Discover the comprehensive properties of SAE AISI 1020 Steel, including C1020 Carbon Steel's yield strength and its equivalents.
Experience the quality of ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel.
AISI 1020 steel, also known as C1020 steel in its cold worked form (cold rolled or cold drawn), stands as one of the most prevalent plain carbon steels. Renowned for its excellent machinability and weldability, this mild steel can be hot rolled or cold drawn, yet it is predominantly found in turned and polished or cold drawn conditions. Its low carbon content attributes make it resistant to induction or flame hardening.
Explore AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specifications.
The following data sheet details SAE AISI 1020 steel properties, encompassing chemical composition, physical, and mechanical properties, among others.
Chemical Composition Overview
Physical Properties Breakdown
Melting Point: A robust 1515 °C (2760 °F)
Density: 1020 Steel boasts a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.0361 lbs/in³)
Notes: 10
-6
/K = 10
-6
.K
-1
= (µm/m)/°C
Mechanical Properties of SAE AISI 1020 Mild Steel
The following data illustrates the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, including yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness under various conditions.
Young's Modulus (modulus of elasticity) for SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel as-received condition is 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability Rating
AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel boasts a machinability rating of 65, based on a benchmark rating of 100% for 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment Techniques
Heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include normalizing, annealing, and austenitizing, among others.
Normalizing AISI 1020
Standard normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing AISI 1020
Recommended temperatures and cooling cycles for full annealing of small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.):
Annealing temperature ranges from 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F), cooling cycle transitions from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F), with a furnace cooling speed of 28 °C/h (50 °F/h), resulting in a Brinell hardness of 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing)
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening SAE 1020 steel range between 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing typically occurs at 900 to 925 °C (1650 to 1700 °F).
Case Hardening
The surface hardening carburization temperature range for 1020 carbon steel is between 970-955 °C, typically conducted in a mixture of methane and carrier gas. Achieving hardening post-carburization involves direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into either water or brine, ensuring optimal surface durability.
Comprehensive Heat Treatment for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carburizing Temperature: 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F), Cooling Method: Water or Caustic Solution;
- Reheat Temperature: 790 °C (1450 °F), Cooling Method: Water or a 3% Sodium Hydroxide Solution;
- Carbonitriding Temperature: 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F), Cooling Method: Oil;
- Temper Temperature: 120-205 °C (250-400 °F), mainly for stress relief and enhancing resistance to cracking, though not mandatory.
Optimum Forging Temperature
The ideal forging temperature for AISI 1020 mild steel is 1290 °C (2350 °F), ensuring high malleability and strength.
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding Guidelines
Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 Steel:
For thicknesses ≤50mm (2 in.), the suggested preheat and interpass temperature is above -12 °C for low hydrogen applications and 38 °C for other methods.
For thicknesses between 50mm < t ≤100mm, the suggested preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C for low hydrogen applications and 150 °C for other methods.
Post-Weld Heat Treatment is optional, with recommended temperatures ranging from 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F).
Versatile Applications
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel boasts a variety of semi-finished products, including square steel bars, flat steel bars, round steel bars, and steel plates. These materials are perfect for manufacturing truck, automotive, and agricultural equipment parts like axles, mechanical parts, cold head bolts, motor shafts, pump shafts, ratchets, light gears, gear drives, worm gears, spindles, seat brackets, crane-cable drums, motor-brake wheels, and more. Additionally, they are often formed into steel channels, steel angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
Equivalent Material Standard for AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel is equivalent to the European EN (Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF…), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards, making it a versatile choice across different regions and industries.
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