19 March 2026 at 16:38 • 4 mins read
AISI 1008 carbon steel is an extremely popular steel alloy that’s revered for its excellent formability, good weldability, and cost-effectiveness. It is often the material of choice for applications that require a balance between strength and ease of processing. This guide provides an in-depth look at AISI 1008 carbon steel, including its chemical composition, key properties, manufacturing methods, and typical applications.
AISI 1008 is classified as a low carbon steel that is characterized by its low hardness and excellent ductility. This steel grade is ideal for cold working processes such as bending, stamping, and deep drawing. Due to its mild nature, AISI 1008 steel is easy to weld and form, making it a favorite among fabricators and manufacturers.
AISI 1008 carbon steel generally contains the following elements:
This composition ensures that AISI 1008 cold rolled steel has the necessary ductility for forming processes while still providing sufficient strength for light structural applications.
AISI 1008 carbon steel offers the perfect combination of formability, weldability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a versatile choice for many manufacturing and fabrication applications. Whether you need precision components for automotive use or durable parts for industrial equipment, AISI 1008 delivers consistent performance and quality. Properties include:
The low carbon content in AISI 1008 allows it to be easily formed and shaped without cracking, making it ideal for applications involving deep drawing and extensive bending.
AISI 1008 carbon steel responds well to cold working processes, allowing manufacturers to achieve precise component geometries with smooth finishes.
AISI 1008 displays excellent welding characteristics and can be welded using conventional welding techniques without the need for special pre-heating or post-weld treatment, reducing production complexity and cost.
Although it is not as strong as higher carbon steels, AISI 1008 offers adequate strength for many non-critical structural and fabrication applications.
Due to its low carbon content and ease of processing, AISI 1008 is a cost-effective option for a wide range of applications, while the ease of forming and minimal machining requirements contribute to reduced manufacturing costs and efficient production cycles.
AISI 1008 is a low‑carbon “mild” steel utilized for its excellent formability and weldability. AISI 1008 steel physical properties include:
| Property | Typical Value |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³) |
| Melting Range | 1,425 – 1,540 °C (2,600 – 2,800 °F) |
| Modulus of Elasticity (E) | ~200 GPa (29 × 10³ ksi) |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~51.9 W/m·K (300 Btu·in/ft²·h·°F) |
| Specific Heat (at 20 °C) | ~486 J/kg·K (0.116 Btu/lb·°F) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 11.7 µm/m·K (6.5 µin/in·°F) |
| Electrical Resistivity | ~0.0000172 Ω·cm (17.2 µΩ·cm) |
| Brinell Hardness (HB) | 80–100 HB |
| Vickers Hardness (HV) | ~70 HV |
| Rockwell Hardness (B Scale) | ~80 HRB |
AISI 1008 carbon steel benefits include:
AISI 1008 carbon steel is utilized in various industries due to its balance of ease of fabrication and mechanical performance. Typical applications include:
With seven locations serving California, Arizona, Nevada, and
Northern Mexico, IMS is your trusted source for premium AISI 1008
steel products, including round bars, flat bars, square bars, sheets
and plates, and tubes to meet your project needs.
At IMS, we
offer the following advantages:
Contact us for more information regarding our most popular 1008 steel products and secondary service options. Our experts will assist you in finding the steel product that meets your project specifications.