Steel 1117 · supply condition
Steel 1117-CD
Properties of the CD condition, compared with the other 1117 tempers.
Standard free-machining bar stock: bright surface, close diameter tolerance and ~70 % higher yield strength than hot rolled.
What is 1117-CD?
1117-CD is 1117 supplied in the CD condition — standard free-machining bar stock: bright surface, close diameter tolerance and ~70 % higher yield strength than hot rolled. 1117-CD has a yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 485 MPa (70.3 ksi) — weaker than 55% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). 1117-CD has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F). HR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CD is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 75/100, better than 97% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 51 W/m·K (29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of steel grades
- Low embodied carbon — 1.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
1117-CD properties
Typical room-temperature values for 1117-CD — 13 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 1117 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
1117-CD has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).
Mechanical13
1117-CD has a yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 485 MPa (70.3 ksi) — weaker than 55% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
1117-CD is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 51 W/m·K (29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 92% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.7 µm/m·K (6.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
1117-CD conducts electricity at 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 87% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 1117-CD takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 1.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
1117-CD's machinability is very good (75/100, better than 97% of steel grades); weldability fair (45/100); formability fair (40/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other 1117 tempers and conditions
1117 is also supplied in 5 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the 1117 overview.
- HRDefaultCheapest stock form for machined parts where a rough surface and ±loose size tolerance are acceptable.235 MPa yield · 121 HB
- CDStandard free-machining bar stock: bright surface, close diameter tolerance and ~70 % higher yield strength than hot rolled.415 MPa yield · 143 HB
- CarburizedPick when a machined 1117 part needs a hard wear surface (0.3–1.0 mm case) over a tough low-carbon core.400 MPa yield · 60 HRC
- CRCold-rolled flats and strip for machined or stamped-then-machined parts needing a bright, dimensionally accurate section.395 MPa yield · 137 HB
- AnnealedSoftest, most stable condition — use before heavy cold forming, deep upsetting or to relieve cold-drawn residual stress.220 MPa yield · 116 HB
Working with 1117-CD
Is 1117 easy to machine?
Excellent — free-cutting sulfides give short chips, low tool wear and good finish at high speeds; cold-drawn bar turns best, annealed stock can be slightly gummy.
Can 1117 be welded?
Fair at best — the 0.08–0.13 % S promotes hot cracking and porosity; use low-hydrogen or high-Mn filler, low heat input, and avoid critical structural welds.
Can 1117 be formed, bent or molded?
Adequate cold bending in the rolling direction only; transverse ductility is poor because of sulfide stringers, so anneal or bend generously and avoid tight transverse radii.
What surface finishes work on 1117?
No corrosion resistance — specify zinc, nickel or Zn-Ni plating, black oxide, phosphate-and-oil or paint; sulfide inclusions can cause slight pitting/pull-out on mirror-polished or plated surfaces.
1117 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.14 – 0.2 | 0.17 |
| Mn | 1 – 1.3 | 1.15 |
| Sresulfurized for free machining (MnS inclusions) | 0.08 – 0.13 | 0.1 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Sinot specified for basic open-hearth/BOF bar; typical residual | ≤ 0.35 | 0.2 |
| Fe | balance | — |
1117-CD — frequently asked
What is 1117-CD used for?
1117-CD is typically used for splines, gears and screw machine products. In short: free-machining carbon steel.
What is the yield strength of 1117-CD?
1117-CD has a typical yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 485 MPa (70.3 ksi) — weaker than 55% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is 1117-CD easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (75/100, better than 97% of steel grades). Excellent — free-cutting sulfides give short chips, low tool wear and good finish at high speeds; cold-drawn bar turns best, annealed stock can be slightly gummy.
Can 1117-CD be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (45/100). Fair at best — the 0.08–0.13 % S promotes hot cracking and porosity; use low-hydrogen or high-Mn filler, low heat input, and avoid critical structural welds.
What surface finishes work on 1117-CD?
No corrosion resistance — specify zinc, nickel or Zn-Ni plating, black oxide, phosphate-and-oil or paint; sulfide inclusions can cause slight pitting/pull-out on mirror-polished or plated surfaces.
Can 1117-CD be formed, bent or molded?
Adequate cold bending in the rolling direction only; transverse ductility is poor because of sulfide stringers, so anneal or bend generously and avoid tight transverse radii.
What is the maximum service temperature of 1117-CD?
1117-CD is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 1117-HR and 1117-CD?
HR is the default condition — cheapest stock form for machined parts where a rough surface and ±loose size tolerance are acceptable. CD: standard free-machining bar stock: bright surface, close diameter tolerance and ~70 % higher yield strength than hot rolled. Yield strength is 235 MPa in HR versus 415 MPa in CD.
Can FabDigit make parts in 1117-CD?
Yes — 1117-CD is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A29/A29M — Steel Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought, General Requirements — ASTM (2020)
- SAE J403 — Chemical Compositions of SAE Carbon Steels — SAE International (2014)
- GB/T 8731 (Y15) — SAC (2008)
- EN 10087 — Free-cutting steels (11SMn30, 1.0715) — CEN (1998)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.16 — Machining — ASM International (1989)
- Mysteel / SMM Y15 (2025)
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.