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 available in cold worked conditions such as cold rolled or cold drawn. As one of the most commonly utilized plain carbon steels, it boasts excellent machinability and weldability. SAE AISI 1020 mild steel can be either hot rolled or cold drawn, but it is typically found in turned and polished or cold drawn conditions. This steel's low carbon content makes it resistant to induction or flame hardening.
AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specifications
The data sheet below details SAE AISI 1020 steel properties, including its chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, and more.
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 following data illustrates the mechanical properties of SAE AISI 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 the as-received condition is 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability
SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel has a machinability rating of 65, based on a machinability rating of 100% for 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment
Heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include normalizing, annealing, austenitizing, among others.
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). Cooling cycle from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F) with a furnace cooling speed at 28 °C/h (50 °F/h). Resulting Brinell hardness is 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing)
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening SAE 1020 steel are between 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing is usually conducted at 900 to 925 °C (1650 to 1700 °F).
Case Hardening
The surface hardening carburization process for 1020 carbon steel is conducted at a temperature range of 970-955 °C. This is typically performed in a mixed gas environment of methane and carrier gas. The hardening is achieved by direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine, ensuring superior strength and durability.
SAE 1020 Case Hardening: A Standard of Excellence in Heat Treatment
- 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 a 3% Sodium Hydroxide Solution.
- Carbonitriding Temperature Range: 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F). Cooling Method: Oil for enhanced properties.
- Temper Temperature: 120-205 °C (250-400 °F). This step is for stress relief and improving resistance to cracking, though not mandatory.
Optimal Forging Temperature
The ideal forging temperature for AISI 1020 mild steel is 1290 °C (2350 °F), providing ease of shaping and formability.
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding Techniques
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 and 38 °C for other welding processes.
For thicknesses between 50mm and 100mm, the recommended preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C for low hydrogen and 150 °C for other welding processes.
Postweld Heat Treatment: Optional, with temperatures ranging from 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F) to achieve optimal weld integrity.
Applications of AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel
Versatile and robust, ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel is available in a variety of semi-finished products including square, flat, and round steel bars, as well as steel plates. It is widely used in the manufacture of 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, and motor-brake wheels. Additionally, it is commonly fabricated into steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams for structural applications.
AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel: Equivalent Material Standards
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel is equivalent to European EN (Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF…), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards, ensuring global availability and consistent quality.
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