1015 Low Carbon Steel: Composition, Properties & S15C Equivalent
AISI/SAE 1015 (SAE J403) is a low carbon steel with C 0.13–0.18% and Mn 0.30–0.60%, close to JIS G 4051 S15C, EN C15E and GB Grade 15. It cold heads, bends, welds and carburizes well, and is used for cold-headed fasteners, small carburized parts and welded parts.
Overview
1015 has one step more carbon than 1010 (0.13–0.18%) with the same manganese range, adding a little strength while keeping the cold formability and weldability of a low carbon steel. Its carbon and manganese ranges match JIS S15C, making 1015 / S15C a common pairing between Taiwanese machine-structural specifications and US drawings.
1015 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) | 0.13 – 0.18 |
| 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 S15C is C 0.13–0.18%, 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 | 340 | 190 | 28 | 50 | 101 |
| Cold drawn | 390 | 320 | 18 | 40 | 111 |
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; 1015 is not used as a Q+T steel. Choose a medium-carbon grade where strength is needed.
Carburizing
1015 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) | 1015 (SAE J403) | Reference standard |
| UNS | G10150 | Identical |
| JIS (Japan) | S15C (G 4051) | Near equivalent |
| JIS (Japan) | SWRCH15A (G 3507, cold heading) | Near equivalent |
| EN (Europe) | C15E (1.1141) | Near equivalent |
| GB (China) | 15 (Grade 15) | Near equivalent |
S15C has the same carbon and manganese ranges as 1015 but also specifies Si 0.15–0.35% and S ≤ 0.035%. EN 10084 C15E is C 0.12–0.18%, Mn 0.30–0.60%; GB/T 699 Grade 15 is C 0.12–0.18%, 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, cold-bent components and small general structural parts.
Machine Components
Washers, bushings and other small machined parts from bar that do not need high strength.
Supply Specifications
| Form | Size Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-rolled round bar | Ø 13 – 100 mm | Fengxing |
| Hot-rolled round bar | Ø 14 – 130 mm | CSC |
1015 is a regularly supplied grade, available made to order; a mill certificate and heat (cast) analysis certificate are available for every lot. Please inquire for sizes outside these ranges, stock, and lead time.
Material Selection Guide
1015 suits parts that are cold formed, welded or lightly carburized. Pick by the main process and load:
Heavier cold-forming deformation
One step less carbon for slightly better cold heading, with slightly lower strength.
Slightly higher strength needed
Higher carbon and manganese for slightly higher strength and hardenability.
Carburized parts needing high core strength
Cr-Mo case-hardening steels with high hardenability for heavily loaded gears and shafts.
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.
Related Grades
For cross-standard composition and mechanical property tables, see the technical reference tables.
FAQ
- What is 1015 steel?
- AISI/SAE 1015 (SAE J403) is a low carbon steel: C 0.13–0.18%, Mn 0.30–0.60%, P ≤ 0.040%, S ≤ 0.050%, with good cold formability, weldability and carburizing response.
- Is 1015 the same as S15C?
- They share the same carbon and manganese ranges and are generally treated as near equivalents; S15C (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 1015 and 1010?
- 1015 has one step more carbon (0.13–0.18%) than 1010 (0.08–0.13%) with the same manganese range, so it is slightly stronger; 1010 is slightly better for cold forming.
- What are the hardness and strength of 1015?
- SAE J1397 estimates: hot rolled about 340 MPa tensile and HB 101; cold drawn about 390 MPa tensile, 320 MPa yield and HB 111.
- Can 1015 be carburized?
- Yes — 1015 is a common carbon-steel carburizing base. Core strength is limited, so heavily loaded carburized parts should use SCM415 or SCM420.
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