Injection Molding
Tooling and molding for your repeat plastic parts.
MATERIALS FOR YOUR NEXT BUILD
Carbon & Alloy Steel for Your Custom Parts
Choose Your Grade. Define Your Final Condition.
Plan your carbon steel machining, alloy steel components and fabrication around the load, geometry, heat treatment and finish. Confirm the grade, delivery condition and acceptance requirements before production.
Grade & specification
Match your part and application.
Material condition
Confirm supplied and final states.
Finished dimensions
Define key features and datums.
Material records
Agree receiving evidence.
4 Grades to Compare First
Start with your part and working conditions, not the grade number alone.
Grade availability and manufacturing scope are confirmed for your drawing.
Match Your Grade to the Finished Part
Low-carbon steel
1018 for Your Finished Part
For your 1018 steel machining review, identify datum faces, bore fits and any welded or plated features. Cold-drawn and hot-rolled conditions must be specified separately.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresGeneral machined blocks, collars and fixture parts.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
No universal EN substitute: compare the actual low-carbon steel specification.
1018 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing the setup. General machined blocks, collars and fixture parts.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresGeneral machined blocks, collars and fixture parts.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
No universal EN substitute: compare the actual low-carbon steel specification.
Plan Your 1018 Condition Before Cutting
State whether material is supplied cold drawn or hot rolled; do not assume one strength from the grade name.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresGeneral machined blocks, collars and fixture parts.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming materialSpecified treatmentFinal machiningAcceptance
No universal EN substitute: compare the actual low-carbon steel specification.
1018 Finish & Material Records
Protect functional bores and threads when specifying coating thickness.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresGeneral machined blocks, collars and fixture parts.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
No universal EN substitute: compare the actual low-carbon steel specification.
Low-carbon steel
1020 for Your Finished Part
For your 1020 steel machining inquiry, define stock form, fit and joining requirements. Confirm permitted substitutes against the drawing.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresClevises, pins and general machined components.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
No automatic EN equivalence; compare specified chemistry and product form.
1020 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing the setup. Clevises, pins and general machined components.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresClevises, pins and general machined components.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
No automatic EN equivalence; compare specified chemistry and product form.
Plan Your 1020 Condition Before Cutting
Specify the incoming state and any required treatment; do not infer finished properties from carbon content.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresClevises, pins and general machined components.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming materialSpecified treatmentFinal machiningAcceptance
No automatic EN equivalence; compare specified chemistry and product form.
1020 Finish & Material Records
Identify surface protection, masked faces and dimensional acceptance after finishing.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresClevises, pins and general machined components.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
No automatic EN equivalence; compare specified chemistry and product form.
Medium-carbon steel
1045 for Your Finished Part
For your 1045 steel machining project, connect shaft journals, keyways and final hardness to the complete manufacturing sequence.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresShafts, rollers and pins with defined final requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Compare C45 / C45E: EN 1.0503 / 1.1191 are similar-designation references, not blanket substitutes.
1045 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing the setup. Shafts, rollers and pins with defined final requirements.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresShafts, rollers and pins with defined final requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Compare C45 / C45E: EN 1.0503 / 1.1191 are similar-designation references, not blanket substitutes.
Plan Your 1045 Condition Before Cutting
Identify hardening method, treatment locations, final hardness and machining allowance before release.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresShafts, rollers and pins with defined final requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming materialSpecified treatmentFinal machiningAcceptance
Compare C45 / C45E: EN 1.0503 / 1.1191 are similar-designation references, not blanket substitutes.
1045 Finish & Material Records
Mark ground journals, surface texture and protected areas for your final fit.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresShafts, rollers and pins with defined final requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Compare C45 / C45E: EN 1.0503 / 1.1191 are similar-designation references, not blanket substitutes.
Carbon structural steel
ASTM A36 for Your Finished Part
For your A36 steel machining and fabrication review, connect the plate thickness, joint details and mounting faces to the final assembly.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresWelded bases, gussets and support plates.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Review EN structural grades such as S235JR against the actual requirements; A36 is not automatically equivalent.
ASTM A36 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing the setup. Welded bases, gussets and support plates.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresWelded bases, gussets and support plates.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Review EN structural grades such as S235JR against the actual requirements; A36 is not automatically equivalent.
