Overview
SAE/AISI 1026 Steel is a medium-low carbon steel grade known for its excellent combination of strength, toughness, machinability, weldability, and heat treatment capability. With a carbon content of approximately 0.26%, 1026 steel offers higher strength and wear resistance than 1018 and 1020 while maintaining good fabrication performance.
SAE 1026 is commonly used in:
- Mechanical Tubing
- Hydraulic Cylinders
- Shafts and Axles
- Automotive Components
- Machinery Parts
- Structural Components
- Forgings
- Industrial Equipment
1026 is particularly popular in DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) tubing, hydraulic systems, and precision mechanical applications where a balance of strength and machinability is required.
Compared with SAE 1020, 1026 provides improved strength and hardenability. Compared with SAE 1045, it offers better weldability and formability.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | SAE/AISI 1026 |
| Standard | ASTM / SAE / AISI |
| UNS Number | G10260 |
| Material Family | Medium-Low Carbon Steel |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Magnetic Property | Magnetic |
| Standard Forms | Bar, Tube, Pipe, Plate, Forgings |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Carbon (C) | 0.22–0.28 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.60–0.90 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.050 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.30 |
The increased carbon content provides enhanced strength and wear resistance compared with lower-carbon grades.
Mechanical Properties
Hot Rolled Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 450–620 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 280–380 MPa |
| Elongation | 18–28% |
| Hardness | 130–180 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | 200 GPa |
Cold Drawn Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 550–700 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 420–550 MPa |
| Elongation | 10–18% |
| Hardness | 160–220 HB |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1420–1510°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 49 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.17 μΩ·m |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 11.7 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 486 J/kg·K |
Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Indoor Environment | Moderate |
| Dry Atmosphere | Good |
| Humid Environment | Poor |
| Outdoor Environment | Poor |
| Marine Environment | Very Poor |
| Chemical Environment | Poor |
Like most carbon steels, SAE 1026 requires corrosion protection for outdoor or humid environments.
Recommended surface treatments include:
- Zinc Plating
- Nickel Plating
- Chrome Plating
- Black Oxide
- Phosphate Coating
- Powder Coating
- Hot-Dip Galvanizing
Weldability
| Welding Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| MIG Welding | Excellent |
| TIG Welding | Excellent |
| Arc Welding | Excellent |
| Resistance Welding | Good |
| Spot Welding | Good |
For thicker sections, preheating may be recommended to reduce the risk of cracking.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Turning | Excellent |
| CNC Milling | Excellent |
| Drilling | Excellent |
| Tapping | Excellent |
| Grinding | Good |
| Threading | Excellent |
| Broaching | Good |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| 12L14 | Outstanding |
| 1215 | Outstanding |
| 1018 | Excellent |
| 1020 | Excellent |
| 1026 | Excellent |
| 1045 | Good |
1026 is widely used for precision-machined shafts and tubing components.
Heat Treatment
Annealing
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 870–910°C |
| Cooling Method | Furnace Cool |
Normalizing
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 870–925°C |
| Cooling Method | Air Cool |
Induction Hardening
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Hardness | 50–55 HRC |
| Core Structure | Tough & Ductile |
Carburizing
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Hardness | Up to 58–62 HRC |
| Application | Wear Resistant Components |
1026 responds well to surface hardening treatments.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| SAE / AISI (USA) | 1026 |
| ASTM (USA) | ASTM A513 Grade 1026 |
| UNS | G10260 |
| GB/T (China) | 25# Steel |
| JIS (Japan) | S25C |
| EN (Europe) | C25E |
| DIN (Germany) | C25 |
| ISO | C25 |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Round Bar | Yes |
| Flat Bar | Yes |
| Steel Plate | Yes |
| Seamless Tube | Yes |
| DOM Tube | Yes |
| Mechanical Tube | Yes |
| Forging Stock | Yes |
| Steel Pipe | Yes |
Typical Applications
Hydraulic Industry
- Hydraulic Cylinder Tubes
- Cylinder Rod Components
- Hydraulic Shafts
- Fluid Power Systems
Automotive Industry
- Axles
- Steering Components
- Suspension Parts
- Drive Components
Machinery Manufacturing
- Shafts
- Rollers
- Couplings
- Gear Blanks
- Mechanical Supports
Industrial Equipment
- Structural Components
- Equipment Frames
- Mechanical Assemblies
Tube Manufacturing
- DOM Tubing
- Precision Mechanical Tubes
- Structural Tubes
- Hydraulic Tubes
Agricultural Equipment
- Equipment Frames
- Mechanical Components
- Power Transmission Parts
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Turning | Excellent |
| CNC Milling | Excellent |
| Tube Fabrication | Outstanding |
| Welding | Excellent |
| Laser Cutting | Excellent |
| Induction Hardening | Excellent |
| Carburizing | Excellent |
| Black Oxide | Excellent |
| Zinc Plating | Excellent |
Advantages
Higher Strength Than 1020
Provides improved load-bearing capability.
