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Low Carbon Steel Balls (Mild Steel Balls) — AISI 1010 / S10C

Not sure which condition you need? See "Case-Hardened or Soft Annealed" below — or jump to high carbon steel balls if your load calls for through-hardening.

How We Manufacture Low Carbon Steel Balls

Low Carbon Steel Balls (AISI 1010, S10C, DC01, C10C) are precision balls we manufacture from low carbon steel wire rod in our own factory. As a low carbon steel ball manufacturer — not a trading company — RS controls every step from cold heading to final polishing. These balls are supplied either case-hardened (HRC 55-60 surface) for casters, slides and hardware, or soft annealed for riveting, stamping and welding applications. 

Part of our full carbon steel balls range, alongside high carbon steel balls for higher-load applications.

Low Carbon Steel Ball Specifications: Grades, Composition & Hardness

International Standards & Equivalent Grades

AISI GB/T 699 JIS G4051 EN 10130 EN 10263-2
1010 10 (10#) · 15 S10C DC01 C10C
Please send us your drawing standard or material requirement. RISHENG can match the equivalent low carbon steel grade and provide material certificates with each batch.

Chemical Composition

  C Si Mn P S
1010 0.08–0.13% ≤0.10% 0.30–0.60% ≤0.040% ≤0.050%
S10C 0.08–0.13% 0.15–0.35% 0.30–0.60% ≤0.030% ≤0.035%
DC01 ≤0.12% ≤0.10% ≤0.60% ≤0.045% ≤0.045%
C10C 0.08–0.12% ≤0.20% 0.30–0.50% ≤0.025% ≤0.025%

Physical & Mechanical Properties

Property Soft annealed Case-hardened (carburized)
Surface hardness HRB 55–75 HRC 55–60
Case depth 0.2–1.0 mm, depending on ball diameter
Core condition Ductile Tough, ductile core
Tensile strength 325–400 Mpa Not normally specified after case hardening
Yield strength 180–240 Mpa Not normally specified after case hardening
Elongation 28–35 % Not normally specified after case hardening
Density 7.85  g/cm³ 7.85  g/cm³

Precision Grades

  Ball diameter variation Spherical deviation Surface roughness Diameter variation Diameter tolerance
Grade Vdws △Sph Ra Vdwl Tdn
Not Over
μm
10 0.25 0.25 0.02 0.5 *
16 0.4 0.4 0.032 0.8 *
20 0.5 0.5 0.04 1 *
24 0.6 0.6 0.05 1.2 *
28 0.7 0.7 0.06 1.4 *
40 1 1 0.08 2 *
60 1.5 1.5 1 3 *
100 2.5 2.5 0.1 5 ±12.5
200 5 5 0.15 10 ±25
500 12.5 12.5 * 25 ±50
1000 25 25 * 50 ±125

Size Chart — Weight

Dia. (mm) Inch Weight / pc (g)
2.0 0.033
3.0 0.111
3.175 1/8" 0.132
4.762 3/16" 0.444
5.0 0.514
6.0 0.888
6.35 1/4" 1.052
7.938 5/16" 2.056
8.0 2.104
9.525 3/8" 3.551
10.0 4.110
12.7 1/2" 8.420
15.875 5/8" 16.45
19.05 3/4" 28.41
25.4 1" 67.35

How We Manufacture: From Wire Rod to 100% Sorted Balls

Raw Material & Cold Heading

Every low carbon steel ball starts from certified raw material. RISHENG sources low carbon steel wire rod (AISI 1010 / S10C / DC01) from qualified mills with controlled sulphur and phosphorus content for defect-free forming.
- Wire rod is cut into precise slugs and cold-headed into ball blanks on our Z32-7.5 machines
- Cold forming keeps the metal fiber flow continuous — a stronger internal structure than machined balls
- This step defines the ball's initial size and grain structure

Flashing (Ring Band Removal)

- Cold-headed blanks carry a thin equator ridge ("flash") left by the forming dies
- Balls are rolled between heavy cast-iron file plates to remove the ring band
- Result: a uniform, near-spherical blank ready for grinding

Soft Grinding

Before heat treatment, the soft blanks are ground on our M360 machines to
remove the flashing marks and bring the diameter close to size, leaving a
uniform grinding allowance for the hardened finish passes.

