CK45 Steel
CK45 steel is a medium-carbon plain carbon steel with 0.45% carbon content, categorized under structural steels. It is recognized as one of the most widely used non-alloy carbon steels under German standards and is known in Iran by the code 1.1191. CK45 is considered one of the key materials for manufacturing steel components due to its outstanding properties such as high resistance to impact, tensile stress, and strength. Below we examine its production process, chemical composition, properties, and applications.
Manufacturing Process of CK45 Steel
The production of CK45 steel is carried out by hot rolling or forging methods, and its properties can be enhanced through heat treatment processes. The process begins with casting, followed by cutting into specific lengths using flame cutting machines. The sheets are then sent to preheating furnaces and, through several hot rolling stages, are reduced to the desired thickness. These plates are usually produced in thicknesses ranging from 3 mm to over 100 mm. Common dimensions available in the Iranian market are 2000×6000 mm and 1500×6000 mm. Major domestic producers include Mobarakeh Steel and Oxin, while Germany, South Korea, and Russia are among the main importers.
Chemical Composition of CK45
Due to its 0.45% carbon content, CK45 is categorized as a medium-carbon steel. In addition to carbon, it contains defined amounts of manganese and silicon. The typical chemical composition is as follows:
Mechanical Properties of CK45
CK45 offers excellent resistance to impact, tensile force, and wear, making it suitable for various heat treatments. Although it has good weldability, welding must be done carefully to prevent problems like cracking or excessive hardness. Key mechanical properties include:
- Tensile Strength: 585 MPa
- Poisson’s Ratio: 0.29
- Hardness: 163 HBS
- Elastic Modulus: 200 GPa
- Yield Strength: 450 MPa
- Elongation: 4–17%
- Shear Modulus: 80 GPa
- Annealing Temperature: 650–700°C (slow cooling)
- Hardening Temperature: 820–860°C (air/oil cooling)
- Forging Temperature: 1000–1100°C
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Physical Properties of CK45
- Density: 7.85 g/cm³
- Thermal Conductivity: 9.51 W/m·K
- Thermal Expansion Coefficient: 2.11 µm/m·°C
Corrosion Resistance
Despite its mechanical strengths, CK45 is relatively weak against corrosion. Exposure to humidity and air can easily cause surface oxidation or yellowing. In saline environments such as seawater, this steel is prone to both surface and deep corrosion, potentially leading to pitting. However, it is resistant to alkaline substances under normal temperatures.
Workability
Hot working is typically performed at 1800–2250°F (approx. 980–1230°C). Cold working without prior annealing is not recommended due to the hardness of the material.
Weldability
CK45 can be welded by all conventional methods. Depending on the application, preheating or post-weld heat treatment may be necessary. Gas welding generally requires less pre/post heating. Using low-hydrogen electrodes is also advised to minimize welding issues.
Machinability
CK45 shows good machinability both in as-rolled and normalized conditions. It is suitable for milling, cutting, drilling, turning, and sawing operations with good efficiency.
Applications of CK45 Steel
CK45 is extensively used in industries where hardness and strength are critical. Applications include:
Oil, gas, and petrochemical industries
Automotive industry
Construction and infrastructure
Agricultural machinery
Mining equipment
Defense and military hardware
Industrial machinery and equipment
Bridges, roads, crankshafts, and connecting rods
Price of CK45 Steel
Due to its favorable mechanical and physical characteristics, CK45 is among the more popular steels across industries. Its price is generally lower than many other steels and is affected by domestic demand and exchange rate fluctuations. Dimensions and thickness directly influence price—thicker plates are more expensive. While there may be price differences between producers such as Mobarakeh and Oxin, there is little difference in quality between domestic and imported products. Imported products may be more expensive despite similar quality.
SSAB STEEL SAZEH, as a direct and independent importer of CK45 steel plates from China, offers this product at competitive prices with guaranteed quality. Direct importing enables the company to reduce costs and supply large quantities, providing customers with high-performance steel at an affordable rate.
