SAE AISI 1020 Steel Properties, C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength, Equivalent
ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel
AISI 1020 steel, also known as C1020 steel, is renowned for its exceptional machinability and weldability. Available in both cold worked (cold rolled or cold drawn) conditions, this steel is predominantly turned and polished or cold drawn. Its low carbon content makes it resistant to induction and flame hardening, making it one of the most popular choices among plain carbon steels.
AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specification
The comprehensive data sheet below details the SAE AISI 1020 steel properties, encompassing chemical composition, physical attributes, 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
The subsequent data reveals the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, including yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness under 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).
Machinability
SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel boasts a machinability rating of 65, based on 100% machinability for 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment
Heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include normalizing, annealing, and austenitizing, each tailored to enhance specific properties.
Normalizing Process
The standard normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing Process
For small carbon steel forgings (≤ 3 in.), the recommended annealing temperature ranges from 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F). The cooling cycle extends from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F), with a furnace cooling rate of 28 °C/h (50°F/h), resulting in a Brinell hardness of 111-149 HB.
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)
Hardening SAE 1020 steel requires reheating (austenitizing) at 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing is typically performed at 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F).
Case Hardening Process
The surface hardening carburization temperature for 1020 carbon steel ranges from 970-955 °C. This process typically occurs in a mixed methane and carrier gas atmosphere. Hardening post-carburization is generally executed by direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine, ensuring a robust and durable surface.
Standard Heat Treatment for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon Temperature: 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). This process is aimed at stress relief and improving resistance to cracking, although it is not mandatory.
Typical Forging Temperature
The typical forging temperature for AISI 1020 mild steel is a high 1290 °C (2350 °F), suitable for achieving desired shaping and material properties.
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding
Recommended preheat and interpass temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 steel:
For thicknesses ≤50mm (2 in.), the recommended preheat and interpass temperature is above -12 °C for low hydrogen processes, and 38 °C for other methods.
For thicknesses (t) between 50 and 100 mm, the recommended preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C for low hydrogen and 150 °C for non-low hydrogen processes.
Postweld heat treatment is optional, with a recommended temperature range of 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F).
Application
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel is extremely versatile, producing semi-finished products such as square, flat, and round steel bars, as well as steel plates. These can be transformed into various truck, automotive, and agricultural equipment parts, including axles, mechanical parts, cold head bolts, motor shafts, pump shafts, and more. It is also fabricated into 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 (including German DIN EN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards.
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