SAE AISI 1020 Steel Properties, C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength, Equivalent
ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel
AISI 1020 steel is also known as C1020 steel in cold worked (cold rolled or cold drawn) condition. 1020 carbon steel is one of the most commonly used plain carbon steels, has good machinability and weldability. SAE AISI 1020 mild steel can be hot rolled or cold drawn, but it is usually in turned and polished or cold drawn conditions. Due to its low carbon content, it is resistant to induction hardening or flame hardening.
AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specification
The data sheet below lists SAE AISI 1020 steel properties including chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, etc.
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 shows that AISI SAE 1020 steel mechanical properties include yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness in 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 machinability rating is 65 based on a machinability rating of 100% for 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment
The heat treatment of SAE AISI 1020 mild steel including normalizing, annealing, austenitizing, etc.
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 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)
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening of SAE 1020 steel is 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing is commonly carried out at 900 to 925 °C (1650 to 1700 °F).
Case Hardening
The surface hardening carburization temperature for AISI 1020 carbon steel ranges from 970 to 955 °C. This process is typically conducted in an atmospheric mix of methane and carrier gas. Achieving hardening after carburization involves direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into mediums such as water or brine, ensuring enhanced durability and strength in the final product.
Typical Heat Treatment for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon Temperature: 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F), Cooling Method: Immerse in water or caustic solution to achieve optimal hardening results.
- Reheat Temperature: 790 °C (1450 °F), Cooling Method: Quench in water or a 3% sodium hydroxide solution to secure desired material properties.
- Carbonitriding Temperature: 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F), Cooling Method: Utilize oil quenching for improved surface hardness and wear resistance.
- Temper Temperature: 120-205 °C (250-400 °F), This step is used for stress relief and enhancing resistance to cracking, though it is not always mandatory.
Typical Forging Temperature
The standard forging temperature for AISI 1020 mild steel is 1290 °C (2350 °F), suitable for shaping the material into required forms while maintaining its structural integrity.
AISI 1020 Carbon Steel Welding
Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 Steel:
For thickness ≤50mm (2 in.), it is advised to maintain a preheat and interpass temperature above -12 °C for low hydrogen conditions, and at 38 °C for other conditions.
For thickness (t) 50< t ≤100mm, the recommended preheat and interpass temperatures are 93 °C for low hydrogen conditions and 150 °C for other conditions.
Postweld Heat Treatment: This is optional but recommended within a temperature range of 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F) to relieve stresses and enhance the mechanical properties of the weld area.
Application
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel offers a versatile range of semi-finished products, including square, flat, and round steel bars, as well as steel plates. These can be utilized in the manufacturing of truck and automotive components, agricultural equipment parts like axles, mechanical parts, cold head bolts, motor shafts, pump shafts, light gears, gear drives, worm gears, spindles, seat brackets, crane-cable drums, and motor-brake wheels. Additionally, this steel is often formed into structural shapes such as steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel Equivalent Material
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel is equivalent to various international standards, including European EN (Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards, ensuring its suitability for global applications.
Audited Supplier 
){kind=link}