1035 Steel: Properties and Key Applications Overview

1035 steel is classified as a medium-carbon alloy steel, primarily composed of iron with a carbon content of approximately 0.30% to 0.40%. This steel grade is known for its balance of strength, ductility, and hardness, making it suitable for a variety of engineering applications. The primary alloying elements in 1035 steel include manganese, which enhances hardenability and strength, and silicon, which improves deoxidation during steelmaking.

Comprehensive Overview

1035 steel exhibits several significant characteristics that define its utility in engineering applications. It possesses good machinability, weldability, and can be heat treated to achieve higher hardness levels. The steel's mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and yield strength, can be enhanced through processes like quenching and tempering, making it versatile for various structural applications.

Advantages of 1035 Steel:
- Strength and Hardness: Offers a good balance of strength and hardness, making it suitable for parts that require wear resistance.
- Weldability: Can be welded using common methods, which is advantageous for fabrication.
- Heat Treatability: Can be heat treated to improve mechanical properties, allowing for tailored performance in specific applications.

Limitations of 1035 Steel:
- Corrosion Resistance: Moderate resistance to corrosion, which may limit its use in highly corrosive environments without protective coatings.
- Brittleness at High Hardness Levels: When heat treated to high hardness, it may become brittle, necessitating careful consideration in design.

Historically, 1035 steel has been used in applications such as automotive components, machinery parts, and structural applications due to its favorable mechanical properties and ease of fabrication.

Alternative Names, Standards, and Equivalents

Standard Organization	Designation/Grade	Country/Region of Origin	Notes/Remarks
UNS	G10350	USA	Closest equivalent to AISI 1035
AISI/SAE	1035	USA	Medium-carbon steel with good hardenability
ASTM	A29/A29M	USA	General specifications for carbon steel
EN	C35E	Europe	Similar composition, minor differences in mechanical properties
JIS	S35C	Japan	Comparable grade with slight variations in carbon content

The table above highlights various designations for 1035 steel across different standards. While these grades may be considered equivalent, subtle differences in composition and mechanical properties can affect performance in specific applications. For instance, the JIS S35C may have slightly different hardenability characteristics compared to AISI 1035, which could influence selection based on the intended use.

Key Properties

Chemical Composition

Element (Symbol and Name)	Percentage Range (%)
C (Carbon)	0.30 - 0.40
Mn (Manganese)	0.60 - 0.90
Si (Silicon)	0.15 - 0.40
P (Phosphorus)	≤ 0.04
S (Sulfur)	≤ 0.05

The primary alloying elements in 1035 steel include:
- Carbon (C): Enhances hardness and strength through heat treatment.
- Manganese (Mn): Improves hardenability and tensile strength, contributing to the steel's overall performance.
- Silicon (Si): Acts as a deoxidizer during steel production and enhances strength.

Mechanical Properties

Property	Condition/Temper	Test Temperature	Typical Value/Range (Metric)	Typical Value/Range (Imperial)	Reference Standard for Test Method
Tensile Strength	Annealed	Room Temp	580 - 700 MPa	84 - 102 ksi	ASTM E8
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)	Annealed	Room Temp	310 - 450 MPa	45 - 65 ksi	ASTM E8
Elongation	Annealed	Room Temp	20 - 25%	20 - 25%	ASTM E8
Hardness (Brinell)	Annealed	Room Temp	170 - 210 HB	170 - 210 HB	ASTM E10
Impact Strength (Charpy)	Annealed	-20°C (-4°F)	30 - 50 J	22 - 37 ft-lbf	ASTM E23

The mechanical properties of 1035 steel make it suitable for applications requiring moderate strength and good ductility. Its tensile and yield strengths allow it to withstand significant loads, while its elongation indicates good formability. The hardness values suggest that it can be used in applications where wear resistance is essential.

Physical Properties

Property	Condition/Temperature	Value (Metric)	Value (Imperial)
Density	Room Temp	7.85 g/cm³	0.284 lb/in³
Melting Point	-	1425 - 1540 °C	2600 - 2800 °F
Thermal Conductivity	Room Temp	45 W/m·K	31 BTU·in/h·ft²·°F
Specific Heat Capacity	Room Temp	0.46 kJ/kg·K	0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	Room Temp	11.5 x 10⁻⁶/K	6.4 x 10⁻⁶/°F

Key physical properties such as density and melting point are critical for applications involving high temperatures. The thermal conductivity indicates that 1035 steel can dissipate heat effectively, which is beneficial in applications where thermal management is essential.

