Discover the impressive properties of SAE AISI 1020 Steel, including its robust yield strength and versatile applications. Learn about its equivalents and how it stands out in performance.
Introducing ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel: A prime choice for high-performance applications.
AISI 1020 steel, also referred to as C1020 steel in its cold worked state (cold rolled or cold drawn), is among the most popular plain carbon steels. Renowned for its excellent machinability and weldability, SAE AISI 1020 mild steel can be hot rolled or cold drawn, although it typically comes in turned and polished or cold drawn forms. With a low carbon content, it is resistant to induction or flame hardening, making it a reliable choice for various industrial uses.
Delve into the comprehensive properties and specifications of AISI SAE 1020 Steel. Understand what makes it a preferred material in diverse applications.
Below is a detailed data sheet presenting the properties of SAE AISI 1020 steel, encompassing its chemical composition, physical characteristics, and mechanical properties.
Chemical Composition: A detailed analysis of SAE AISI 1020 steel's constituent elements.
Physical Properties: Key physical attributes that define AISI 1020 steel's performance.
Melting point: 1515 °C (2760 °F)
Density of 1020 steel: 7.87 g/cm³ (0.0361 lbs/in³)
Notes: 10
Coefficient of thermal expansion: -6
Thermal Conductivity: /K = 10
Thermal Expansion Rate: -6
Thermal Conductivity Unit: .K
Thermal Expansion Rate Unit: -1
Thermal Expansion Coefficient: = (µm/m)/°C
Mechanical Properties of SAE AISI 1020 Mild Steel: An insightful look into its mechanical capacities.
Explore the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, including yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness across various conditions.
Young's modulus (modulus of elasticity) for SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel in its as-received condition is 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability: High performance with a rating of 65 based on 1212 steel's 100% benchmark.
With a machinability rating of 65, SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel provides reliable performance, compared to the 100% rating of 1212 steel.
Heat Treatment of SAE AISI 1020 Steel: Understand the processes including normalizing, annealing, and austenitizing for optimal performance.
Heat treatments for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include processes such as normalizing, annealing, and austenitizing, ensuring the material meets specific performance criteria.
Normalizing of AISI 1020: Recommended normalizing temperature is 915 °C (1675 °F).
The recommended normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel stands at 915 °C (1675 °F), ensuring uniform material properties.
Annealing of AISI 1020: Optimal temperature and cooling cycle for small carbon steel forgings.
For effective annealing of small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.), maintain a temperature range of 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F) and follow a controlled cooling cycle.
Annealing temperature ranges from 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F), with cooling cycles from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F). The furnace cooling speed is 28 °C/h (50 °F/h), resulting in a Brinell hardness of 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing): Critical temperatures for hardening and carburizing of SAE 1020 steel.
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening SAE 1020 steel range from 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing is performed at 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F).
Case Hardening: Effective methods for achieving surface hardness in 1020 carbon steel.
Surface hardening of 1020 carbon steel is achieved at a carburization temperature of 970-955 °C, usually in a mixed gas environment of methane and carrier gas. Post-carburization hardening is typically done by direct quenching into water or brine.
Explore the typical heat treatment processes for SAE 1020 case hardening, specifically designed to enhance the durability and performance of your steel components.
- Achieve optimal carbon temperature control with a range between 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F), followed by efficient cooling methods such as water or caustic solutions.
- For the reheat process, maintain a precise temperature of 790 °C (1450 °F) and use cooling methods like water or a 3% sodium hydroxide solution to ensure consistent quality.
- During carbonitriding, maintain temperatures between 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F) and utilize oil as the cooling medium to achieve superior surface hardness.
- Temper your steel at temperatures ranging from 120-205 °C (250-400 °F) to relieve stress and improve resistance to cracking. While not mandatory, this step enhances overall durability.
Typical Forging Temperature Insights
For optimal forging of AISI 1020 mild steel, maintain a temperature of 1290 °C (2350 °F) to achieve the best mechanical properties and workability.
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding Guidelines
Recommended preheat and interpass temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 steel to ensure weld integrity and performance:
For thicknesses ≤50mm (2 in.), maintain a preheat and interpass temperature above -12 °C for low hydrogen applications, and 38 °C for other applications.
For thicknesses between 50mm and 100mm, recommended preheat and interpass temperatures are 93 °C for low hydrogen and 150 °C for other applications.
Post-weld heat treatment is optional but can further enhance properties with temperatures between 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F).
Versatile Applications of AISI 1020 Steel
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel is available in various semi-finished forms like square, flat, and round bars, as well as steel plates. These materials are ideal for manufacturing parts in trucks, automotive, and agricultural equipment, including axles, mechanical parts, 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 can be crafted into structural forms like 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 standards (including Germany's DIN EN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards, ensuring wide applicability and compatibility.





