Steel 1060 properties
AISI 1060 steel is a carbon steel with a nominal carbon content of 0.60%, classified as a non-alloyed high-carbon steel. It exhibits excellent hardenability, good wear resistance, and moderate ductility in cold drawn condition. It is commonly supplied in bars, wire, and sheet, and is used where a combination of toughness and hardness is required after heat treatment.
Chemical composition
Section titled “Chemical composition”The chemical composition of 1060 steel includes a carbon content between 0.55% and 0.66%, balance iron, and small additions of manganese to improve hardenability.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Iron, Fe | 98.35 – 98.85 |
| Carbon, C | 0.55 – 0.66 |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.60 – 0.90 |
| Sulfur, S | ≤ 0.050 |
| Phosphorus, P | ≤ 0.040 |
Physical properties
Section titled “Physical properties”The density of 1060 steel is 7.85 g/cm³ and its melting point is at 1510 °C (2750 °F).
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 0.284 lb/in³ |
| Melting point | 1510 °C | 2750 °F |
Mechanical properties
Section titled “Mechanical properties”The mechanical properties of 1060 steel vary significantly with heat treatment and forming process; in cold drawn condition the tensile strength reaches 620 MPa (89.9 ksi). The following tables list the most representative values for different conditions, combining verified data with general references for states not documented in the primary sources.
Cold drawn
Section titled “Cold drawn”The tensile strength of cold drawn 1060 steel is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi), with a Brinell hardness of 183.
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength, ultimate | 620 MPa | 89 900 psi |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 485 MPa | 70 300 psi |
| Young modulus | 190 – 210 GPa | 27 600 – 30 500 ksi |
| Bulk modulus (typical) | 140 GPa | 20 300 ksi |
| Shear modulus (typical) | 80 GPa | 11 600 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.27 – 0.30 | 0.27 – 0.30 |
| Elongation at break (in 50 mm) | 10 % | 10 % |
| Reduction of area | 45 % | 45 % |
| Brinell hardness | 183 HB | 183 HB |
| Knoop hardness (converted) | 204 HK | 204 HK |
| Rockwell B hardness (converted) | 89 HRB | 89 HRB |
| Vickers hardness (converted) | 192 HV | 192 HV |
Hot rolled
Section titled “Hot rolled”In hot rolled condition, the tensile strength is typically around 585 MPa (85 ksi), with greater ductility than in cold drawn condition. The indicated values are approximate.
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~585 MPa | ~85 000 psi |
| Yield strength | ~310 MPa | ~45 000 psi |
| Elongation in 50 mm | ~18 % | ~18 % |
| Brinell hardness | ~170 HB | ~170 HB |
Annealed
Section titled “Annealed”Annealing produces a tensile strength of approximately 655 MPa (95 ksi) and a Brinell hardness near 192 HB.
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~655 MPa | ~95 000 psi |
| Yield strength | ~380 MPa | ~55 000 psi |
| Elongation in 50 mm | ~18 % | ~18 % |
| Brinell hardness | ~192 HB | ~192 HB |
Quenched and tempered
Section titled “Quenched and tempered”After water quenching and low temperature tempering (200 °C), the tensile strength can exceed 1200 MPa (174 ksi) and the hardness exceeds 50 HRC. Final properties depend on the quenching medium and tempering temperature.
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (tempered at 200 °C) | ~1200 MPa | ~174 000 psi |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | ~1000 MPa | ~145 000 psi |
| Elongation in 50 mm | ~5 – 8 % | ~5 – 8 % |
| Rockwell C hardness | ~52 HRC | ~52 HRC |
Thermal properties
Section titled “Thermal properties”The coefficient of thermal expansion of 1060 steel is 11 µm/m·°C and its thermal conductivity reaches 49.8 W/m·K.