Plan Your ASTM A36 Condition Before Cutting
A36 is a structural product specification. Any stress relief or other treatment requires project review.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresWelded bases, gussets and support plates.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming materialSpecified treatmentFinal machiningAcceptance
Review EN structural grades such as S235JR against the actual requirements; A36 is not automatically equivalent.
ASTM A36 Finish & Material Records
Agree mill-scale removal, coating, mounting-pad protection and flatness in the finished assembly.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresWelded bases, gussets and support plates.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Review EN structural grades such as S235JR against the actual requirements; A36 is not automatically equivalent.
Free-machining carbon steel
1215 for Your Finished Part
For your 1215 steel machining inquiry, define turned diameters, thread engagement, burr access and finish. Review joining requirements before selecting a free-machining grade.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresTurned spacers, threaded parts and bushings.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Compare free-cutting specifications individually; no universal EN substitute is stated.
1215 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing the setup. Turned spacers, threaded parts and bushings.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresTurned spacers, threaded parts and bushings.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Compare free-cutting specifications individually; no universal EN substitute is stated.
Plan Your 1215 Condition Before Cutting
Do not select a heat-treatment route from machinability alone; agree the required final condition.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresTurned spacers, threaded parts and bushings.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming materialSpecified treatmentFinal machiningAcceptance
Compare free-cutting specifications individually; no universal EN substitute is stated.
1215 Finish & Material Records
Specify deburring and coating requirements at intersecting holes and thread runouts.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresTurned spacers, threaded parts and bushings.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Compare free-cutting specifications individually; no universal EN substitute is stated.
Leaded free-machining steel
12L14 for Your Finished Part
For your 12L14 steel machining project, confirm the lead-containing grade is permitted for your application and market before reviewing turned features.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresPrecision turned sleeves and standoffs when material approval permits.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Review 11SMnPb30 / EN 1.0718 only as a candidate requiring specification and compliance checks.
12L14 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing the setup. Precision turned sleeves and standoffs when material approval permits.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresPrecision turned sleeves and standoffs when material approval permits.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Review 11SMnPb30 / EN 1.0718 only as a candidate requiring specification and compliance checks.
Plan Your 12L14 Condition Before Cutting
Confirm the complete specification and final condition; substitution and joining need review.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresPrecision turned sleeves and standoffs when material approval permits.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming materialSpecified treatmentFinal machiningAcceptance
Review 11SMnPb30 / EN 1.0718 only as a candidate requiring specification and compliance checks.
12L14 Finish & Material Records
Agree coating, cleaning and material declaration requirements before ordering.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresPrecision turned sleeves and standoffs when material approval permits.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Review 11SMnPb30 / EN 1.0718 only as a candidate requiring specification and compliance checks.
Chromium-molybdenum alloy steel
4130 for Your Finished Part
For your 4130 steel machining review, identify tube or bar product form, wall thickness, joint geometry and the final condition.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresTubular components, fittings and machined yokes.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
25CrMo4 / EN 1.7218 is a comparison candidate; verify chemistry, product standard and condition.
4130 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing the setup. Tubular components, fittings and machined yokes.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresTubular components, fittings and machined yokes.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
25CrMo4 / EN 1.7218 is a comparison candidate; verify chemistry, product standard and condition.
Plan Your 4130 Condition Before Cutting
Include the complete joining and thermal route in your dimensional acceptance plan.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresTubular components, fittings and machined yokes.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming materialSpecified treatmentFinal machiningAcceptance
25CrMo4 / EN 1.7218 is a comparison candidate; verify chemistry, product standard and condition.
4130 Finish & Material Records
Review access for cleaning and surface protection around joints and internal passages.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresTubular components, fittings and machined yokes.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
25CrMo4 / EN 1.7218 is a comparison candidate; verify chemistry, product standard and condition.
Chromium-molybdenum alloy steel
4140 for Your Finished Part
For your 4140 steel machining inquiry, separate annealed, prehardened and quenched-and-tempered stock. Mark critical shoulders, threads and bearing journals.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresDrive shafts, coupling hubs and loaded mechanical components.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Compare 42CrMo4 / EN 1.7225. Only specified variants meet SAE 4140; a similar name does not approve substitution.
