SAE 1045 Medium-Carbon Steel
SAE 1045 is a medium-carbon engineering steel widely used for shafts, axles and machine components.
Grade overview
Its higher carbon content than 1018 provides greater strength and hardenability, while still allowing machining and controlled welding with appropriate precautions.
Typical applications
Shafts, gears, pins, axles, rollers, hydraulic components and general machinery.
Equivalent / related designations
Frequently compared with EN C45/C45E families. Heat-treatment and product-condition differences must be checked.
Common manufacturers and supply
Produced globally by engineering bar, forging and special-steel mills.
Fabrication and selection notes
Confirm the exact product standard, edition, dimensions, delivery condition, mechanical properties, impact requirements, heat treatment, welding procedure, corrosion environment and certification. A grade name alone is not sufficient for procurement or design approval.
QA/QC documentation
For critical service, verify heat number traceability, mill test certificate, chemical analysis, tensile/impact results where required, NDT, heat-treatment record and project-specific third-party inspection requirements.
Element Folio engineering reference. Values and requirements vary by standard edition, product form and manufacturer; always verify the latest governing specification.

