SAE AISI 1020 Steel Properties, C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength, and Equivalents
ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel
AISI 1020 steel, also referred to as C1020 steel in its cold worked state (cold rolled or cold drawn), is among the most widely used plain carbon steels. It boasts excellent machinability and weldability. SAE AISI 1020 mild steel can be either hot rolled or cold drawn, though it typically comes in turned and polished or cold drawn conditions. Its low carbon content makes it resistant to induction and flame hardening.
AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specifications
The following data sheet details SAE AISI 1020 steel properties, including its chemical composition, as well as its physical and mechanical characteristics.
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Melting Point: 1515 °C (2760 °F)
Density: 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
This data reveals the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, including yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness under various conditions.
SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel's Young's modulus (modulus of elasticity) in its as-received condition is 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability
AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel has a machinability rating of 65, based on a 100% machinability rating for 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment
Heat treatments for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include normalizing, annealing, and austenitizing.
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 ranges from 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F). The cooling cycle spans from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F), with a furnace cooling speed of 28 °C/h (50 °F/h). Brinell hardness post-annealing is 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing)
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening SAE 1020 steel are 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing typically occurs at 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F).
Case Hardening
In the intricate process of surface hardening, Alloy Steel 1020 Carbon undergoes carburization at a precise temperature range of 970-955 °C. This crucial step is predominantly executed in a specialized environment of methane and carrier gas. Upon completion, the hardening phase commences with an immediate plunge into water or brine, directly from the carburizing temperature, ensuring optimal strength and resilience.
Comprehensive Heat Treatment Protocol for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon Temperature Range: 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F). Cooling Method: Water or Caustic Solution.
- Reheat Temperature Specification: 790 °C (1450 °F). Cooling Method: Water or a 3% Sodium Hydroxide Solution.
- Carbonitriding Process Parameters: Temperature Range: 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F). Cooling Method: Oil.
- Temper Temperature Guidelines: 120-205 °C (250-400 °F). Purpose: Stress Relief and Enhanced *** Resistance (Optional).
Typical Forging Temperature Reference
Optimal Forging Temperature for AISI 1020 Mild Steel: 1290 °C (2350 °F).
Welding Guidelines for AISI 1020 Carbon Steel
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 and 38 °C for Non-Low Hydrogen Applications.
For Thickness (t) 50 < t ≤ 100 mm: Preheat and Interpass Temperature: 93 °C for Low Hydrogen and 150 °C for Non-Low Hydrogen Applications.
Optional Postweld Heat Treatment: Temperature Range: 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F).
Versatile Applications
The ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel is a versatile material available in semi-finished forms such as square, flat, and round steel bars, as well as steel plates. It is ideal for manufacturing truck, automotive, and agricultural equipment parts, including axles, mechanical components, cold head bolts, motor shafts, pump shafts, and more. Additionally, it is commonly used to produce steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams, serving a wide array of structural purposes.
Equivalent Materials to AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel is interchangeable with European EN, German DIN EN, British BSI, French NF, Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards, ensuring global compatibility and application flexibility.
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