When your project calls for a carbon steel that marries reliability with straightforward fabrication, AISI 1018 Tubes & Pipes consistently prove their worth. USA Piping Solution stands as a premier manufacturer and trusted supplier of this foundational low-carbon grade. We don't just stock material; we provide solutions, drawing on a vast inventory and deep technical understanding to support demanding applications in automotive, machinery, hydraulics, and beyond. Whether your requirements are for standard lengths right off the shelf or precision-cut, custom-dimensioned tubing, our focus is on delivering the exact AISI 1018 materials you need for success. Count on USA Piping Solution for quality steel, expert support, and dependable delivery.

What is AISI 1018?
So, what makes AISI 1018 such a staple in workshops and manufacturing plants? It's a low-carbon steel, but that simple description belies its true value. Its reputation is built on a highly practical combination of traits that make it exceptionally user-friendly. First and foremost is its outstanding weldability. Joining 1018 is generally uncomplicated using standard techniques, often without needing fussy pre- or post-weld heat treatments – a real boon for production efficiency. Coupled with this is its commendable machinability. It cuts cleanly, drills easily, and takes well to shaping operations, reducing tool wear and processing time.
While it won't match the raw strength of high-alloy steels, AISI 1018 delivers solid, dependable strength perfectly adequate for a huge variety of tasks. Add to this its good ductility, meaning it can be bent, formed, and drawn with reasonable ease without failing, and you see its versatility. It's also well-suited for case hardening, allowing for a tough, wear-resistant surface over a more pliable core. Especially when supplied in cold-finished forms like Cold Drawn Seamless Tubes, 1018 offers consistent dimensions and a predictable response. In short, AISI 1018 hits that valuable sweet spot: workable, strong enough for many jobs, and economical, making it an indispensable workhorse material.
AISI 1018 Tube & Pipe Specifications
To ensure the AISI 1018 you select perfectly matches your design requirements, understanding the key specifications is essential. USA Piping Solution delivers AISI 1018 Tubes & Pipes manufactured under rigorous quality control, adhering to recognized industry standards.
Technical Specifications
Specification Area | Common Details |
---|---|
Grade Identification | AISI 1018, also SAE 1018, UNS G10180 |
Applicable Standards | Primarily aligns with ASTM A519 (Seamless Mechanical) & ASTM A513 (ERW Mechanical). May meet aspects of other related specs. |
Outer Diameter (OD) | Wide range available, typically from small fractional/metric sizes (e.g., 6mm / 1/4") up to large diameters (e.g., 630mm / 24.8"+), production method dependent. |
Wall Thickness (WT) | From light gauge (~0.5mm / 0.020") suitable for less demanding uses, up to heavy walls exceeding 30mm (~1.18") for robust applications. |
Length Options | Standard mill lengths (often 20ft/6m or 40ft/12m) plus custom cutting to precise lengths up to 12 meters (40 ft). |
Manufacturing Routes | Seamless (SMLS): Hot finished or cold drawn. No weld seam ensures maximum pressure integrity. Includes SAE 1018 Seamless Tubing. |
DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel): A premium cold-worked ERW tube offering superior dimensional control & surface finish. Look for 1018 DOM Tubing. | |
Cold Drawn: Can apply to seamless (CDS) or welded (CDW) tubes, enhancing tolerances and mechanicals. | |
Welded (ERW): Electric Resistance Welded – a practical, cost-effective choice for many structural and general-purpose needs. | |
Common Shape | Predominantly Round tubing and piping. Other shapes may be sourced upon request. |
Available Conditions | Supplied As-Rolled, Cold Drawn, Annealed, Normalized, Stress Relieved, or DOM, tailored to application requirements. |
Keep in mind that specific size and condition availability is dynamic. We encourage you to connect with USA Piping Solution to confirm current stock for your exact project needs.
Chemical Composition
The reliable, easy-working nature of AISI 1018 is a direct consequence of its carefully managed chemistry. Conforming to standards like ASTM A519, the typical elemental makeup includes:
Element | Symbol | Target Content (% by Weight) | Why It's Important |
---|---|---|---|
Carbon | C | 0.15 – 0.20% | This defines it as low-carbon steel. It's the key to its excellent weldability and good machinability, providing moderate strength without brittleness. |
Manganese | Mn | 0.60 – 0.90% | Contributes to strength and hardness. Also aids in deoxidation during steelmaking and improves response to hot working. |
Phosphorus | P | ≤ 0.040% | Controlled to low levels because excess phosphorus can negatively affect the steel's toughness and ductility. |
Sulfur | S | ≤ 0.050% | Generally minimized. While trace amounts might slightly aid machining, low sulfur is crucial for good weld quality and overall toughness. |
Iron | Fe | Balance | The foundational element, forming the vast majority of the alloy's structure. |
This specific recipe – low carbon, moderate manganese – is the foundation that makes Low Carbon Steel Pipes like 1018 so remarkably versatile and widely adopted.
