Discover the essential properties of SAE AISI 1020 steel, including its yield strength and comparable grades of C1020 carbon steel.
Introducing ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel
AISI 1020 steel, also known as C1020 in its cold worked state (cold rolled or cold drawn), is among the most widely utilized plain carbon steels. It boasts excellent machinability and weldability. While SAE AISI 1020 mild steel can be hot rolled or cold drawn, it is typically found in turned and polished or cold drawn conditions. Due to its low carbon content, it does not respond well to induction or flame hardening.
Comprehensive AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specification
The datasheet below provides an extensive list of SAE AISI 1020 steel properties, including its chemical composition, as well as physical and mechanical properties.
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 outlines the mechanical properties of SAE AISI 1020 steel, including yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness across various conditions.
Young's Modulus (modulus of elasticity) for SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel in its as-received condition: 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability
SAE AISI 1020 carbon steel boasts a machinability rating of 65, based on a baseline machinability rating of 100% for 1212 steel.
Heat Treatment for SAE AISI 1020 Steel
Heat treatments for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel include normalizing, annealing, and austenitizing processes.
Normalizing SAE 1020
The typical normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing SAE 1020
Recommended temperatures and cooling cycles for fully annealing small carbon steel forgings (up to 3 inches in size):
Annealing temperatures range from 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F) with a cooling cycle from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F). The furnace cooling speed is 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 range from 760-790 °C (1400-1450 °F). Carburizing is typically performed at 900 to 925 °C (1650 to 1700 °F).
Case Hardening
The surface hardening carburization process for 1020 carbon steel is conducted at a precise temperature range of 970-955 °C. This sophisticated technique is typically performed in a controlled environment with a blend of methane and carrier gas. Post-carburizing, the steel undergoes direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine, ensuring optimal hardening.
In-depth Overview of the Heat Treatment Process for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon Temperature: Conducted at an exact temperature range of 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F), with cooling executed either in water or caustic solutions.
- Reheat Temperature: Executed at 790 °C (1450 °F), utilizing water or a 3% sodium hydroxide solution as the cooling medium.
- Carbonitriding Temperature: Performed within the range of 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F), followed by cooling in oil.
- Temper Temperature: Set between 120-205 °C (250-400 °F) to relieve stress and enhance resistance to cracking. This step, while beneficial, is not mandatory.
Optimal Forging Temperature Guidelines
The ideal forging temperature for AISI 1020 mild steel is precisely 1290 °C (2350 °F).
Expert Recommendations for Welding AISI 1020 Carbon Steel
Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 Steel:
For thicknesses up to 50mm (2 in.), maintain a preheat and interpass temperature above -12 °C for low hydrogen applications; for other applications, maintain at 38 °C.
For thicknesses between 50mm and 100mm, the advised preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C for low hydrogen applications, and 150 °C for other applications.
Postweld Heat Treatment (Optional): Suggested temperature range for postweld heat treatment is 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F).
Diverse Applications of ASTM AISI SAE 1020 Steel
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel is versatile and comes in various semi-finished forms such as square, flat, and round steel bars, and steel plates. It is widely used in manufacturing parts for trucks, automobiles, and agricultural equipment, including 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 structural components like steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
Equivalent Materials for AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel adheres to equivalent standards of European EN (including Germany's DIN EN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards.
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