Explore the exceptional properties of SAE AISI 1020 Steel. Discover the yield strength and equivalent standards of C1020 Carbon Steel.
Delve into the specifics of ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel, a cornerstone in the industry.
AISI 1020 steel, often referred to as C1020 in its cold worked state (be it cold rolled or cold drawn), is among the most commonly utilized plain carbon steels. It boasts excellent machinability and weldability. While it can be hot rolled or cold drawn, it is typically encountered in turned, polished, or cold drawn forms. Its low carbon content makes it resistant to induction or flame hardening.
Uncover the comprehensive properties and specifications of AISI SAE 1020 Steel.
The data sheet below meticulously details the properties of SAE AISI 1020 steel, including its chemical composition and physical and mechanical characteristics.
Chemical Composition Breakdown
Physical Properties Overview
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 following comprehensive data highlights the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, including yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness under various conditions.
SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel's Young's modulus (modulus of elasticity) in its as-received condition: 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability Insights
AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel is rated with a machinability rating of 65, benchmarked against a 100% machinability rating for 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel: Heat Treatment Processes
Comprehensive heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel including normalizing, annealing, and austenitizing.
Normalizing Process for AISI 1020
The typical normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is set at 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing Process for AISI 1020
Recommended temperature and cooling cycle for the full annealing of small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.):
Annealing temperature ranges from 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F), with a cooling cycle from 855 °C (1575 °F) down to 700 °C (1290 °F). The furnace cooling speed is maintained at 28 °C/h (50 °F/h), resulting in a Brinell hardness of 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing) Process
For hardening, reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for SAE 1020 steel are maintained between 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing typically occurs at 900 to 925 °C (1650 to 1700 °F).
Case Hardening Techniques
The surface hardening carburization temperature for 1020 carbon steel is 970-955 °C. Most procedures involve a mix of methane and carrier gas. Post-carburizing hardening is usually achieved by direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine.
Ideal Heat Treatment for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon Temperature: Maintain between 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F) with cooling in water or caustic solutions for optimal results.
- Reheat Temperature: A precise 790 °C (1450 °F) followed by cooling in water or a 3% sodium hydroxide solution.
- Carbonitriding Temperature: Maintain between 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F), ensuring effective cooling in oil.
- Temper Temperature: Range between 120-205 °C (250-400 °F) to relieve stress and enhance resistance to cracking, though it's not always mandatory.
Optimal Forging Temperature
Forging Temperature: For AISI 1020 mild steel, a typical forging temperature is maintained at 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.), maintain preheat and interpass temperature above -12 °C for low hydrogen applications and 38 °C for other applications.
For thicknesses between 50 and 100mm, the recommended preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C for low hydrogen applications and 150 °C for other applications.
Post-weld Heat Treatment is optional, ideally between 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F).
Versatile Applications
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel offers a range of semi-finished products, including square, flat, and round steel bars, as well as steel plates. These can be transformed into truck, automotive, and agricultural equipment parts such as axles, 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 often used to manufacture steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
Equivalent Materials to AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel is equivalent to several international standards, including European EN (Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards.
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