Mechanical Properties
AISI 1018 translates its chemistry into a practical set of mechanical properties. These values offer a reliable baseline, although you'll see variations depending on whether the material is hot-finished, cold-drawn (like DOM), or has received specific heat treatments.
Property | Typical Range / Value | Practical Significance |
---|---|---|
Tensile Strength (UTS) | 440 – 580 MPa (64 - 84 ksi) | The ultimate stress the material can withstand in tension before it begins to fail. |
Yield Strength (YS) | ≥ 370 MPa (≥ 54 ksi) | The point at which the steel takes on permanent deformation; a crucial figure for engineers. |
Elongation (% in 50mm/2") | ≥ 15 – 20% | Shows its ability to stretch or deform before fracturing – a key indicator of ductility. |
Hardness (Brinell) | Typically around 126 HB | Reflects resistance to indentation. Its relative softness aids machinability. |
Reduction of Area | Usually 40 - 50% | Another measure of ductility, indicating how much the cross-section constricts before breaking. |
Modulus of Elasticity | Approx. 200 GPa (~29,000 ksi) | Represents the material's inherent stiffness or resistance to elastic bending. |
These figures demonstrate that ASTM A519 Grade 1018 provides a sound mix of usable strength and beneficial ductility, fitting a broad profile of mechanical and structural needs. Notably, cold working, the process behind 1018 DOM Tubing, significantly elevates yield and tensile strengths, usually with a corresponding decrease in elongation.
Types & Forms Available
Manufacturing and fabrication processes vary, so USA Piping Solution offers AISI 1018 in the forms industry relies on:
- Seamless Round Tubes (Hot Finished & Cold Drawn):
- Made without a longitudinal weld, ensuring maximum structural uniformity and pressure containment capability.
- Available in standard Hot Finished condition or as precision Cold Drawn Seamless (CDS), featuring tighter tolerances and improved surface characteristics. Often specified under SAE 1018 Seamless Tubing.
- Welded Pipes & Tubes (ERW):
- Produced by forming flat steel and electrically welding the seam.
- Provides a cost-effective approach suitable for many structural tasks, conduits, and general fabrication where the ultimate performance of seamless isn't mandated.
- DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) Tubes:
- A premium product achieving superior properties through extensive cold working of an ERW precursor tube.
- The process delivers exceptional dimensional control (OD, ID, wall), excellent concentricity, and a very smooth finish ideal for dynamic applications. 1018 DOM Tubing is thus preferred for hydraulic cylinders, bushings, rollers, and high-performance automotive parts.
- Hot Rolled vs. Cold Drawn Conditions:
- Beyond specific types, the finish matters. Hot Rolled usually means wider tolerances and a scaled surface. Cold Drawn/Cold Finished provides tighter dimensions, a brighter look, and increased mechanical strength.
- Precision Cutting Available:
- Take advantage of our cutting services. We can supply 1018 Carbon Steel Pipe and tubing cut accurately to the lengths you need, streamlining your production flow.
Applications & Industries Served
AISI 1018's unique combination of properties secures its place in an impressive array of applications across numerous sectors:
- Automotive: A workhorse for shafts, pins, linkages, steering parts, suspension elements, mounting brackets, and components benefiting from case hardening.
- Hydraulics: Frequently chosen for cylinder barrels (DOM is highly valued here), piston rods (often subsequently plated), fluid lines, and system connectors.
- Industrial Machinery: Forms the basis for countless parts like gears, shafts, sprockets, machine frames, conveyor systems, rollers, and general mechanical elements where machinability is prized.
- Fabrication & Structures: Its easy weldability makes it perfect for creating frames, supports, railings, guards, fixtures, and various custom welded structures.
- Furniture Manufacturing: Provides the durable structural tubing for commercial, industrial, and heavy-use furniture items.
- Agricultural Equipment: Contributes strength and reliability to farm machinery frames, linkages, attachments, and other hard-working components.
- Tooling & Fixtures: Used to build jigs, mounting plates, support fixtures, and non-critical tooling where high hardness isn't the main driver.
Size Chart
USA Piping Solution maintains a deep inventory of AISI 1018 Tubes & Pipes. The table below showcases just a sample of the Outside Diameter (OD) and Wall Thickness (WT) combinations commonly available across various production methods (Seamless, DOM, Welded).