Excellent Machinability
Suitable for high-volume CNC production.
Outstanding Tubing Material
One of the most common grades for DOM tubing.
Good Weldability
Supports most fabrication processes.
Surface Hardening Capability
Suitable for induction hardening and carburizing.
Cost Effective
More economical than alloy steels.
Limitations
Poor Corrosion Resistance
Requires protective surface treatment.
Lower Strength Than 1045
Not ideal for high-load mechanical applications.
Limited Through Hardening
Cannot achieve alloy-steel hardness levels.
Not Suitable for Marine Environments
Without additional corrosion protection.
Comparison with Other Carbon Steels
| Property | 1026 | 1020 | 1018 | 1045 | 4140 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content | 0.26% | 0.20% | 0.18% | 0.45% | 0.40% |
| Strength | Higher | Medium | Medium | High | Very High |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Machinability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Hardenability | Good | Moderate | Moderate | High | Outstanding |
Comparison with Engineering Materials
| Material | Yield Strength | Corrosion Resistance | Machinability |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAE 1026 | 420–550 MPa | Poor | Excellent |
| SAE 1020 | 350–420 MPa | Poor | Excellent |
| SAE 1045 | 530–700 MPa | Poor | Good |
| SS304 | 205 MPa | Excellent | Good |
| Aluminum 6061-T6 | 276 MPa | Good | Excellent |
| 4140 Alloy Steel | 655 MPa | Poor | Good |
Available Surface Finishes
Raw Finishes
- Hot Rolled Finish
- Cold Drawn Finish
- Ground Finish
- Bright Drawn Finish
Protective Finishes
- Zinc Plating
- Nickel Plating
- Chrome Plating
- Black Oxide
- Phosphate Coating
- Hot-Dip Galvanizing
Decorative Finishes
- Powder Coating
- Spray Painting
- Electrophoretic Coating (E-Coating)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is SAE 1026 steel?
SAE 1026 is a medium-low carbon steel known for its excellent machinability, strength, and suitability for DOM tubing and mechanical components.
What is SAE 1026 used for?
Typical applications include:
- Hydraulic Cylinder Tubes
- Shafts
- Axles
- Mechanical Tubing
- Automotive Components
- CNC Machined Parts
What is the difference between SAE 1026 and SAE 1020?
| Property | SAE 1026 | SAE 1020 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content | Higher | Lower |
| Strength | Higher | Lower |
| Wear Resistance | Better | Lower |
| Formability | Slightly Lower | Better |
What is the difference between SAE 1026 and SAE 1045?
| Property | SAE 1026 | SAE 1045 |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Lower | Higher |
| Weldability | Better | Lower |
| Machinability | Better | Good |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Is SAE 1026 good for DOM tubing?
Yes. SAE 1026 is one of the most common and preferred materials for DOM mechanical tubing.
Can SAE 1026 be induction hardened?
Yes. It responds well to induction hardening and carburizing treatments.
Is SAE 1026 suitable for hydraulic cylinders?
Yes. SAE 1026 DOM tubing is widely used for hydraulic cylinder barrels and mechanical tubing applications.
Can SAE 1026 be welded?
Yes. It offers excellent weldability for most industrial fabrication applications.
Why is SAE 1026 popular in manufacturing?
Because it combines:
- Good Strength
- Excellent Machinability
- Outstanding Tubing Performance
- Surface Hardening Capability
- Cost Efficiency
making it ideal for hydraulic and mechanical applications.
Does GCNOV provide custom manufacturing services for SAE 1026?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- CNC Turning
- CNC Milling
- Tube Machining
- Hydraulic Cylinder Components
- Induction Hardening
- Carburizing
- Black Oxide Finishing
- Zinc Plating
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production