1045 Steel Machining Data

1045 is a medium-carbon steel, harder and stronger than 1018 and commonly used for shafts and gears. Run it a step slower and keep the setup rigid.

Key properties

Property Typical value
Density 0.284 lb/in³ (7.87 g/cm³)
Hardness ~170 HB
Tensile strength ~91,000 psi (625 MPa)
Machinability Fair to good
Composition Fe with ~0.45% C

Cutting speeds

Operation HSS (SFM) Carbide (SFM)
Milling 60 – 90 250 – 400
Turning 70 – 100 300 – 500
Drilling 50 – 80 180 – 300
Convert to RPM: RPM = (SFM × 3.82) / cutter diameter. Use the Feeds & Speeds calculators.

Tooling and tips

  • TiAlN carbide and flood coolant handle the extra hardness.
  • Start near the low end of each speed range and climb once stable.
  • If heat treated, drop speeds further and expect shorter tool life.

See Cutting Speeds for Steel and the full Feeds and Speeds Chart.

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