1018 vs 1015
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.
1018
Carbon Steel
1018 is one of the most commonly stocked cold drawn bars in North America: a low carbon steel with higher manganese than 1020 for a slightly stronger, more consistent machined finish. It carburizes well and welds without special precautions.
Standards: DIN C15/C22 (near) · AISI 1018 · JIS S15C/S20C (near)
1015
Carbon Steel
1015 is a low carbon carburizing-grade steel for small parts needing a hard wear surface over a ductile core. It bridges the gap between the very soft 1008/1010 grades and the weldable workhorse 1020.
Standards: DIN 1.0401 (C15) · AISI 1015 · JIS S15C · GB 15
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 1018 | 1015 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.15–0.20 | 0.13–0.18 |
| Mn | 0.60–0.90 | 0.30–0.60 |
| P | ≤0.040 | ≤0.040 |
| S | ≤0.050 | ≤0.050 |
Properties compared
| Property | 1018 | 1015 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 400–470 MPa (hot rolled, typ.) | 340–420 MPa (hot rolled, typ.) |
| Yield strength | ≥255 MPa (typ.) | — |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent |
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: 1018 · 1015. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.