Discover the unparalleled properties of SAE AISI 1020 Steel, including its C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength and Equivalent characteristics. A perfect balance of strength and versatility awaits.
Introducing ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel
AISI 1020 steel, also referred to as C1020 steel, stands out in the cold worked (cold rolled or cold drawn) condition. Among the most utilized plain carbon steels, 1020 carbon steel is renowned for its excellent machinability and weldability. Whether hot rolled or cold drawn, it typically comes in turned and polished or cold drawn conditions. Its low carbon content ensures resistance to induction and flame hardening.
Detailed Overview: AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specifications
The comprehensive data sheet below details SAE AISI 1020 steel properties, encompassing 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 data below reveals the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, including yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness in various conditions.
SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel boasts a Young's modulus (modulus of elasticity) in the as-received condition of 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability
AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel has a machinability rating of 65, based on a standard rating of 100% for 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment
Heat treatment options for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include normalizing, annealing, austenitizing, and more.
Normalizing of AISI 1020
The typical normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing of AISI 1020
For small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.), the recommended full annealing temperature and cooling cycle are as follows:
Annealing temperature: 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F). Cooling cycle: from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F). Furnace cooling speed: 28 °C/h (50 °F/h). Resulting Brinell hardness: 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing)
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening SAE 1020 steel range from 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing typically occurs at 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F).
Case Hardening
Experience the superior surface hardening of 1020 carbon steel, with a finely controlled carburization process at 970-955 °C. Typically conducted in a blend of methane and carrier gas, this technique ensures peak performance. Post-carburizing, the steel undergoes direct quenching in water or brine, delivering unmatched hardness and resilience.
Optimal Heat Treatment for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Achieve pristine carbon content with a treatment temperature of 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F). The cooling process employs either water or caustic solutions, ensuring consistent quality and durability.
- Reheat your 1020 steel to a meticulous 790 °C (1450 °F), followed by cooling in water or a 3% sodium hydroxide solution, to enhance structural integrity.
- For carbonitriding, maintain a precise temperature range of 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F), then cool in oil, optimizing wear resistance and surface hardness.
- Temper your steel at 120-205 °C (250-400 °F) to relieve stress and improve crack resistance. Though not mandatory, this step is recommended for enhanced durability.
Premium Forging Temperature
For unparalleled results, forge AISI 1020 mild steel at a precise 1290 °C (2350 °F), ensuring superior strength and workability.
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding Excellence
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 applications, and at 38 °C for other welding types.
For thicknesses between 50 and 100mm, maintain a preheat and interpass temperature of 93 °C for low hydrogen, and 150 °C for other welding types.
Postweld heat treatment is optional but optimal when performed between 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F) to ensure lasting quality.
Versatile Applications
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel is incredibly versatile, available as square, flat, and round steel bars, and plates. Ideal for manufacturing diverse parts for trucks, automotive, and agricultural equipment—including axles, mechanical parts, bolts, shafts, gears, spindles, brackets, and more. Additionally, it is commonly fabricated into steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel: Global Equivalents
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel is equivalent to standards across the globe, including European EN (Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards.
Audited Supplier 
){kind=link}
){kind=link}