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Can I use AISI 1010 as alternate to Q345E steel?

Hello Sir

I am in development & have one project where customer asked for Q345E steel. It's not available in India. So can I use AISI 1010 steel (cold rolled). Is this same grade?
If not, please suggest alternate grade in AISI standard.

My part requires zinc trivalent plating, so material need to use in smooth finish

Thanks & regards

Kundan Deore
product developer - Nasik, Maharashtra, India
January 8, 2009

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The chemical compositions and mechanical properties of 1010 and Q345E are very far apart. 1010 is much lower strength and cannot be increased by heat treatment. Q345E is a low alloy steel whose strength is developed by the combination of its alloying elements and the particular heat treatment used.

Even if the strength of 1010 is increased somewhat by cold rolling from the annealed condition, its strength in the heat affected zones of welds will be reduced to that of the annealed condition. Q345E will not suffer that HAZ degradation.

Your client surely will have to approve any material substitution that you might wish to make - perhaps you should request them to give you a list of alternative grades that would be acceptable to them.

Bill Reynolds [deceased]
consultant metallurgist - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
We sadly relate the news that Bill passed away on Jan. 29, 2010.
January 9, 2009