A36 vs. 1018 Steel: What Are the Key Differences?

When it comes to choosing the right material for your project, understanding the differences between various steel grades is essential. Two popular choices in the realm of low-carbon steel are 1018 steel and A36 steel. While both are widely used for their excellent machinability and weldability, they often serve different applications and performance requirements.
Within this article, we’ll discuss the differences between A36 and 1018 steel products, as well as some of the similarities, including properties, chemical composition, advantages, and applications.

Composition and Properties (1018 Steel)

Chemical Composition

1018 steel is a low-carbon steel with a carbon content typically between 0.15% and 0.20%. It also contains small amounts of manganese (around 0.60% to 0.90%), which enhances its strength without sacrificing its ductility. Complete 1018 steel chemical composition includes:

• Carbon (C): 0.15%–0.20%
• Manganese (Mn): 0.60%–0.90%
• Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.04%
• Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.05%
• Iron (Fe): Balance

Mechanical Properties

Known for its excellent machinability and ease of forming, 1018 steel typically offers moderate tensile strength and high ductility. Its softer nature makes it ideal for parts that require extensive machining and finishing. Additional mechanical properties include:

• Moderate tensile strength and hardness
• Excellent machinability
• Easily welded without pre-heating or post-welding treatments
• Enhanced ductility without fear of cracking or breaking
• Smooth surface finish

Applications

1018 is widely used in general fabrication, automotive components, and precision parts, where a balance between strength and workability is essential. Additional applications include:

• Construction – Fasteners, support structures
• Machinery – Tool bodies, machine components
• Automotive – Shafts, pins, gears
• Fabrication – Structural parts, décor
• Manufacturing – Jigs, fixtures, prototypes

Composition and Properties (A36 Steel)

Chemical Composition

A36 steel, an ASTM standard grade, generally has a maximum carbon content of 0.25% and includes controlled amounts of manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur. Its composition is designed to offer improved weldability and structural performance. Complete A36 chemical composition comprises:

• Carbon (C): 0.25% max
• Manganese (Mn): 0.80%–1.20%
• Phosphorus (P): 0.04% max
• Sulfur (S): 0.05% max
• Silicon (Si): 0.40% max
• Iron (Fe): Balance

Mechanical Properties

With a minimum yield strength of 36,000 psi and tensile strength ranging from 58,000 to 80,000 psi, A36 steel is engineered for structural integrity. It is tougher than 1018, making it suitable for applications where higher load-bearing capacity is required. Additional mechanical properties include:

• Tensile Strength – 58,000-80,000 psi
• Yield Strength – 36,000 psi minimum
• Ductility - High ductility allows for forming and shaping without cracking
• Weldability - Excellent, requiring minimal pre- or post-weld treatments
• Machinability - Easily machined, ideal for manufacturing and fabrication
• Impact Resistance - Suitable for applications exposed to moderate stress and vibration

Applications

Commonly used in construction and structural applications, A36 is ideal for beams, columns, and other load-bearing components in buildings, bridges, and industrial structures. Additional applications include:

• Construction - Beams, columns, and reinforcements in buildings, bridges, and infrastructure
• Manufacturing - Machine components, automotive parts, and industrial equipment
• Fabrication - Custom metal parts and structural frameworks
• Energy Sector - Support structures for wind turbines and oil rigs
• Shipbuilding - Hulls, decks, and structural reinforcements

Key Differences Between A36 and 1018 Steel

Strength and Load Bearing Capacity

• 1018 – Offers excellent machinability for precision parts but provides moderate strength. It's best suited for applications where complex shapes or detailed machining are required.
• A36 - Provides higher yield and tensile strength, making it a preferred choice for structural applications where the material must support heavier loads.

Workability and Machinability

• 1018 – Highly favored for projects that require extensive machining, drilling, or bending. Its softer nature ensures that it can be easily manipulated into intricate designs without excessive tool wear.
• A36 - While it is also workable and weldable, A36 is generally more robust and is often used in applications where post-fabrication processing is minimized.

Application Considerations

• 1018 – Ideal for precision components, small machinery parts, and applications that require fine detail and high levels of customization.
• A36 - The go-to material for heavy-duty construction, structural frameworks, and applications where overall strength and durability are the priority.

A36 vs. 1018 Steel – Which is the Right Choice for Your Project?

Both 1018 and A36 steel offer outstanding benefits but selecting the correct grade can make a significant difference in performance, cost-efficiency, and long-term durability. All decisions should be based on project requirements. However, choose 1018 Steel if you need a material that's easy to machine and form for detailed, intricate designs where moderate strength is sufficient. Select A36 Steel if your application demands a robust, high-strength material capable of supporting heavy loads and maintaining structural integrity.

IMS is Your Locally Trusted Metal Supply Company

With seven locations serving California, Arizona, Nevada, and Northern Mexico, IMS is a full-service metal supplier that provides a broad, in-stock selection of premium ASTM 1018 steel and a36 steel products. Our inventory of metal products includes various metal shapes and an extensive selection of alloys. At IMS, we offer the following advantages:

• Same-day will-call pick-up
• Next-day local delivery
• Excellent high-volume discount pricing
• Advanced precision cutting services
• ISO 9001 certified
• Support of Just-In-Time manufacturing processes
• No minimum purchases

Order ASTM A36 or 1018 Steel Products Today

Contact us for more information regarding our in-stock A36 and 1018 steel options, or request a quote today. IMS offers convenient purchase options that include next-day delivery and will-call pick-up.