SAE AISI 1020 Steel Properties: Comprehensive Guide on C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength and Equivalents
ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel: The Benchmark for Quality and Performance
AISI 1020 steel, also referred to as C1020, is renowned for its versatile applications in cold worked conditions such as cold rolling or cold drawing. As one of the most prevalent plain carbon steels, it boasts excellent machinability and weldability. Typically presented in turned, polished, or cold drawn states, SAE AISI 1020 mild steel can be either hot rolled or cold drawn. Thanks to its low carbon content, it effectively resists induction and flame hardening.
AISI SAE 1020 Steel: Properties & Specifications You Need to Know
The data sheet below provides an in-depth look at SAE AISI 1020 steel properties, including its chemical composition and both physical and mechanical characteristics.
Chemical Composition: Detailed Insights
Physical Properties: Essential Data
Melting Point: 1515 °C (2760 °F)
Density of 1020 Steel: 7.87 g/cm³ (0.0361 lbs/in³)
Expansion Coefficient: 10
/K = 10
.K
¹
= (µm/m)/°C
Mechanical Properties of SAE AISI 1020 Mild Steel: Key Metrics
The following data highlights the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, showcasing its yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness under various conditions.
Young's Modulus (Modulus of Elasticity) of SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel in its as-received condition: 186 GPa (27×10
psi).
Machinability: Performance Ratings
AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel has a machinability rating of 65, based on a 100% machinability rating benchmark for 1212 steel.
Heat Treatment of SAE AISI 1020 Steel: An Overview
Heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include normalizing, annealing, austenitizing, and more.
Normalizing of AISI 1020: Key Temperatures
The typical normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is set at 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing of AISI 1020: Optimal Conditions
Recommended annealing temperatures and cooling cycles for small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.):
Annealing temperature ranges from 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F), with cooling cycles progressing from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F). Furnace cooling speed is maintained at 28 °C/h (50 °F/h), with Brinell hardness between 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing): Essential Details
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening SAE 1020 steel range from 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing typically occurs between 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F).
Case Hardening: Advanced Techniques
The surface hardening carburization temperature for 1020 carbon steel spans 970-955 °C, generally performed in a methane and carrier gas mixture. Post-carburizing hardening is typically achieved through direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine.
Optimal Heat Treatment for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon Temperature: Maintain between 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F). Cool using water or a caustic solution for best results.
- Reheat Temperature: Ensure it reaches 790 °C (1450 °F). Effective cooling methods include water or 3% sodium hydroxide.
- Carbonitriding Process: Operate within 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F) and cool with oil to achieve optimal properties.
- Tempering Process: Set temperature between 120-205 °C (250-400 °F) for stress relief and enhanced resistance to cracking, though not mandatory.
Ideal Forging Temperature
Forging AISI 1020 Mild Steel: Maintain a temperature of 1290 °C (2350 °F) for superior results.
Welding of AISI 1020 Carbon Steel
Preheat and Interpass Temperature Recommendations for AISI SAE C1020 Steel:
For thicknesses ≤50mm (2 in.), maintain a preheat and interpass temperature above -12 °C for low hydrogen applications and 38 °C for others.
For thicknesses between 50mm and 100mm, maintain a preheat and interpass temperature of 93 °C for low hydrogen applications and 150 °C for others.
Postweld Heat Treatment: Optional, but recommended within the temperature range of 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F) for optimal results.
Diverse Applications
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel is versatile, suitable for crafting semi-finished products like square, flat, and round steel bars, and plates. Ideal for truck, automotive, and agricultural equipment parts, including axles and mechanical components. Perfect for cold head bolts, motor and pump shafts, ratchets, gears, spindles, and more. Additionally, it is commonly formed into steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
Equivalent Materials to AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel matches European EN standards (Germany DIN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards.
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