Equivalent Materials

European EN standard equivalents include C45, C45K, and CK45. These materials share similar chemical compositions and mechanical properties:

  • Carbon content: 0.42-0.50% range
  • Tensile strength: 570-700 MPa
  • Brinell hardness: 170-210
  • Similar machinability and weldability characteristics

Characteristics

1045 steel exhibits excellent machinability in both hot-rolled and normalized conditions. When welding, low-hydrogen electrodes should be used with post-weld stress relief at 550 C - 660 C. The material provides a practical balance between strength and cost-effectiveness, though it has limitations including low hardenability and inadequate nitriding response.

Heat treatment techniques optimize mechanical properties: quenching and tempering enhance strength and toughness; annealing improves machinability and reduces internal stress; flame hardening increases surface hardness for wear resistance; induction hardening provides a hardened surface while maintaining a ductile core.

Uses

  • Axles
  • Bolts
  • Connecting rods
  • Hydraulic clamps and rams
  • Pins
  • Rolls
  • Studs
  • Shafts
  • Spindles

Mechanical Properties

Hardness range: 170-210 Brinell. Tensile strength range: 570-700 MPa.

GradeConditionUltimate Strength (ksi/MPa)Yield Strength (ksi/MPa)Elongation %Rockwell Hardness
1045HR (Hot Rolled)75/51745/3101580 B
1045CW (Cold Worked)90/62180/552590 B
1045SR (Stress Relieved)80/55270/483885 B
1045A (Annealed)65/44835/2412072 B
1045N (Normalized)75/51748/3311580 B
Mechanical properties of 1045 steel by condition

Chemical Composition

GradeCarbon %Manganese %Phosphorus max %Sulfur max %
10450.43-0.500.60-0.900.0400.050
Chemical composition of 1045 steel (wt%)