1038 vs 1045
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
1038
Carbon Steel
1038 is a medium carbon steel widely used in North American cold drawn and hot rolled bar for shafts and bolts. It sits between 1035 and 1045 and is often specified where 1045 hardenability is not needed.
Standards: DIN C35/C40 (near) · AISI 1038 · JIS S35C/S40C (near) · GB 38 (near)
1045
Carbon Steel
1045 is the world’s most common medium-carbon steel — the default for shafts, hydraulic rods and plates that need more strength than mild steel, with optional induction hardening.
Standards: DIN 1.0503 (C45) · AISI 1045 · JIS S45C · GB 45
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 1038 | 1045 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.35–0.42 | 0.43–0.50 |
| Mn | 0.60–0.90 | 0.60–0.90 |
| P | ≤0.040 | ≤0.040 |
| S | ≤0.050 | ≤0.050 |
| Si | — | 0.15–0.35 (typ.) |
Properties compared
| Property | 1038 | 1045 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 540–640 MPa (normalized, typ.) | 570–700 MPa (normalized) |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Hardness | — | 170–210 HB (normalized); 50+ HRC surface by induction |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: 1038 · 1045. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.