A brief overview of Steel 1035 (Ck35)
| Material Group |
P - Steel |
| Sub-Group |
Low Carbon Steel |
| Tensile Strength |
540-730 [N/mm^2] |
| Machinability |
55% - 80% |
Machining 1035 (Ck35) Steel: Navigating the Sweet Spot of Machinability
1035 (Ck35) steel, a medium carbon steel with 0.32-0.38% carbon content, offers a favorable balance of strength, hardness, and machinability. While it falls within the "sweet spot" range for machinability (0.2%-0.3% carbon), it still presents unique challenges that require specific considerations.
Understanding the Machinability of 1035 (Ck35) Steel:
-
Composition: The moderate carbon content of 1035 (Ck35) steel provides a good balance of strength and ductility. However, this also means the material can work-harden during machining, potentially leading to increased tool wear and difficulties in chip formation.
-
Applications: 1035 (Ck35) steel is commonly used for shafts, gears, axles, and other components requiring moderate strength and wear resistance. The "Ck" designation indicates that it is a cold drawn steel, which improves its machinability compared to hot rolled 1035 steel.
Overcoming Machinability Challenges:
-
Tool Selection: Choose cutting tools specifically designed for medium carbon steels or materials with similar properties. Carbide tools with appropriate coatings, such as TiN, TiCN, or AlTiN, can enhance tool life and cutting performance.
-
Cutting Parameters: Adjust cutting speeds and feeds based on the specific heat treatment and hardness of the 1035 (Ck35) steel. Generally, moderate to high cutting speeds can be achieved, but attention to feed rates and tool wear is crucial to prevent work hardening.
-
Coolant/Lubricant: Utilize a suitable coolant or lubricant to reduce heat, friction, and chip welding during machining. Water-based coolants or cutting oils can be effective depending on the specific operation and cutting conditions.
-
Chip Control: Employ chipbreakers or specialized tool geometries to promote chip breaking and prevent long, stringy chips that can interfere with the machining process and potentially damage the workpiece or tool.
Additional Tips for Machining 1035 (Ck35) Steel:
-
Workholding: Ensure secure and rigid workholding to minimize vibrations and maintain dimensional accuracy.
-
Preheating (if necessary): While cold drawing improves machinability, preheating might be necessary for thicker sections or heavy cuts to reduce the risk of cracking.
-
Sharp Cutting Edges: Maintain sharp cutting edges to minimize work hardening and ensure efficient chip formation.
-
Cutting Fluids: Use high-quality cutting fluids designed for medium carbon steels to optimize tool life and machining performance.
By understanding the unique characteristics of 1035 (Ck35) steel and implementing these strategies, machinists can effectively manage its machining challenges and achieve desired results in terms of productivity, tool life, and surface finish.
For detailed carbide grade and cutting speed recommendations, refer to resources like the material supplier's datasheet or consult with a machining expert familiar with medium carbon steels.
Steel 1035 (Ck35) has equivalent international designations
| Standard |
Name |
| SAE |
1035 |
| WNR |
1.1183 |
| DIN |
Ck35 |
| BS |
060A35 |
| SS |
1572 |
| ANFOR |
XC38TS |
| UNI |
C36 |
| JS1 |
S35C |
Steel 1035's chemical composition.
| Element |
Percentage (%) |
| Carbon (C) |
0.32-0.38 |
| Manganese (Mn) |
0.60-0.90 |
| Phosphorus (P) |
≤ 0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) |
≤ 0.050 |
| Silicon (Si) |
0.15-0.30 |
| Iron (Fe) |
Balance |
Note: Some trace elements like chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) may also be present in small amounts, but they are not considered essential components of 1035 steel.
For non-alloyed steel with 0.26-0.50% carbon, recommendations on cutting speed.
| Application |
Vc (m/min) |
Vc (SFM) |
| Turning |
240-350 |
790-1150 |
| Milling |
150-220 |
490-720 |
| Parting |
115-170 |
380-560 |
| Grooving |
135-195 |
440-640 |
| Drilling |
95-140 |
310-460 |
Cutting Speed Recommendations for 1035 (Ck35) Steel: Beyond the Ideal
-
While machining guidelines for 1035 (Ck35) steel provide a starting point, achieving optimal cutting speeds in real-world scenarios requires understanding the factors that influence machining performance. The estimated speeds are based on ideal conditions, which may not always be achievable in practice.
Factors Affecting Cutting Speed in 1035 (Ck35) Steel:
-
Carbide Grade: Selecting the appropriate carbide grade is paramount. While general recommendations suggest carbide tools with TiN, TiCN, or AlTiN coatings, the specific grade should be tailored to the specific cutting conditions, desired surface finish, and tool life. Consider the heat treatment condition of the 1035 steel to choose the most suitable grade for your application.
-
Tool and Workpiece Clamping: Secure and rigid clamping of both the cutting tool and the workpiece is fundamental. Vibrations and movement can negatively impact accuracy, surface finish, and tool life. Ensure proper clamping techniques and utilize high-quality tooling systems to minimize these risks, especially when dealing with the moderate hardness of 1035 steel.
-
Raw Material Quality: Variations in raw material quality, including chemical composition, heat treatment, and microstructure, can affect machinability. Source high-quality 1035 steel from reputable suppliers and verify its properties to ensure consistent and predictable machining performance.
-
Tool Overhang: A shorter tool overhang minimizes deflection and vibration, leading to improved cutting stability and surface finish. Strive for the shortest possible overhang without compromising tool reach and accessibility, especially when machining thicker 1035 steel sections.
-
Material Hardness: The hardness of the 1035 steel workpiece directly impacts cutting forces and tool wear. Verify that the material's hardness falls within the expected range for the chosen carbide grade and cutting parameters. If needed, consider preheating or adjusting cutting parameters to accommodate variations in hardness due to work hardening.
-
Additional Factors:
-
Coolant/Lubricant Selection and Application: Effective cooling and lubrication are essential for heat dissipation, chip evacuation, and reducing friction. Choose the appropriate type (water-based or oil-based) and delivery method for your specific machining operation and the hardness of the 1035 steel.
-
Tool Geometry: Optimize rake and clearance angles, as well as chipbreaker design, to promote efficient chip formation and evacuation for 1035 steel.
-
Machine Rigidity: A rigid machine tool setup minimizes vibrations and ensures consistent cutting conditions, leading to improved accuracy and surface finish. Consider the machine's capabilities and limitations when setting cutting parameters for this medium carbon steel.
-
Cutting Parameters: Feed rate and depth of cut, along with cutting speed, play a crucial role in achieving desired results. Carefully balance these parameters based on your specific machining goals, tool capabilities, and the properties of the 1035 steel.
By meticulously evaluating these factors and adjusting cutting speeds accordingly, you can fine-tune your machining process to achieve superior results when working with 1035 steel. Remember, the recommended cutting speeds are a guideline, and real-world optimization requires a holistic approach that considers the entire machining ecosystem.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended as a general guideline. It is crucial to consult with tooling experts, refer to manufacturer recommendations, and conduct thorough testing to determine the optimal cutting parameters for your specific application and the specific properties of your 1035 steel.
For Steel 1035 (Ck35), the following carbide grades are recommended
Grade for Milling (Indexable)
Recommended Insert Cutting Edge Geometry for Steel 1035
| Honing Siz |
0.05-0.08 mm / 0.002-0.003" |
| Rake Angl |
11° -13° |
| Land Angl |
Positive |
| Land Widt |
0.20-0.30 mm / 0.008-0.012" |
