Explore the Impressive Properties of SAE AISI 1020 Steel: A Deep Dive into C1020 Carbon Steel's Robust Yield Strength and Its Equivalents
Unveil the Strength of ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel: A Benchmark in Carbon Steel Excellence
AISI 1020 Steel, also known as C1020 Steel, stands out in its cold worked conditions, whether cold rolled or cold drawn. As one of the most frequently used plain carbon steels, it boasts exceptional machinability and weldability. Typically found in turned, polished, or cold drawn forms, SAE AISI 1020 mild steel can also be hot rolled. Its low carbon content renders it resistant to induction or flame hardening, making it a versatile choice for diverse applications.
Comprehensive Guide to AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specifications
Discover the extensive range of SAE AISI 1020 steel properties in the data sheet below, covering chemical composition, physical attributes, and mechanical properties.
In-Depth Chemical Composition Analysis
Detailed Physical Properties Unveiled
Melting Point: AISI 1020 Steel melts at 1515 °C (2760 °F)
Density: The density of 1020 steel stands at 7.87 g/cm³ (0.0361 lbs/in³)
Notes: 10
-6
/K = 10
-6
.K
-1
= (µm/m)/°C
Unveiling the Mechanical Properties of SAE AISI 1020 Mild Steel
The subsequent data illustrates 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 the as-received condition is 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Exceptional Machinability
SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel boasts a machinability rating of 65, benchmarked against a 100% rating for 1212 steel, underscoring its efficient and superior machinability.
Comprehensive Guide to SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment
Master the Heat Treatment of SAE AISI 1020 Mild Steel: Explore Normalizing, Annealing, Austenitizing, and Beyond
Optimal Normalizing Parameters for AISI 1020
SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is typically normalized at a temperature of 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing Protocol for AISI 1020
Optimal Temperature and Cooling Cycle for Full Annealing of Small Carbon Steel Forgings (size ≤ 3 in.):
Annealing is performed at 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F), followed by a cooling cycle from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F) at a rate of 28 °C/h (50 °F/h), resulting in a Brinell hardness of 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing) Explained
SAE 1020 steel hardening involves reheating (austenitizing) at temperatures between 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing commonly occurs at 900 to 925 °C (1650 to 1700 °F).
Advanced Case Hardening Techniques
1020 carbon steel surface hardening is performed at a carburization temperature of 970-955 °C. This process typically uses a mixture of methane and carrier gas, with hardening achieved by direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine.
Typical Heat Treatment Techniques for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon Temperature Range: 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F). Cooling Method: Water or Caustic Solution.
- Reheat Temperature: 790 °C (1450 °F). Cooling Method: Water or 3% Sodium Hydroxide Solution.
- Carbonitriding Temperature: 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F). Cooling Method: Oil.
- Temper Temperature: 120-205 °C (250-400 °F). Provides Stress Relief and Enhances Resistance to Cracking (Not Mandatory).
Standard Forging Temperature
Typical Forging Temperature for AISI 1020 Mild Steel: 1290 °C (2350 °F).
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding Guidelines
Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 Steel:
For Thickness ≤50mm (2 in.): Preheat and Interpass Temperature: Above -12 °C for Low Hydrogen; 38 °C for Other Methods.
For Thickness Between 50mm and 100mm: Preheat and Interpass Temperature: 93 °C for Low Hydrogen; 150 °C for Other Methods.
Optional Postweld Heat Treatment: Temperature Range: 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F).
Applications of ASTM AISI SAE 1020 Steel
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 Steel Produces Semi-Finished Products Like Square, Flat, and Round Steel Bars, Steel Plates. Common Applications Include Truck, Automotive, and Agricultural Equipment Parts such as Axles, Mechanical Parts, Cold Head Bolts, Motor Shafts, Pump Shafts, Ratchets, Light Gears, Gear Drives, Worm Gears, Spindles, Seat Brackets, Crane-Cable Drums, Motor-Brake Wheels, and more. It is also commonly formed into 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 Standards (Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB Standards.





