SAE AISI 1020 Steel Properties, C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength, Equivalent
ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel
AISI 1020 steel is also known as C1020 steel in cold worked (cold rolled or cold drawn) condition. 1020 carbon steel is one of the most commonly used plain carbon steels, has good machinability and weldability. SAE AISI 1020 mild steel can be hot rolled or cold drawn, but it is usually in turned and polished or cold drawn conditions. Due to its low carbon content, it is resistant to induction hardening or flame hardening.
AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specification
The data sheet below lists SAE AISI 1020 steel properties including chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, etc.
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 shows that AISI SAE 1020 steel mechanical properties include yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness in various conditions.
SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel Young's modulus (modulus of elasticity) in the as-received condition: 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability
AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel machinability rating is 65 based on a machinability rating of 100% for 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment
The heat treatment of SAE AISI 1020 mild steel including normalizing, annealing, austenitizing, etc.
Normalizing of AISI 1020
The typical normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing of AISI 1020
Recommended temperature and cooling cycle for full annealing of small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.):
Annealing temperature is 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F), cooling cycle is from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F), furnace cooling speed at 28 °C/h (50 °F/h), Brinell hardness is 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing)
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening of SAE 1020 steel is 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing is commonly carried out at 900 to 925 °C (1650 to 1700 °F).
Case Hardening
The surface hardening carburization temperature of 1020 carbon steel is 970-955 °C, and most of them are carried out in a mixed gas of methane and carrier gas. Hardening after carburizing is usually achieved by direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine.
Typical Heat Treatment for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon Temperature: Maintain between 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F). Cooling Method: Utilize water or caustic solutions for optimal results.
- Reheat Temperature: Maintain at 790 °C (1450 °F). Cooling Method: Opt for water or a 3% sodium hydroxide solution to achieve the best properties.
- Carbonitriding Temperature: For effective carbonitriding, maintain between 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F). Cooling Method: Use oil for a perfect finish.
- Temper Temperature: Between 120-205 °C (250-400 °F). This process is optional but recommended for stress relief and enhanced resistance to cracking.
Typical Forging Temperature
Typical forging temperature for AISI 1020 mild steel is 1290 °C (2350 °F). This ensures durability and workability.
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding
Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 Steel:
For thickness ≤50mm (2 in.): Preheat and interpass temperature should be above -12 °C (for low hydrogen); 38 °C for other conditions.
For thickness (t) 50< t ≤100: Recommended preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C (for low hydrogen); and 150 °C for other conditions.
Postweld Heat Treatment: This is optional. If applied, maintain between 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F) for optimal results.
Applications
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel offers versatility with semi-finished products like square, flat, and round steel bars, and steel plates. Ideal for making truck, automotive, and agricultural parts such as axles, mechanical components, cold head bolts, motor shafts, pump shafts, ratchets, light gears, gear drives, worm gears, spindles, seat brackets, crane-cable drums, and motor-brake wheels. Additionally, it is commonly used for steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel Equivalent Material
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 and performance.
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