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Coefficient of thermal expansion | 11 µm/m·°C | 6.11 µin/in·°F |
| Thermal conductivity | 49.8 W/m·K | 346 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F |
Heat treatments
Section titled “Heat treatments”The forging temperature is recommended between 950 °C and 1200 °C. The following are the usual thermal cycles for this steel.
| Treatment | Temperature (°C) | Cooling | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forging | 950 – 1200 | Slow (sand/ash) | Heat uniformly, avoid prolonged holding |
| Full annealing | 790 – 870 | Furnace | Cooling rate ≤ 30 °C/h down to 600 °C |
| Normalizing | 845 – 900 | Still air | Air cool, more uniform grain size |
| Quenching | 790 – 845 | Water or oil | Agitate during quench; temper immediately |
| Tempering | 150 – 650 | Air | Select according to required hardness; tempering between 200‑400 °C avoids temper brittleness |
Applications
Section titled “Applications”1060 steel is mainly used in components requiring wear resistance and good toughness after quenching and tempering. Some examples by industrial sector are:
- Automotive: timing gears, splined shafts, piston pins.
- Agriculture: plowshares, harrow discs, cutting blades.
- Tools: cutting blades, saw blades, flat and coil springs.
- Industrial hardware: snap rings, spring washers, pins.
Comparison with similar materials
Section titled “Comparison with similar materials”Compared to other 10xx series carbon steels, 1060 offers an intermediate balance between strength and ductility. The following table summarizes the differences with neighboring grades.
| Grade | Carbon (%) | Typical tensile strength (cold drawn) | Brinell hardness | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 1055 | 0.50 – 0.60 | 585 MPa | 170 HB | Lower load springs, machine parts |
| AISI 1060 | 0.55 – 0.66 | 620 MPa | 183 HB | Shafts, blades, retaining rings |
| AISI 1070 | 0.65 – 0.75 | 655 MPa | 192 HB | Springs, cutting tools, high strength wire |
| AISI 1095 | 0.90 – 1.03 | 690 MPa | 200 HB | Cutlery, high fatigue springs, percussion tools |
Equivalent designations
Section titled “Equivalent designations”1060 steel (UNS G10600) has numerous equivalent designations internationally. The direct European equivalent is C60 (1.0601). The following table lists the most common equivalences.
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| ASTM A29 / A510 / A576 / A682 / A713 | 1060 |
| SAE J403 / J412 / J1397 | 1060 |
| AMS | 7240 |
| MIL | MIL-S-16974 (Gr. 1060) |
| DIN | 1.0601 |
| AFNOR | CC 55 |
| UNI | C 60 |
| BS | 060 A 62 |
| JIS | S58C |
- The weldability of 1060 steel is limited due to its higher carbon content. Preheating between 150 °C and 260 °C and post-weld heat treatment are recommended to avoid hot cracking and embrittlement in the heat-affected zone.
- Machinability in annealed or normalized condition is acceptable (≈50 % relative to B1112 steel), but quenching can generate hard zones that hinder subsequent machining.
- In corrosive environments, surface protection (painting, galvanizing, phosphating) is necessary because it does not offer intrinsic corrosion resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Section titled “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)”What is the carbon content of 1060 steel?
Section titled “What is the carbon content of 1060 steel?”The carbon content of 1060 steel is between 0.55% and 0.66% by weight, which classifies it as a high-carbon steel.
What is the tensile strength of 1060 steel in cold drawn condition?
Section titled “What is the tensile strength of 1060 steel in cold drawn condition?”In cold drawn condition, the tensile strength is 620 MPa (89 900 psi), according to the AISI 1060 technical datasheet.
What is the typical Brinell hardness of 1060 steel?
Section titled “What is the typical Brinell hardness of 1060 steel?”Brinell hardness in cold drawn condition is 183 HB; after quenching and tempering it can exceed 350 HB depending on tempering temperature.
Which European designation is equivalent to 1060 steel?
Section titled “Which European designation is equivalent to 1060 steel?”The equivalent European designation is C60 (1.0601), a non-alloy steel with a carbon content of approximately 0.60%.
At what temperature is 1060 steel forged?
Section titled “At what temperature is 1060 steel forged?”Forging of 1060 steel is carried out at temperatures between 950 °C and 1200 °C, avoiding prolonged heating above 1200 °C.
Can 1060 steel be welded?
Section titled “Can 1060 steel be welded?”Yes, but it requires preheating from 150 °C to 260 °C and a post-weld heat treatment to avoid the formation of hard and brittle phases in the welded zone.
References
Section titled “References”- azom.com: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6542
- engineeringtoolbox.com: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/material-properties-t_24.html
- steelnumber.com: https://www.steelnumber.com/en/equivalent_steel_iron_eu.php?zname_id=154