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1018 Cold Rolled Steel Technical Material Specification

Comprehensive technical specification for 1018 cold rolled steel (CRS) including Canadian stock sizes, tolerances, machinability data, common defects, and storage guidelines for fabrication and machining shops.

Material Overview & Common Uses

1018 cold rolled steel (CRS) is a low-carbon steel (0.18% carbon) with a smooth, scaled-free surface finish achieved through cold reduction. It offers excellent weldability, good ductility, and superior machinability compared to hot rolled steels. Common applications include shafts, pins, gears, fixtures, jigs, brackets, and general structural components in Canadian fabrication, woodworking machinery parts, and automotive repair. It is the default choice for parts requiring tight tolerances and a clean appearance without secondary finishing.

Core Technical Properties & Sizing

Property	Value
Chemical Composition (wt%)	C 0.15–0.20, Mn 0.60–0.90, P ≤0.040, S ≤0.050
Tensile Strength	440–540 MPa (63,800–78,300 psi)
Yield Strength	370 MPa (53,700 psi) typical
Hardness	Brinell 126 (Rockwell B71) typical
Elongation in 2 in (50 mm)	15% minimum
Modulus of Elasticity	205 GPa (29,700 ksi)
Density	7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³)
Standard Canadian Sheet Sizes (cold rolled)	48" x 96" (4'x8'), 48" x 120" (4'x10'), 60" x 120" (5'x10') – thicknesses from 0.025" (26 ga) to 0.250" (1/4")
Standard Plate Sizes	48" x 96", 48" x 120", 60" x 120", 72" x 144" – thicknesses from 3/16" to 1"
Standard Bar/Rod Sizes (round)	diameters from 1/8" to 6" in 12' or 20' lengths; (square/hex): common sizes 1/4" to 2"
Thickness Tolerance (sheet, ASTM A1008)	±0.005" for 0.025"–0.060", ±0.006" for 0.061"–0.125", ±0.008" for 0.126"–0.250"
Flatness Tolerance (sheet)	1/8" in any 36" width for thicknesses ≤0.060", 1/4" in any 48" width for thicker sheets
Surface Finish	RMS 40–60 microinches typical (cold rolled skin pass)

Machinability, Tooling & Feeds

Parameter	Recommendation
Machinability Rating	70% relative to AISI B1112 (100%)
Recommended Tooling	Uncoated carbide (C2 grade) or high-speed steel (M2, M42) for general turning/milling
Turning (carbide): Speed	300–400 SFM
Turning (carbide): Feed	0.005–0.015 in/rev
Turning (carbide): Depth of cut	0.050–0.150 in
Milling (carbide): Speed	250–350 SFM
Milling (carbide): Chip load	0.002–0.006 in/tooth
Drilling (HSS): Speed	80–120 SFM
Drilling (HSS): Feed	0.003–0.008 in/rev
Coolant	Water-soluble (5–10% emulsion) for all operations. Avoid dry cutting to prevent built-up edge.
Threading	Use roll-form taps for best finish; cut taps acceptable with lubricant.
Grinding	Aluminum oxide wheels, 46–60 grit, medium hardness

Common Defects & Quality Control

Defect	Acceptance Criteria
Surface scratches or die marks from cold rolling	Acceptable if depth <10% of thickness tolerance; reject if visible after light sanding.
Edge wave or camber	Bow >1/8" in 48" length is rejectable.
Oil staining or rust bloom	Light rust can be wiped; heavy pitting requires rejection.
Lamination or inclusion lines visible on sheared edges	Reject if >1/16" deep.
Hardness variation	Variance >10 HB across a sheet indicates non-uniform cooling and is rejectable.
Dimensional out-of-tolerance	Verify thickness with micrometer at 4 corners and center; reject if any reading exceeds ASTM A1008 tolerance.
Burr height on sheared edges	>0.010" requires deburring or rejection for precision parts.

Storage, Handling & Racking Guidelines

Guideline
Store 1018 CRS indoors in a dry, climate-controlled environment (40–60% RH, 15–25°C).
Use vertical racking for sheets (A-frame racks with padded arms) to prevent bowing and scratching.
For bars/rods, use horizontal cantilever racks with wood or plastic separators to avoid surface damage.
Always lift sheets with suction cups or magnetic lifters; never drag sheets across each other.
Apply light oil (e.g., LPS-3 or Boeshield T-9) to exposed edges if storing >30 days.
Rotate stock FIFO to prevent rust from prolonged storage.
For long-term storage (>6 months), wrap in VCI paper or use desiccant packs.
Do not stack sheets directly on concrete floors – use wooden pallets or rubber mats to prevent moisture wicking.
Inspect incoming material for rust, dents, and dimensional compliance before racking.