SAE AISI 1020 Steel: Detailed Properties, C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength, and Equivalent Grades
ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Carbon Steel: Your Reliable Choice
AISI 1020 Steel, also known as C1020 Steel in its cold worked condition (either cold rolled or cold drawn), is among the most commonly used plain carbon steels. It boasts excellent machinability and weldability. SAE AISI 1020 mild steel can be hot rolled or cold drawn, but is often found in turned, polished, or cold drawn conditions. Its low carbon content makes it resistant to induction or flame hardening.
AISI SAE 1020 Steel: Comprehensive Properties & Specifications
Below is a detailed data sheet outlining the properties of SAE AISI 1020 steel, including its chemical composition, physical properties, mechanical properties, and more.
Chemical Composition of 1020 Steel
Physical Properties of SAE AISI 1020 Steel
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 following data highlights the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, including yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness across different conditions.
Young's Modulus (Modulus of Elasticity) of SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel in the as-received condition: 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi)
Machinability of SAE AISI 1020 Carbon Steel
The machinability rating of AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel is 65, based on a reference machinability rating of 100% for 1212 steel.
Heat Treatment of SAE AISI 1020 Steel
The heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include normalizing, annealing, austenitizing, and more.
Normalizing Process for AISI 1020 Steel
The typical normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing Process for AISI 1020 Steel
Recommended temperature and cooling cycle for fully annealing small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.):
Annealing temperature ranges between 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F). The cooling cycle is from 855 °C (1575 °F) down to 700 °C (1290 °F), with a furnace cooling speed of 28 °C/h (50 °F/h). The Brinell hardness achieved is 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing) Process
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening SAE 1020 steel are between 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing is typically performed at 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F).
Case Hardening of SAE AISI 1020 Steel
The surface hardening carburization process for 1020 carbon steel is conducted at a temperature range of 970-955 °C. This procedure is typically performed in an environment enriched with methane and carrier gas. Post-carburization, optimal hardening is achieved by quenching directly from the carburizing temperature into water or brine.
Typical Heat Treatment Protocols for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon Temperature: 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F), Cooling Method: Rapid quenching in water or caustic solutions.
- Reheat Temperature: 790 °C (1450 °F), Cooling Method: Immediate cooling in water or a 3% sodium hydroxide solution for best results.
- Carbonitriding Temperature: 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F), Cooling Method: Use of oil for consistent and effective cooling.
- Temper Temperature: 120-205 °C (250-400 °F). This step is essential for stress relief and enhanced resistance to cracking, though it is not mandatory.
Typical Forging Temperature for AISI 1020 Steel
For AISI 1020 mild steel, the ideal forging temperature is 1290 °C (2350 °F), ensuring optimal malleability and strength.
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding
Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 Steel:
For thickness ≤50mm (2 in.), maintain a preheat and interpass temperature above -12 °C for low hydrogen; 38 °C for other applications.
For thicknesses between 50mm and 100mm, the recommended preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C for low hydrogen; 150 °C for other welding processes.
Optional Post-weld Heat Treatment: Maintain a temperature range of 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F) for enhanced structural integrity.
Application Spectrum
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel is versatile, available in 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 like axles, mechanical components, cold-headed 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 often made into 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 European standards (including German DIN EN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards.
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