Discover the exceptional properties of SAE AISI 1020 Steel, including its C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength and equivalent standards.
Introducing ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel – your reliable choice for quality and performance.
AISI 1020 steel, also recognized as C1020 steel, excels in both cold worked (cold rolled or cold drawn) conditions. As one of the most widely utilized plain carbon steels, it boasts excellent machinability and weldability. Available in hot rolled or cold drawn forms, it is typically found in turned and polished or cold drawn conditions. Its low carbon content renders it resistant to induction or flame hardening.
Unveil the comprehensive properties and specifications of AISI SAE 1020 Steel.
The data sheet below provides detailed insights into SAE AISI 1020 steel properties, including 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 highlights the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, encompassing 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 stands at 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability
AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel boasts a machinability rating of 65, benchmarked against a 100% rating for 1212 steel.
SAE AISI 1020 Steel Heat Treatment
Explore the heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel, including normalizing, annealing, and austenitizing.
Normalizing of AISI 1020
The standard normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is 915 °C (1675 °F).
Annealing of AISI 1020
Optimal conditions for full annealing of small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.) include:
Annealing temperature ranges between 855-900 °C (1575-1650 °F) with a cooling cycle from 855 °C (1575 °F) to 700 °C (1290 °F). Furnace cooling speed is at 28 °C/h (50 °F/h) with 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 conducted at 900 to 925 °C (1650 to 1700 °F).
Case Hardening
The surface hardening carburization temperature of 1020 carbon steel is precisely controlled between 970-955 °C, typically executed within a mixed gas environment of methane and carrier gas. The hardening process post-carburization often involves direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine, ensuring optimal hardness and durability.
Standard Heat Treatment Procedures for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Carbon temperature: Maintain within the range of 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F), with the cooling method involving immersion in water or caustic solutions.
- Reheat temperature: Precisely at 790 °C (1450 °F), with a cooling method involving either water or a 3% sodium hydroxide solution.
- Carbonitriding Temperature: Operate within 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F), followed by oil cooling to achieve desired material properties.
- Temper Temperature: Set between 120-205 °C (250-400 °F) to relieve stress and enhance resistance to cracking, though this step is not mandatory.
Standard Forging Temperature
Optimal forging temperature for AISI 1020 mild steel is 1290 °C (2350 °F), ensuring the material attains the necessary strength and malleability.
Welding Guidelines for AISI 1020 Carbon Steel
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; for other applications, a temperature of 38 °C is recommended.
For thicknesses between 50mm and 100mm, the recommended preheat and interpass temperature is 93 °C for low hydrogen applications and 150 °C for other than low hydrogen.
Post-weld heat treatment is optional, with a preferred temperature range of 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F) to optimize material properties.
Applications of ASTM AISI SAE 1020 Steel
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 steel is versatile, available in forms such as square, flat, and round steel bars, as well as steel plates. It's extensively used in manufacturing truck, automotive, and agricultural equipment parts, 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 fashioned into steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
Equivalent Materials for AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 carbon steel is equivalent to the standards of European EN (Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB, ensuring global compatibility and application.
Audited Supplier 
){kind=link}
){kind=link}