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosive Agent	Concentration (%)	Temperature (°C)	Resistance Rating	Notes
Atmospheric	-	-	Fair	Susceptible to rust
Chlorides	-	25°C (77°F)	Poor	Risk of pitting corrosion
Acids	-	20°C (68°F)	Poor	Not recommended
Alkalis	-	20°C (68°F)	Fair	Moderate resistance

1035 steel exhibits moderate resistance to corrosion, particularly in atmospheric conditions. However, it is susceptible to pitting corrosion in chloride environments and should not be used in acidic conditions without protective coatings. Compared to stainless steels, such as 304 or 316, 1035 steel's corrosion resistance is significantly lower, making it less suitable for applications in marine or highly corrosive environments.

Heat Resistance

Property/Limit	Temperature (°C)	Temperature (°F)	Remarks
Max Continuous Service Temp	400°C	752°F	Suitable for moderate temperature applications
Max Intermittent Service Temp	450°C	842°F	Short-term exposure only
Scaling Temperature	600°C	1112°F	Risk of oxidation above this limit

At elevated temperatures, 1035 steel can maintain its mechanical properties up to about 400°C (752°F). Beyond this temperature, the risk of oxidation and scaling increases, which can compromise the material's integrity. Therefore, it is essential to consider the operating environment when selecting this steel for high-temperature applications.

Fabrication Properties

Weldability

Welding Process	Recommended Filler Metal (AWS Classification)	Typical Shielding Gas/Flux	Notes
MIG	ER70S-6	Argon + CO2 mix	Good for thin sections
TIG	ER70S-2	Argon	Excellent for precision work
Stick	E7018	-	Requires preheat

1035 steel is generally considered weldable using common welding processes such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Preheating may be necessary to avoid cracking, especially in thicker sections. Post-weld heat treatment can also help relieve stresses and improve the overall performance of the weld.

Machinability

Machining Parameter	1035 Steel	AISI 1212	Notes/Tips
Relative Machinability Index	60	100	1212 is easier to machine
Typical Cutting Speed	30 m/min	50 m/min	Adjust based on tooling

1035 steel has a moderate machinability rating, making it suitable for various machining operations. However, compared to more machinable grades like AISI 1212, it may require more robust tooling and slower cutting speeds to achieve desired surface finishes.

Formability

1035 steel can be cold and hot formed, with good ductility allowing for bending and shaping. However, care must be taken to avoid work hardening during cold forming, which can lead to increased brittleness. The minimum bend radius should be considered during fabrication to prevent cracking.

Heat Treatment

Treatment Process	Temperature Range (°C)	Typical Soaking Time	Cooling Method	Primary Purpose / Expected Result
Annealing	700 - 800	1 - 2 hours	Air	Softening, improved ductility
Quenching	800 - 850	30 minutes	Oil or Water	Hardening, increased strength
Tempering	400 - 600	1 hour	Air	Reducing brittleness, improving toughness

Heat treatment processes such as annealing, quenching, and tempering significantly affect the microstructure and properties of 1035 steel. Annealing softens the steel, making it easier to work with, while quenching increases hardness. Tempering is crucial for reducing brittleness after hardening, ensuring that the steel retains adequate toughness for practical applications.

Typical Applications and End Uses

Industry/Sector	Specific Application Example	Key Steel Properties Utilized in this Application	Reason for Selection
Automotive	Crankshafts	High strength, good machinability	Required for durability and performance
Machinery	Gears	Wear resistance, heat treatability	Essential for load-bearing applications
Construction	Structural components	Strength, ductility	Suitable for various structural loads

• Automotive Components: Used in manufacturing crankshafts and connecting rods due to its strength and ability to withstand dynamic loads.
• Machinery Parts: Commonly found in gears and shafts where wear resistance is critical.
• Construction Applications: Utilized in structural components where a balance of strength and ductility is required.

Important Considerations, Selection Criteria, and Further Insights

Feature/Property	1035 Steel	AISI 1045	AISI 1020	Brief Pro/Con or Trade-off Note
Key Mechanical Property	Moderate	Higher	Lower	1045 offers higher strength
Key Corrosion Aspect	Fair	Fair	Good	1020 has better corrosion resistance
Weldability	Good	Fair	Excellent	1020 is easier to weld
Machinability	Moderate	Moderate	High	1020 is more machinable
Formability	Good	Fair	Excellent	1020 offers superior formability
Approx. Relative Cost	Moderate	Moderate	Low	1020 is generally cheaper
Typical Availability	Common	Common	Very Common	1020 is widely available

When selecting 1035 steel for a specific application, considerations such as mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and fabrication characteristics are crucial. While it offers a good balance of properties, alternatives like AISI 1045 may provide higher strength, and AISI 1020 may be more cost-effective and easier to work with. Understanding the specific requirements of the application will guide the selection process, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.