Heat Treatment: Carburizing Process

Unlike chrome steel balls, low carbon steel balls are case-hardened through carburizing. In our heat treatment workshop, balls are heated in a controlled carbon-rich atmosphere at approximately 900-930°C, allowing carbon to diffuse into the surface layer. After quenching and tempering, the balls achieve a hard wear-resistant surface (HRC 55-60) while keeping a tough, ductile core - ideal for impact loads in casters and slides. For customers who need soft balls for riveting or stamping, we skip hardening and supply annealed low carbon steel balls at wholesale prices.

Hard Grinding

Hard grinding is the method of grinding the ball after heat treatment with grinding wheel in the grinding machine. Its role is to further improve the accuracy and surface quality.

Lapping (Precision Finishing)

- For precision grades G100-G100, balls are lapped with fine abrasive
- Achieves final diameter tolerance, sphericity and surface roughness per ISO 3290
- Mirror-smooth finish for precision applications

Cleaning & Oil Removal

Multi-stage degreasing removes grinding fluid and residues before inspection

 

Screening & 100% Sorting

Automatic sorting machines screen every ball by diameter
Surface-defect sorting plus visual inspection remove any out-of-tolerance balls
Nothing is sampled — 100% of balls are sorted

Final Inspection

- QC verifies diameter variation, sphericity, surface roughness and hardness with calibrated measuring instruments
- Eddy current testing (ECT) detects surface cracks and hidden defects
- An inspection report is issued for each batch of low carbon steel balls

Contact Our Team

NOT SURE WHICH LOW CARBON STEEL BALL RIGHT FOR YOU?

Key Advantages: Accuracy, Finish & Rust Protection

At RISHENG, our low carbon steel balls are engineered to provide the perfect balance between cost-efficiency and durability. Whether you require precise tolerance for furniture slides or reliable performance for low-load castors, our standardized manufacturing process ensures consistent quality that meets international standards
At RISHENG, our low carbon steel balls are engineered to provide the perfect balance between cost-efficiency and durability. Whether you require precise tolerance for furniture slides or reliable performance for low-load castors, our standardized manufacturing process ensures consistent quality that meets international standards

  Consistent Dimensional Accuracy: Our low carbon steel balls span grades G100 to G1000 and maintain strict diameter tolerances, ensuring smooth assembly line operations and minimizing downtime losses..

  Optimized Surface Finish: Each steel ball undergoes professional deburring and precision polishing, effectively lowering the equipment friction coefficient and reducing component wear..

  Superior Rust Protection: Addressing the potential risks associated with maritime transport for low-carbon steel, we coat all export products with high-grade moisture-proof, anti-rust oil; this ensures the goods arrive at your warehouse in pristine, "like-new" condition after long-haul shipping.

 Global Compliance: Our production strictly adheres to international environmental regulations—including RoHS and REACH standards—ensuring a seamless and compliant import customs clearance process.

Applications: Steel Balls for Casters, Drawer Slides, Locks & Toys

Low carbon steel balls, also called mild steel balls or soft steel balls, offer a practical balance of low cost, ductility and wear resistance for light-duty and medium-duty applications. As a low carbon steel ball manufacturer, RISHENG supplies both case-hardened steel balls and soft annealed steel balls for OEM hardware, furniture fittings, rolling components and custom industrial parts.

Case-hardened low carbon steel balls are used when the ball needs a hard, wear-resistant surface while keeping a tough core. Common applications include casters and wheels, drawer slides, door locks and latches, conveyor rollers, ball transfer units, bicycle components, furniture hardware and agricultural machinery parts.

Soft annealed low carbon steel balls are used when the ball needs to be formed, pressed, riveted, staked or welded during assembly. Typical uses include rivet balls, weldable steel balls, sealing plugs, stamped parts, decorative hardware and custom metal fittings.

Low carbon mild steel balls are also popular in consumer and specialty products, including toys, pinball machines, aerosol mixing balls, rattle balls, magnetic sculptures and magnetic games, because mild steel is strongly ferromagnetic.
Low Carbon Mild Steel Balls for Locks, Toys and Magnetic Applications
 

 

Low Carbon Steel Balls for Casters and Drawer Slides
 

 

Soft Annealed Low Carbon Steel Balls for Riveting and Welding
 

Download Product Catalogue (All Materials)Please Download Catalogue Here  

Low Carbon Steel Ball Manufacturing Factory & Precision Production Capabilities

Risheng has made precision balls in Wujin District, Changzhou since June 1995, on a 5,000 m² automated line — cold heading, carburizing heat treatment,grinding, lapping and 100% sorting all in-house. We export to North America,Europe, Southeast Asia, South America and the Middle East on FOB, CIF, CFR terms.


