SAE AISI 1020 Steel Properties, C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength, Equivalent
ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel
AISI 1020 steel, also recognized as C1020 steel in its cold-worked forms, is a widely utilized plain carbon steel. Known for its excellent machinability and weldability, this grade can be hot rolled or cold drawn, though it is predominantly found in turned and polished or cold-drawn conditions. The low carbon content of 1020 steel makes it resistant to induction and flame hardening, enhancing its versatility in various applications.
AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specification
The data sheet below comprehensively details SAE AISI 1020 steel properties, including its chemical composition and physical and mechanical characteristics.
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Melting Point: 1515 °C (2760 °F)
Density of 1020 Steel: 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 below data outlines the critical mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, encompassing yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness across different conditions.
SAE AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Young's Modulus (Modulus of Elasticity) in the as-received condition: 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability
AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel boasts a machinability rating of 65, benchmarked against a 100% rating for 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment
The heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include normalizing, annealing, and austenitizing, among others.
Normalizing of AISI 1020
The standard normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing of AISI 1020
Recommended parameters for the full annealing of small carbon steel forgings (≤ 3 inches in size):
Annealing Temperature: 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F), Cooling Cycle: from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F), Furnace Cooling Rate: 28 °C/h (50 °F/h), Brinell Hardness: 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing)
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening SAE 1020 steel range from 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing typically occurs at 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F).
Case Hardening
The surface hardening carburization temperature of 1020 carbon steel is 970-955 °C, usually conducted in a mixed gas of methane and carrier gas. Post-carburizing hardening is typically achieved through direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine.
Typical Heat Treatment Procedures for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon Temperature: Maintain between 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F). Cooling Method: Opt for water or caustic solutions;
- Reheat Temperature: Ensure a stable 790 °C (1450 °F). Cooling Method: Choose between water or a 3% sodium hydroxide solution;
- Carbonitriding Temperature: Maintain within 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F). Cooling Method: Utilize oil;
- Temper Temperature: Adjust to 120-205 °C (250-400 °F) for stress relief and enhanced resistance to cracking (optional but beneficial).
Optimal Forging Temperature
Typical Forging Temperature for AISI 1020 Mild Steel is 1290 °C (2350 °F).
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding Guidelines
Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 Steel:
For thickness ≤50mm (2 in.): Ensure the preheat and interpass temperature is above -12 °C for low hydrogen; 38 °C for non-low hydrogen conditions.
For thickness (t) 50 < t ≤100mm: The recommended preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C for low hydrogen; 150 °C for non-low hydrogen.
Postweld Heat Treatment is Optional: Maintain temperatures between 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F).
Applications
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 Steel is versatile with semi-finished products like square, flat, and round steel bars, as well as steel plates. These materials are ideal for manufacturing truck and automotive parts, agricultural equipment, mechanical components, cold head bolts, motor and pump shafts, ratchets, light gears, gear drives, worm gears, spindles, seat brackets, crane-cable drums, and motor-brake wheels. Additionally, they are commonly formed into steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel Equivalent Materials
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 Carbon Steel is equivalent to European EN (DIN EN from Germany, BSI from Britain, NF from France), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards.
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