Explore the comprehensive properties of SAE AISI 1020 Steel, including its C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength and its equivalent materials.
ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel
AISI 1020 steel, also recognized as C1020 steel when cold worked (cold rolled or cold drawn), is one of the most sought-after plain carbon steels. It boasts excellent machinability and weldability. While SAE AISI 1020 mild steel can be hot rolled or cold drawn, it is predominantly found in turned, polished, or cold drawn conditions. Given its minimal carbon content, this steel is resistant to induction or flame hardening processes.
AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specifications
Below is a detailed data sheet enumerating the properties of SAE AISI 1020 steel, encompassing its chemical composition, physical attributes, and mechanical properties.
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
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 data illustrates the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, detailing yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness across various conditions.
In the as-received condition, the Young's modulus (modulus of elasticity) of SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel is measured at 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability
The machinability rating of AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel stands at 65, based on a 100% machinability rating benchmarked against 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment
The heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include normalizing, annealing, and austenitizing, among others.
Normalizing of AISI 1020
The standard normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is typically set at 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing of AISI 1020
Outlined below are the recommended temperature and cooling cycles for the full annealing of small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.):
The 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). Furnace cooling occurs at a rate of 28 °C/h (50 °F/h), resulting in a Brinell hardness of 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing)
The reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening SAE 1020 steel are between 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing processes are usually conducted at temperatures ranging from 900 to 925 °C (1650 to 1700 °F).
Case Hardening
The surface hardening carburization temperature of our Premium Smooth AISI 1020 Carbon Steel is precisely set between 970-955 °C, typically performed in a controlled atmosphere of methane and carrier gases. The hardening process post-carburization involves direct quenching from this elevated temperature into water or brine for optimal results.
Typical 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 the best outcomes.
- Reheat Temperature: Set at 790 °C (1450 °F) followed by cooling in water or a 3% sodium hydroxide solution to ensure durability.
- Carbonitriding Temperature: Ranges from 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F), with oil as the preferred cooling method for enhanced surface properties.
- Temper Temperature: A range of 120-205 °C (250-400 °F) is advised for stress relief and improved resistance to cracking, although this step is not mandatory.
Typical Forging Temperature
For our AISI 1020 mild steel, the optimal forging temperature is set at 1290 °C (2350 °F), ensuring malleability and strength.
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding
Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 Steel:
For thicknesses ≤50mm (2 in.), maintain a preheat and interpass temperature above -12 °C for low hydrogen processes, and 38 °C for other welding types.
For thicknesses between 50-100mm, the recommended preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C for low hydrogen, and 150 °C for other welding methods.
Postweld Heat Treatment, though optional, should be performed at 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F) for optimal structural integrity.
Applications
Our ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel offers versatility with its semi-finished products like square and flat steel bars, round steel bars, and steel plates. These can be efficiently transformed into vital components for trucks, automotive, and agricultural equipment, including axles, mechanical parts, cold head bolts, motor shafts, pump shafts, and more. It is also ideal for making steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel Equivalent Materials
Our SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel is equivalent to European EN (Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF…), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards, ensuring global compatibility.
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