Discover the exceptional SAE AISI 1020 Steel Properties, C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength, and their Equivalents designed for superior performance.
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AISI 1020 steel, also known as C1020 steel in its cold-worked state (cold rolled or cold drawn), is celebrated for its excellent machinability and weldability. This versatile mild steel, usually found in turned and polished or cold drawn conditions, can be hot rolled or cold drawn. With its low carbon content, the 1020 carbon steel is resistant to induction or flame hardening, making it a reliable choice for numerous applications.
Comprehensive Guide to AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specifications
The detailed data sheet below meticulously lists the SAE AISI 1020 steel properties, including chemical composition, physical traits, and mechanical properties, ensuring you have all the information you need.
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Melting Point: An impressive 1515 °C (2760 °F)
Density of 1020 steel: Precisely 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 data below highlights the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, featuring yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness under various conditions.
SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel Young's modulus (modulus of elasticity) in the as-received condition is an impressive 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability
AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel boasts a commendable machinability rating of 65, based on a 100% rating for 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment
Comprehensive heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel, including normalizing, annealing, and austenitizing, ensure optimal performance.
Normalizing of AISI 1020
The standard normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is 915 °C (1675 °F), ideal for enhancing its properties.
Annealing of AISI 1020
Recommended temperature and cooling cycle for fully annealing small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.):
Annealing temperature: 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F). Cooling cycle: from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F) at a furnace cooling speed of 28 °C/h (50 °F/h), achieving a Brinell hardness of 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing)
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for SAE 1020 steel hardening range from 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing typically occurs between 900 to 925 °C (1650 to 1700 °F).
Case Hardening
The surface hardening carburization temperature for 1020 carbon steel is meticulously maintained between 970-955°C. This process predominantly takes place in a blend of methane and carrier gas, ensuring optimal results. Following carburization, the steel undergoes hardening by direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine, solidifying its strength and durability.
Typical Heat Treatment for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon Temperature: 900-925°C (1650-1700°F), Cooling Method: Water or Caustic
- Reheat Temperature: 790°C (1450°F), Cooling Method: Water or 3% Sodium Hydroxide
- Carbonitriding Temperature: 790-900°C (1450-1650°F), Cooling Method: Oil
- Temper Temperature: 120-205°C (250-400°F). This step is typically for stress relief and enhancing resistance to cracking, although it is not mandatory.
Typical Forging Temperature
The ideal forging temperature for AISI 1020 mild steel is 1290°C (2350°F).
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding
Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 Steel:
For thickness ≤50mm (2 in.): Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperature is above -12°C (for low hydrogen) and 38°C for other welding methods.
For thickness 50 < t ≤ 100mm: Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperature is 93°C (for low hydrogen) and 150°C for other than low hydrogen.
Post-weld heat treatment can be optionally done at temperatures ranging from 590-675°C (1100-1250°F).
Applications
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel is versatile with numerous semi-finished products such as square, flat, and round steel bars, as well as steel plates. These can be utilized in manufacturing parts for trucks, automotive, and agricultural equipment, including axles, mechanical parts, cold head bolts, motor shafts, pump shafts, ratchets, light gears, gear drives, worm gears, spindles, seat brackets, crane-cable drums, and motor-brake wheels. Additionally, it is commonly formed into structural components like steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel Equivalent Material
The SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel is equivalent to European EN (including Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards.
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