SAE AISI 1020 Steel Properties, C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength, Equivalent
ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel
AISI 1020 steel, also known as C1020 steel in its cold worked condition (cold rolled or cold drawn), is one of the most widely used plain carbon steels. It boasts excellent machinability and weldability. Typically available in turned and polished or cold drawn states, this mild steel can also be hot rolled. Its low carbon content limits its induction or flame hardening, making it a reliable choice for various applications.
AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specification
The following data sheet comprehensively details the properties of SAE AISI 1020 steel, including its chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, among others.
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 mechanical properties of SAE AISI 1020 steel include yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness under 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 boasts a machinability rating of 65, based on a standard of 100% 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: 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F). Cooling cycle: from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F), furnace cooling speed at 28 °C/h (50 °F/h), resulting in a Brinell hardness of 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing)
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening SAE 1020 steel: 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Common carburizing temperatures: 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F).
Case Hardening
The surface hardening carburization temperature of 1020 carbon steel ranges between 970-955 °C. This process typically uses a mixture of methane and carrier gas. Following carburization, hardening is achieved through direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into either water or brine, ensuring superior strength and durability.
Optimal Heat Treatment for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carburizing Temperature: 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F). Recommended cooling methods: water or a caustic solution.
- Reheating Temperature: 790 °C (1450 °F). Preferred cooling methods: water or a 3% sodium hydroxide solution.
- Carbonitriding Temperature: 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F). Suggested cooling method: oil.
- Tempering Temperature: 120-205 °C (250-400 °F). This step is designed to relieve stress and enhance resistance to cracking. It's recommended, though not mandatory.
Standard Forging Temperature
The typical forging temperature for AISI 1020 mild steel is a high 1290 °C (2350 °F), ideal for achieving excellent malleability and structural integrity.
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding Guidelines
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 conditions and 38 °C for non-low hydrogen scenarios.
For thicknesses between 50mm and 100mm: The recommended preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C for low hydrogen conditions, and 150 °C for non-low hydrogen scenarios.
Post-Weld Heat Treatment: This is optional but, if performed, should be within the temperature range of 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F).
Applications
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel is versatile, available in forms like square, flat, and round steel bars, as well as steel plates. Its applications span across multiple industries, making it ideal for 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. Additionally, it's commonly used in structural forms such as steel channels, steel angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel Equivalent Materials
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel is equivalent to various global standards, including European EN (Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF…), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards, ensuring wide-ranging compatibility and versatility.
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