4140 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing the setup. Drive shafts, coupling hubs and loaded mechanical components.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresDrive shafts, coupling hubs and loaded mechanical components.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Compare 42CrMo4 / EN 1.7225. Only specified variants meet SAE 4140; a similar name does not approve substitution.
Plan Your 4140 Condition Before Cutting
Plan your 4140 condition before cutting. Agree incoming material state, heat-treatment route and final inspection stage.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresDrive shafts, coupling hubs and loaded mechanical components.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Compare 42CrMo4 / EN 1.7225. Only specified variants meet SAE 4140; a similar name does not approve substitution.
4140 Finish & Material Records
Confirm final grinding or machining allowance, surface protection and inspection records.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresDrive shafts, coupling hubs and loaded mechanical components.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Compare 42CrMo4 / EN 1.7225. Only specified variants meet SAE 4140; a similar name does not approve substitution.
Nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy steel
4340 for Your Finished Part
For your 4340 steel machining review, identify load-related features, generous shoulder transitions and the delivery and final conditions.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresAxles, shafts and mechanical components with specified heat-treatment requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
34CrNiMo6 / EN 1.6582 is a comparison candidate, not a direct equivalent.
4340 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing the setup. Axles, shafts and mechanical components with specified heat-treatment requirements.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresAxles, shafts and mechanical components with specified heat-treatment requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
34CrNiMo6 / EN 1.6582 is a comparison candidate, not a direct equivalent.
Plan Your 4340 Condition Before Cutting
Keep the required condition, section size, hardness and acceptance method on the same release.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresAxles, shafts and mechanical components with specified heat-treatment requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming materialSpecified treatmentFinal machiningAcceptance
34CrNiMo6 / EN 1.6582 is a comparison candidate, not a direct equivalent.
4340 Finish & Material Records
Agree grinding allowance, surface condition and final dimensional records for critical journals.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresAxles, shafts and mechanical components with specified heat-treatment requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
34CrNiMo6 / EN 1.6582 is a comparison candidate, not a direct equivalent.
Case-hardening alloy steel
8620 for Your Finished Part
For your 8620 steel machining project, identify functional case-hardened surfaces and separate them from the core and noncritical geometry.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresGears, pins and components with specified case requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Review European case-hardening grades individually; 16MnCr5 is not automatically interchangeable with 8620.
8620 Machining: Define Your Fit
Review tool access, datums, threads, burr removal and finish before choosing the setup. Gears, pins and components with specified case requirements.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresGears, pins and components with specified case requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Locate
Identify the functional datum scheme.
Machine
Agree setups and access to critical features.
Verify
Inspect in the specified final condition.
Review European case-hardening grades individually; 16MnCr5 is not automatically interchangeable with 8620.
Plan Your 8620 Condition Before Cutting
Specify case depth, hardness, test locations, masking and final finishing sequence when carburizing is required.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresGears, pins and components with specified case requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Incoming materialSpecified treatmentFinal machiningAcceptance
Review European case-hardening grades individually; 16MnCr5 is not automatically interchangeable with 8620.
8620 Finish & Material Records
Agree stock allowance and final inspection after the complete treatment and finishing route.
Your inputGrade, product specification, stock form and supplied condition.
Your critical featuresGears, pins and components with specified case requirements.
Your approvalFinal dimensions, required material records and any proposed substitution.
Material identity
Grade, product standard, lot and condition.
Finished fit
Datums, dimensions and inspection state.
Receiving evidence
Agree document type and scope at inquiry.
Review European case-hardening grades individually; 16MnCr5 is not automatically interchangeable with 8620.
01 · Confirm stock02 · Plan machining03 · Treat if specified04 · Verify final fit
Sequence depends on your grade, geometry and specification. No single hardness or tolerance applies to every part.
Define 3 States for Your Part
01 · Incoming Material
Grade, product form and supplied condition.
02 · After Specified Treatment
Required condition and dimensional change.
03 · Finished Part
Final fits, surface protection and acceptance.
Heat treatment is included only when agreed for your project.
