Discover the remarkable properties of SAE AISI 1020 Steel, a high-quality carbon steel known for its yield strength and performance. Learn about its equivalent materials to understand its versatility better.
Introducing ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel – a standard in the industry renowned for its reliability and strength.
AISI 1020 steel, also recognized as C1020 steel in its cold worked condition (cold rolled or cold drawn), stands out as one of the most widely used plain carbon steels. It boasts excellent machinability and weldability. Typically found in turned and polished or cold drawn conditions, SAE AISI 1020 mild steel can also be hot rolled. Its low carbon content makes it resistant to induction or flame hardening.
Explore the Comprehensive Properties & Specifications of AISI SAE 1020 Steel
Below, the data sheet details the extensive properties of SAE AISI 1020 steel, covering chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, and more.
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Melting Point: AISI 1020 steel melts at 1515 °C (2760 °F).
Density: The density of 1020 steel is 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 ensuing data highlights the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, including yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness across various conditions.
Young's Modulus: For SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel in the as-received condition, the modulus of elasticity is 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability
Machinability Rating: AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel has a machinability rating of 65, relative to a 100% rating for 1212 steel.
Heat Treatment of SAE AISI 1020 Steel
Heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include normalizing, annealing, austenitizing, and more.
Normalizing of AISI 1020
The typical normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing of AISI 1020
For small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.), the recommended annealing temperature and cooling cycle are as follows:
Annealing temperature ranges from 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F), with a cooling cycle from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F) at 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 from 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing is commonly conducted at 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F).
Case Hardening
The surface hardening carburization temperature for 1020 carbon steel is 970-955 °C. This process is typically carried out in a mixed gas of methane and carrier gas. Post-carburizing, hardening is achieved via direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine.
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), for stress relief and improving resistance to cracking (not mandatory).
Typical Forging Temperature
Typical forging temperature for AISI 1020 mild steel is 1290 °C (2350 °F).
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding
The recommended preheat and interpass temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 steel:
For thickness ≤50mm (2 in.), the recommended preheat and interpass temperature is above -12 °C (for low hydrogen); and 38 °C for other than low hydrogen.
For thickness (t) 50< t ≤100, the recommended preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C (for low hydrogen); and 150 °C (for other than low hydrogen).
Postweld heat treatment is optional, temperature is 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F).
Application
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel has many semi-finished products, such as square steel bars, flat steel bars, round steel bars, steel plates, which can be used to make truck, automotive and agricultural equipment parts such as axles, mechanical parts, cold head bolts, motor shafts, pump shafts, ratchet, light gear, gear drives, worm gear, spindle, seat bracket, crane-cable drum, motor-brake wheel, etc. And usually also made into steel channels, steel angles, I-beams and H-beams.
AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel Equivalent Material
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel equivalent to European EN (Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF…), Japanese JISand Chinese GB standard.
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