For OEM orders we run custom metric and imperial diameters, customer-specified chemistry, either ball condition, and private labelling with your part numbers.


Material test reports and dimensional inspection reports ship with every batch;SGS or BV inspection at the factory is welcome.

Packaging & Delivery of LOW Carbon Steel Ball

High-strength inner packaging: Shockproof foam bags or custom plastic boxes are used to secure each low carbon steel ball in place, protecting it from impacts and scratches.

Moisture-proof protection: A moisture-proofing agent is added to effectively prevent the impact of moisture on the product during transportation.

Sturdy outer packaging: Thickened corrugated cardboard boxes or wooden pallets (for large orders) are used to ensure safe long-distance transportation.

Clear labeling: Product specifications, quantity, and drop warnings are clearly marked on the outer packaging box for easy verification and safe handling.

Why Buy Direct From Our Factory
When you buy from RISHENG, you buy directly from the factory floor — no trading company, no middleman markup. Our engineers and export team work with you from the first inquiry to after-sales support.
  • 1
    Custom Manufacturing SERVICES
    Custom diameters, grades, hardness (case-hardened or soft annealed) and packaging. Send us a drawing or sample and receive a technical reply within 24 hours.
  • 2
    Quality Assurance SERVICES
    100% sorting on every batch. Material certificates and dimensional inspection reports with each shipment. Third-party inspection (SGS, BV) welcome at our factory.
  • 3

    Export & After-Sales Support
    PRICIN
    【30】years of export experience. FOB, CIF and DDP terms, free samples before bulk orders, and responsive after-sales support for every market we serve.
Quality Certification
Every low carbon steel ball we ship is 100% sorted — never sampled. Our QC lab is equipped with advanced testing instruments, including three-needle measuring instruments for precision accuracy, hardness testers, surface roughness testers, and high-speed automatic sorting machines, and each batch leaves the factory with a material certificate and dimensional inspection report.

Certifications of low carbon steel ball

ISO 9001:2015 – Certified Quality Management System

 

IATF 16949 – Quality Management System for the Automotive Industry

 

ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management System Certification

RoHS & REACH Compliant – Ensuring material safety and environmental protection
FAQ of Low Carbon Steel Ball
  • Q What are low carbon steel balls?

    A Precision balls cold-headed from plain low carbon steel wire — around 0.10% C in grades like AISI 1010 and S10C — then either carburized for a hard surface or left soft annealed. Also called mild steel balls or soft steel balls.
  • Q Case-hardened or soft annealed — which should I order?

    A Case-hardened if the ball rolls or carries load (casters, slides, conveyors,locks). Soft annealed if your process deforms the ball on purpose (riveting,staking, stamping, welding). Tell us the application and we will specify it.
  • Q Will low carbon steel balls rust?

    A Yes, without protection. Every export shipment is coated in anti-rust oil with desiccant packing for transit. For service in humid environments, order them zinc- or nickel-plated — see our electroplated steel balls.
  • Q Are mild steel balls magnetic?

    A Strongly — low carbon steel is ferromagnetic, which is exactly why these balls are used in magnetic games, sculptures and holding fixtures. If you need a non-magnetic ball, choose 304/316 stainless or ceramic instead.
  • Q What surface hardness and case depth do case-hardened low carbon steel balls reach?

    A After carburizing and case hardening, low carbon steel balls typically reach HRC 55–65 at the surface, with a tough and ductile low-carbon core. The case depth depends on ball diameter and application requirements; for common small and medium sizes, it is usually around 0.4–1.1 mm, and deeper case depths can be specified for larger balls or higher wear-resistance applications.
  • Q What sizes and precision grades do you supply?

    A
    1–25.4 mm as standard, grades G100–G1000 per ISO 3290-1; tighter grades and larger diameters on request.

Consult Our Steel Ball Machine Experts — Quote Within 24 Hours

Tell us your ball material, diameter, hardness, required accuracy and production capacity. RISHENG will recommend the suitable 3M7480 Steel Ball Grinding Machine or 3ML4780D Steel Ball Lapping Machine and provide a technical proposal and quotation within 24 hours.
Contact us
Your drawings and data are kept confidential.

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       sales@rsbearingball.com
  +852 6825 8658
    Panjia Town, Summer Villa Village ,Wujin District, Changzhou City, China
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