Compare What Your Drawing Requires
| Decision | Your requirement |
|---|---|
| Material identity | Grade + specification + delivery condition |
| Manufacturing | Machining, joining and treatment scope |
| Acceptance | Dimensions, finish and agreed records |
Material Composition: Read the Range, Then the Condition
Use chemistry to understand a grade choice. Your material certificate confirms the actual lot; these producer references are not LK test results.
Carbon Content: Compare the Range
Mass percentage · common axis 0–0.60%
■ Specified range0 is the axis origin
1018
0.15–0.20%
4140
0.38–0.43%
C45 · EN ISO 683-1
0.42–0.50%
00.30%0.60%
Higher carbon content is not a finished-part strength rating.
| Reference | C % | Mn % | Cr % | Mo % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1018 | 0.15–0.20 | 0.60–0.90 | — | — |
| 4140 | 0.38–0.43 | 0.75–1.00 | 0.80–1.10 | 0.15–0.25 |
| C45 · EN ISO 683-1 | 0.42–0.50 | 0.50–0.80 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.10 |
Selected mass-percent limits. “—” means no value shown in the cited selected-element table, not zero. C45 data is the EN ISO 683-1 reference variant; it is not a relabeled 1045 certificate. Other elements and product requirements also apply.
From Your Material to Your Finished Component
Agree the Evidence Your Receiving Team Needs
- Material grade, product specification and lot identification
- Heat-treatment and hardness records, when required
- Finished dimensions, surface condition and acceptance
Document scope and test requirements are agreed with your quotation. Keep the material record connected to the finished component.
Explore Quality Assurance →
View Other Steel Material Details →
Other Carbon & Alloy Steel
Do not see your grade above? Use these groups to describe your requirement. Availability, process suitability and documentation need project review.
Free machining · 1117 · 1144
For your 1117 steel machining or 1144 steel machining inquiry, state the complete specification. 1144 does not by itself specify a branded stress-relieved product.
Sheet & structural · 1008 / 1010 · A572 Grade 50
Review thickness, forming, joining and coating. Name the required product specification rather than “mild steel” alone.
Mechanical tubing · 1026 · ASTM A513
Specify tube type, wall, seam and condition. DOM describes a manufacturing route; it is not a standalone alloy designation.
Bearing & spring · 52100 · 1075 / 1095
For your 52100 steel machining review, define the supplied and final states. Compare EN 100Cr6 / 1.3505 by specification.
Case hardening · 9310 · 18CrNiMo7-6
For your 9310 steel machining project, identify case depth, core requirements and final finishing. EN 1.6587 identifies 18CrNiMo7-6, not an automatic 9310 replacement.
European specifications · C45E · 42CrMo4 · 16MnCr5
Send your actual European grade and product standard. We review manufacturing suitability without translating a name into an unapproved substitute.
100Cr6 reference ↗ · 18CrNiMo7-6 reference ↗ · 16MnCr5 reference ↗
6 Inputs for Your Quote
01CAD and controlled drawing
02Grade and material specification
03Delivery and treatment condition
04First order and repeat demand
05Critical dimensions and finish
06Inspection records and delivery location
Answers Before You Choose
Can one steel grade replace another?
Confirm any substitution against your drawing, material standard, delivery condition and required performance before approval. Similar European and US names do not establish interchangeability.
When should I specify heat treatment?
When your design requires a defined condition, hardness, case or mechanical properties. State the requirement and final acceptance stage; agree the sequence before machining.
Can you review a grade not listed here?
Send the grade, full material standard, product form, condition and drawing. Use the Other Carbon & Alloy Steel section to identify the relevant group.
What affects steel machining and finishing cost?
Compare the same stock form, condition, geometry, setups, treatment, finish, quantity and inspection scope. A raw-material price does not define your finished-part quotation.
Is A36 the same as 1018 steel?
No. A36 is a carbon structural steel product specification; 1018 is a low-carbon grade designation. Product form, chemistry, properties and acceptance requirements need a separate comparison.
How should I specify an EN steel grade?
Include the symbolic name, material number, product standard and delivery condition. For example, a 42CrMo4 reference must still be reviewed against your specified 4140 requirements.
Need stainless steel? Explore the separate material category →
