1045 Steel

AISI 1045 is a medium carbon steel designed for applications requiring higher strength and hardness than low carbon "mild" steels. It offers a superior balance of wear resistance, toughness, and machinability. Its key advantage is its responsiveness to heat treatment, allowing it to be surface-hardened to achieve excellent durability for moving parts. At Jucheng Precision, we specialize in the precision turning and 4-axis milling of 1045 steel for IATF 16949 certified automotive components and heavy industrial shafts. We provide a full-service approach, including CNC machining, induction hardening, and precision grinding to deliver high-performance parts ready for assembly.

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1045 Steel

1045 Steel Machining Capabilities

Capability Technical Description Jucheng Advantage
High-Torque Turning 1045 is tougher than 1018. We utilize high-power CNC lathes to achieve rapid stock removal for shafts and axles. Our rigid machine setups allow us to hold tight tolerances (+/- 0.01mm) even during heavy roughing passes on large diameter billets.
Induction Hardening Prep Machining 1045 parts to precise pre-heat treat dimensions. 1045 responds excellently to localized induction hardening. We provide turnkey solutions: CNC machining followed by induction hardening of gear teeth or bearing surfaces to 50+ HRC.
Spline & Keyway Milling Using 4-axis milling to cut precise internal and external splines on 1045 drive components. Ensures perfect torque transmission fitment for automotive and industrial machinery applications.
Precision Grinding Cylindrical grinding post-heat treatment to achieve Ra 0.4 surface finishes. Essential for seal surfaces and bearing journals where 1045 parts must interface with high-precision components.

Fabrication Guidelines for 1045 Steel

Hardenability:
Unlike 1018, 1045 can be through-hardened or surface hardened to significantly improve wear resistance. Tip: It is usually used in the “as-rolled” or “normalized” condition for general machining.

Machinability:
1045 has excellent machinability (approx. 70% of 1212). It produces better surface finishes than low-carbon steel because it is less gummy. Tip: We use coated carbide tools to withstand the higher heat generated by the increased carbon content.

Weldability Warning:
While 1045 can be welded, its higher carbon content makes it prone to cracking. Tip: Pre-heating (200-300°C) and post-weld stress relieving are mandatory for sound welds.

Corrosion Control:
Like all carbon steels, 1045 rusts easily. Tip: We recommend Black Oxide, Chrome Plating, or Zinc Plating for parts exposed to the atmosphere.

Primary Applications

Automotive Drivetrain (IATF 16949)
Axles, drive shafts, crankshafts, and transmission gears that require high strength and toughness.

Industrial Machinery
Hydraulic rams, guide rods, and heavy-duty pins for construction and agricultural equipment.

Fasteners & Bolts
High-strength studs and bolts that need more load-bearing capacity than standard mild steel.

Agricultural Equipment
Sprockets, hubs, and structural pins that must resist impact and wear in harsh environments.

Properties

Density 7.87 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 570 - 700 MPa
Yield Strength 310 - 450 MPa
Hardness 170 - 210 HB
Elongation at Break 16 - 20%
Thermal Conductivity 51.9 W/m-K
Machinability Rating 70%
Weldability Fair
Magnetic Yes
Max Part Size 2000 x 800 x 600 mm