SAE 1008 and SAE 1010 are two closely related plain carbon steels. Their chemistry limits are set by SAE J403, and while the two grades have different limits, those limits overlap. Low carbon steel made to fall inside both sets of limits can be certified to both grades at once. That’s how we stock our low carbon steel strip: as one material, dual certified to 1008 / 1010.
The carbon window
Carbon is what separates the two grades. SAE 1008 sets only a maximum of 0.10% carbon, while SAE 1010 sets a range of 0.08–0.13%. Material that meets both must have at least 1010’s 0.08% minimum and no more than 1008’s 0.10% maximum. That leaves a common carbon window of 0.08–0.10%.
The manganese range
Manganese works the same way, and the result is narrower than either grade on its own. SAE 1008 allows up to 0.50% manganese, and SAE 1010 calls for 0.30–0.60%. Taking 1010’s minimum and 1008’s maximum gives a common manganese range of 0.30–0.50%, which is the range our strip is held to.
Chemical Requirements — SAE 1008 & 1010 (SAE J403, heat analysis, weight %)
| Element | 1008UNS G10080 | 1010UNS G10100 | Dual-CertifiedOverlap Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.10 max | 0.08–0.13 | 0.08–0.10 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 max | 0.30–0.60 | 0.30–0.50 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.030 max | 0.030 max | 0.030 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.035 max | 0.035 max | 0.035 max |
Phosphorus and sulfur limits are the same for both grades, so they don’t narrow the overlap.
ASTM A109 for the strip itself
SAE J403 sets the chemistry of the grade. Our strip is also produced to ASTM A109, the specification for cold-rolled carbon steel strip, which covers tempers, thickness tolerances and finish, and sets its own chemistry limits, including tighter phosphorus and sulfur. The full set of limits — SAE 1008, SAE 1010, ASTM A109 and the range our strip is held to — is on the 1008 / 1010 Low Carbon Steel tech sheet.
What this means for your order
Because one material meets both grades, an order calling for either 1008 or 1010 can be filled from the same stock, and your certification shows the grade your order specifies. Our 1008 / 1010 is certified to both grades unless otherwise noted. If your drawing or purchase order calls for one grade only, include it with your request for quote.
This article is educational information only. Certifications reflect the requirements of each order.