Steel 1008 · supply condition
Steel 1008-CR
Properties of the CR condition, compared with the other 1008 tempers.
Default stock condition: cold-rolled, box- or continuous-annealed and temper-rolled sheet for brackets, enclosures, chassis and general fabrication (16–24 GA).
What is 1008-CR?
1008-CR is 1008 supplied in the CR condition — default stock condition: cold-rolled, box- or continuous-annealed and temper-rolled sheet for brackets, enclosures, chassis and general fabrication (16–24 GA). 1008-CR has a yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) — weaker than 98% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 36% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). 1008-CR has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of steel grades. It melts at 1,495°C (2,723 °F). HR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CR is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 60 W/m·K (34.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 100% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 11.5 % IACS, better than 99% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 95/100, better than 99% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 36%, better than 97% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 95/100, better than 97% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 210 MPa (30.5 ksi), worse than 98% of steel grades
1008-CR properties
Typical room-temperature values for 1008-CR — 10 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 1008 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
1008-CR has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of steel grades. It melts at 1,495°C (2,723 °F).
Mechanical13
1008-CR has a yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) — weaker than 98% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 36% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
1008-CR is rated for continuous service to 425°C (797 °F). It conducts heat at 60 W/m·K (34.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 100% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12.2 µm/m·K (6.78 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
1008-CR conducts electricity at 11.5 % IACS, better than 99% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 87% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 1008-CR takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 1.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
1008-CR's machinability is fair (48/100, worse than 57% of steel grades); weldability excellent (95/100); formability excellent (95/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other 1008 tempers and conditions
1008 is also supplied in 8 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the 1008 overview.
- HRDefaultCheapest form, mill scale surface and looser thickness tolerance; use for weldments, brackets and parts that will be painted or machined.175 MPa yield · 86 HB
- CR-FHHeavily work-hardened cold-rolled coil for flat, stiff, non-formed parts (shims, panels, strapping); bends will crack.500 MPa yield · 165 HB
- CDCold-drawn bar, wire and welded-tube stock: higher strength, bright surface and tight size, at the cost of ductility and residual stress.285 MPa yield · 95 HB
- HDGZinc-coated 1008-base sheet for outdoor or humid service where painting alone is not enough; coating limits weld quality and top service temperature.230 MPa yield · 95 HB
- CRDefault stock condition: cold-rolled, box- or continuous-annealed and temper-rolled sheet for brackets, enclosures, chassis and general fabrication (16–24 GA).210 MPa yield · 95 HB
- AnnealedPick for maximum ductility before severe forming, or to relieve cold-work after drawing; lowest strength and hardness.170 MPa yield · 85 HB
Working with 1008-CR
Is 1008 easy to machine?
Soft and gummy: use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, generous coolant and chip breakers to avoid built-up edge and torn threads; expect ~55 % of 1212 and poor surface finish unless carburized or re-drawn.
Can 1008 be welded?
Excellent for all processes (RSW, MIG, TIG, laser, oxy-fuel) with no preheat or PWHT needed at any practical thickness; grind mill scale and remove zinc coating locally on galvanized stock.
Can 1008 be formed, bent or molded?
Best-in-class cold forming: bends to 0–1 t inside radius, deep drawing and roll forming; specify DDS/DDQ Al-killed for severe draws to avoid stretcher strain and ageing.
What surface finishes work on 1008?
Must be protected — iron/zinc phosphate + powder coat, e-coat, zinc or nickel plating, hot-dip galvanizing or black oxide; bare surfaces flash-rust within hours of degreasing.
1008 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CSAE J403; sheet grades typically 0.02–0.08 | ≤ 0.1 | 0.06 |
| Mn0.30–0.50 for bar/wire per SAE J403; 0.50 max for sheet | ≤ 0.5 | 0.35 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Sinot specified in SAE J403; typical residual for Al-killed/rimmed sheet | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Aldeliberate addition in Al-killed (DDS) sheet only | ≤ 0.1 | 0.04 |
| Fe | balance | — |
1008-CR — frequently asked
What is 1008-CR used for?
1008-CR is typically used for stamped covers and enclosure panels, sheet metal brackets, deep-drawn appliance housings, hot-dip galvanized ductwork and roofing sheet, cold-drawn wire and cold-headed fasteners and welded tube. In short: low-cost; easy cold-forming.
What is the yield strength of 1008-CR?
1008-CR has a typical yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) — weaker than 98% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 9 listed tempers.
Is 1008-CR easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (48/100, worse than 57% of steel grades). Soft and gummy: use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, generous coolant and chip breakers to avoid built-up edge and torn threads; expect ~55 % of 1212 and poor surface finish unless carburized or re-drawn.
Can 1008-CR be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (95/100). Excellent for all processes (RSW, MIG, TIG, laser, oxy-fuel) with no preheat or PWHT needed at any practical thickness; grind mill scale and remove zinc coating locally on galvanized stock.
What surface finishes work on 1008-CR?
Must be protected — iron/zinc phosphate + powder coat, e-coat, zinc or nickel plating, hot-dip galvanizing or black oxide; bare surfaces flash-rust within hours of degreasing.
Can 1008-CR be formed, bent or molded?
Best-in-class cold forming: bends to 0–1 t inside radius, deep drawing and roll forming; specify DDS/DDQ Al-killed for severe draws to avoid stretcher strain and ageing.
What is the maximum service temperature of 1008-CR?
1008-CR is rated for continuous use to about 425°C (797 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 1008-HR and 1008 CR-FH?
HR is the default condition — cheapest form, mill scale surface and looser thickness tolerance; use for weldments, brackets and parts that will be painted or machined. CR-FH: heavily work-hardened cold-rolled coil for flat, stiff, non-formed parts (shims, panels, strapping); bends will crack. Yield strength is 175 MPa in HR versus 500 MPa in CR-FH.
Can FabDigit make parts in 1008-CR?
Yes — 1008-CR is available for sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- SAE J403 — Chemical Compositions of SAE Carbon Steels — SAE International (2014)
- ASTM A1008/A1008M — Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet, CS/DS/DDS — ASTM (2021)
- ASTM A1011/A1011M — Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Sheet and Strip — ASTM (2018)
- ASTM A653/A653M — Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Sheet — ASTM (2020)
- GB/T 5213 / GB/T 708 — SAC (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.16 — Machining — ASM International (1989)
- worldsteel LCI data for hot- and cold-rolled coil — World Steel Association (2023)
- CRS sheet small-lot pricing — OnlineMetals / Midwest Steel & Aluminum (2026)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.