1010 Steel
A low-carbon steel
Typical values for the temper in the title
1010 is a steel with only about 0.1% carbon. It is soft, very ductile and forms well, so it is used for sheet, wire, deep-drawn parts and cold-headed parts such as rivets.
Strength is low (about 365 MPa tensile), and it welds excellently. When a hard surface is needed, it is carburized.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 365 MPa | |
| Yield strength Rp0.2 | 180 MPa | |
| Elongation A | 28% | |
| Hardness | 105 HB | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 200 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 7.87 g/cm³ | |
| Machinability | 80% | relative rating in the site database |
Chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| C carbon | 0.08–0.13 | sets strength and hardenability |
| Mn manganese | 0.30–0.60 | strength and hardenability |
| P phosphorus | max 0.040 | |
| S sulfur | max 0.050 | |
| Fe iron | balance |
Ranges per SAE J403 and ASTM A29. P max 0.040, S max 0.050 (except free-machining grades). Equivalents in other standards are close in composition, not identical.
Conditions and heat treatment
The properties of carbon steel depend strongly on the condition and heat treatment. The values at the top of the page are for the typical condition.
| Condition | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Hot rolled (HR) | lower strength, scaled surface | simple parts, welding |
| Cold drawn (CD) | higher strength and dimensional accuracy | bar for machining |
| Carburized | hard surface, soft and tough core | light gears, pins and shafts |
Applications
- Sheet and formed parts
- Wire and rivets
- Cold-headed parts
- Carburized parts
- Formed automotive parts
Fabrication
Welding
Welds excellently by all methods, without preheat.
Machining
Good, especially cold drawn. Hot rolled tends to be gummy.
Heat treatment
Not through-hardenable, because it has little carbon. For a hard surface, carburize.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1018 | 400 / 220 MPa | Excellent | more carbon and manganese: stronger · material page |
| 1020 | 395 / 205 MPa | Excellent | slightly more carbon · material page |
| 1045 | 570–700 / 310–450 MPa | Medium | medium carbon, hardenable · material page |
Common mistakes
Trying to through-harden 1010
It has too little carbon. For a hard surface, carburize.
Choosing 1010 for a highly loaded part
Strength is low. For a loaded part, 1045 or 4140.
Leaving it unprotected
Carbon steel rusts. Paint, plating or oil are needed.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| EN | C10 |
|---|---|
| DIN | Ck10 |
| JIS | S10C |
| Standards | ASTM A29 / SAE J403 |
| Forms | wire · sheet · pipe |
| Producers | Nucor · ArcelorMittal |
Learn more
Values are typical and for comparison only, and depend strongly on condition and diameter. For design, rely on the standard and on the mill certificate. Sources: SAE J403 and J404, ASTM A29, A322 and A519 (composition), producer data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026