Outside Diameter (OD) | Sample Wall Thicknesses (WT) Often Available |
---|---|
Inches (mm) | Inches (mm) |
0.500" (12.7) | 0.049" (1.24), 0.065" (1.65), 0.095" (2.41), 0.120" (3.05) |
0.750" (19.1) | 0.065" (1.65), 0.095" (2.41), 0.120" (3.05), 0.188" (4.78) |
1.000" (25.4) | 0.065" (1.65), 0.095" (2.41), 0.120" (3.05), 0.188" (4.78), 0.250" (6.35) |
1.500" (38.1) | 0.095" (2.41), 0.120" (3.05), 0.188" (4.78), 0.250" (6.35), 0.375" (9.53) |
2.000" (50.8) | 0.120" (3.05), 0.188" (4.78), 0.250" (6.35), 0.375" (9.53), 0.500" (12.7) |
3.000" (76.2) | 0.120" (3.05), 0.188" (4.78), 0.250" (6.35), 0.375" (9.53), 0.500" (12.7) |
4.000" (101.6) | 0.188" (4.78), 0.250" (6.35), 0.375" (9.53), 0.500" (12.7), 0.625" (15.88) |
6.000" (152.4) | 0.250" (6.35), 0.375" (9.53), 0.500" (12.7), 0.750" (19.05) |
Larger diameters stocked | Wide range of wall thicknesses from light to heavy available across the size spectrum. |
Our stock covers both imperial and metric sizes extensively. For the most accurate availability information on specific dimensions and types (Seamless, DOM, Welded), please contact our sales team.
Certifications & Compliance
Confidence in material quality is non-negotiable. When you order AISI 1018 Tubes & Pipes from USA Piping Solution, you receive materials validated by robust quality practices and thorough documentation:
- Meets ASTM A519 / A513 Standards: We ensure our tubing conforms to the chemical, mechanical, and dimensional criteria stipulated in these key ASTM specifications for seamless and welded Mechanical Tubing.
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified Processes: Our operations are governed by an internationally recognized quality management system, ensuring consistency, control, and continuous improvement.
- Full Material Traceability (MTRs): Every shipment includes Mill Test Certificates (MTCs) compliant with EN 10204 3.1. These documents provide essential details like heat number, chemical analysis, mechanical test results, and confirmation of standards adherence. EN 10204 3.2 certification (with third-party witnessing) is available upon request.
- Third-Party Inspection Support: We regularly work with and facilitate inspections by independent bodies (Lloyds, DNV, BV, SGS, etc.) to satisfy project-specific verification requirements.
Why Choose USA Piping Solution?
Selecting USA Piping Solution as your source for AISI 1018 Tubes & Pipes brings practical advantages to your procurement process and production floor:
- Inventory Depth for Faster Projects: Our significant investment in stock across various AISI 1018 types (DOM, Cold Drawn, Seamless Pipes & Tubes) means we can often ship what you need quickly, reducing lead times.
- Matching the Right Tube to the Job: We understand the critical differences between DOM, Cold Drawn Seamless, and standard welded tubing, helping you choose the most effective and economical option.
- Value-Added Processing Saves You Steps: Utilize our capabilities for precision cutting, deburring, and other end preparations to receive materials closer to your final component needs, reducing your in-house workload.
- Seamless Global Shipping Experience: Whether shipping across the state or across the ocean, we manage the logistics efficiently, providing all necessary documentation for smooth delivery.
- Uncompromising Quality Assurance: From sourcing raw material to final inspection, our quality system ensures you receive fully certified, traceable, and reliable products.
- Direct Access to Technical Support: Have a question about 1018's suitability or need help interpreting specifications? Our experienced team is ready to provide clear answers and guidance.
Final Call to Action
Our carbon steel inventory goes beyond AISI 1018. Consider USA Piping Solution for these related products as well:

ASTM A513 Carbon Steel Tubes
The benchmark standard for Electric Resistance Welded mechanical tubing

Carbon Steel Pipes & Tubes
Browse our comprehensive carbon steel tubular offerings

Seamless Pipes & Tubes
Discover our full range of seamless products in various alloys
Final Call to Action
Are you sourcing top-quality AISI 1018 Tubes & Pipes for your manufacturing or industrial projects? USA Piping Solution delivers. We provide high-performance 1018 Carbon Steel Pipe, precision 1018 DOM Tubing, reliable SAE 1018 Seamless Tubing, and versatile welded options, all available for customization to meet your precise specifications.
When you partner with us, you get:
- Rapid access to extensive inventory.
- Tailored solutions including custom sizes and finishing.
- Efficient worldwide shipping with full documentation.
Ready to specify your AISI 1018 needs? Request your quote today! Or, connect with our technical specialists for expert advice tailored to your application. Let USA Piping Solution be your trusted provider for quality carbon steel tubing.
Request Your AISI 1018 Quote Today!