1010 Low Carbon Steel: Composition, Properties & S10C Equivalent
AISI/SAE 1010 (SAE J403) is a low carbon steel with C 0.08–0.13% and Mn 0.30–0.60%, close to JIS G 4051 S10C, EN C10E and GB Grade 10. It cold heads, bends, welds and carburizes well, and is used for cold-headed fasteners, small carburized parts and welded parts.
Overview
1010 has slightly more carbon than 1008 (0.08–0.13%) and a manganese limit up to 0.60%, adding a little strength while keeping the cold formability and weldability of a low carbon steel. Its carbon and manganese ranges match JIS S10C, making 1010 / S10C a common pairing between Taiwanese machine-structural specifications and US drawings.
1010 has too little carbon to harden by quenching, but it carburizes well: after carburizing, quenching and tempering, the surface is wear resistant while the core keeps low-carbon toughness — suitable for pins, sleeves and lightly loaded gears. Carburized parts that need higher core strength should move to alloy case-hardening steels such as SCM415 or SCM420.
Chemical Composition (SAE J403, Long Products)
| Element | Spec Range (%) |
|---|---|
| C (Carbon) | 0.08 – 0.13 |
| Mn (Manganese) | 0.30 – 0.60 |
| P (Phosphorus) | ≤ 0.040 |
| S (Sulfur) | ≤ 0.050 |
P and S are the SAE J403 limits for long products such as bar and wire rod; flat-rolled products (sheet, strip) are limited to P ≤ 0.030% and S ≤ 0.035%. For comparison, JIS G 4051 S10C is C 0.08–0.13%, Si 0.15–0.35%, Mn 0.30–0.60%, P ≤ 0.030%, S ≤ 0.035% — the same carbon and manganese ranges, with silicon specified and a tighter sulfur limit.
Mechanical Properties (Reference)
| Condition | Tensile (MPa) | Yield (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Reduction of Area (%) | Hardness (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot rolled | 320 | 180 | 28 | 50 | 95 |
| Cold drawn | 370 | 300 | 20 | 40 | 105 |
Estimated typical values for hot-rolled and cold-drawn bars per SAE J1397 — not guaranteed values. SAE J403 specifies chemistry only, not mechanical properties. Actual values depend on size, cold-drawing reduction and processing.
Heat Treatment & Processing
Hardening
With low carbon, direct quench hardening has little effect; 1010 is not used as a Q+T steel. Choose a medium-carbon grade where strength is needed.
Carburizing
1010 is a common carbon-steel carburizing base: after carburizing, quenching and tempering the surface is wear resistant and the core tough. Plain carbon steel has low hardenability, so core strength is lower than alloy case-hardening steels such as SCM415 and SCM420.
Annealing & Normalizing
Process annealing between cold heading or multi-pass drawing restores ductility; normalizing homogenizes the as-rolled structure and improves machined finish.
Welding
Low carbon equivalent gives good weldability, normally without preheat; carburized cases should not be welded afterwards.
International Standard Equivalents
| Standard | Equivalent Grade | Correspondence |
|---|---|---|
| AISI/SAE (USA) | 1010 (SAE J403) | Reference standard |
| UNS | G10100 | Identical |
| JIS (Japan) | S10C (G 4051) | Near equivalent |
| JIS (Japan) | SWRCH10A (G 3507, cold heading) | Near equivalent |
| EN (Europe) | C10E (1.1121) | Near equivalent |
| GB (China) | 10 (Grade 10) | Near equivalent |
S10C has the same carbon and manganese ranges as 1010 but also specifies Si 0.15–0.35% and S ≤ 0.035%. EN 10084 C10E is C 0.07–0.13%, Mn 0.30–0.60%; GB/T 699 Grade 10 is C 0.07–0.13%, Mn 0.35–0.65%. Where a drawing names a specific standard, follow that standard.
Typical Applications
Cold-Headed Fasteners
Low-strength screws, rivets and cold-headed parts that rely on good cold formability.
Small Carburized Parts
Pins, sleeves, lightly loaded gears and chain parts with a carburized wear surface.
Welded & Cold-Formed Parts
Welded brackets, tubular parts, cold-bent components and small general structural parts.
Automotive & Appliance Parts
Low-load body parts and appliance components made mainly by forming and welding.
Supply Specifications
| Form | Size Range | Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Round bar | Ø 13 – 100 mm | Please inquire |
| Flat bar | Made to order | Please inquire |
Length 5–12 m; cut-to-length available on request. Both round bar and flat bar can be produced to order; please inquire for stock availability.
Material Selection Guide
1010 suits parts that are cold formed, welded or lightly carburized. Pick by the main process and load:
Heavier cold-forming deformation
Lower carbon and manganese for slightly better cold heading and deep drawing, with slightly lower strength.
Carburized parts needing high core strength
Cr-Mo case-hardening steels with high hardenability for heavily loaded gears and shafts.
Mainly high-volume machining, no welding
Resulfurized free-machining steel that machines far faster than 1010.
Part needs Q+T strength
Medium-carbon steel that can be quenched and tempered above HB 200 for loaded shafts and structural parts.
For technical consultation or a quotation, contact the Double Steel sales team via the inquiry form below or LINE. MOQ, port of loading and Incoterms are agreed case by case.
Related Grades
For cross-standard composition and mechanical property tables, see the technical reference tables.
FAQ
- What is 1010 steel?
- AISI/SAE 1010 (SAE J403) is a low carbon steel: C 0.08–0.13%, Mn 0.30–0.60%, P ≤ 0.040%, S ≤ 0.050%, with good cold formability, weldability and carburizing response.
- Is 1010 the same as S10C?
- They share the same carbon and manganese ranges and are generally treated as near equivalents; S10C (JIS G 4051) additionally specifies Si 0.15–0.35% and S ≤ 0.035%. Follow the drawing where certification is required.
- What is the difference between 1010 and 1008?
- 1010 has higher carbon (0.08–0.13%) and a higher manganese limit (0.60%) than 1008, so it is slightly stronger; 1008 is slightly better for cold forming.
- What are the hardness and strength of 1010?
- SAE J1397 estimates: hot rolled about 320 MPa tensile and HB 95; cold drawn about 370 MPa tensile, 300 MPa yield and HB 105.
- Can 1010 be carburized?
- Yes — 1010 is a common carbon-steel carburizing base. Core strength is limited, so heavily loaded carburized parts should use SCM415 or SCM420.
- How do I request a 1010 quotation from Double Steel?
- Round bar is supplied in Ø 13–100 mm, length 5–12 m with cut-to-length available; both round and flat bar can be produced to order, and stock is by inquiry. Send the grade, form, size, quantity and application through the inquiry form and our sales team will reply.
Or call +886-424078309 or email [email protected]