 200–300 °C, use low-hydrogen filler and post-weld stress relief.

What surface finishes work on 1145-IH?

No inherent corrosion protection — specify black oxide, phosphate + oil, zinc or hard chrome; sulfide stringers can leave micro-pits after polishing or plating.

Can 1145-IH be formed, bent or molded?

Only modest cold bending in annealed or hot-rolled condition; hot forge 1100–1230 °C and slow cool or normalize afterwards — do not cold form heavily in the cold-drawn state.

What is the maximum service temperature of 1145-IH?

1145-IH is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between 1145-CD and 1145-A?

CD is the default condition — default stocked condition: straight, size-accurate bright bar with raised strength and good chip control for CNC turning. A: softest state for maximum dimensional stability, deep drilling and any limited cold forming or heading. Yield strength is 565 MPa in CD versus 310 MPa in A.

Sources

  1. SAE J403 — Chemical Compositions of SAE Carbon Steels — SAE International (2014)
  2. ASTM A29/A29M — Steel Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought, General Requirements — ASTM (2020)
  3. ASTM A108 — Steel Bar, Carbon and Alloy, Cold-Finished — ASTM (2018)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.16 — Machining — ASM International (1989)
  6. GB/T 8731 — (free-cutting structural steel, Y45 comparison) — SAC (2008)

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.