SAE/AISI 1012 Carbon Steel (UNS G10120)

Image of SAE/AISI 1012 bars

SAE/AISI 1012 is a carbon steel known for its good machinability and weldability. It is often used in applications where ease of machining and formability are important, such as in the production of bolts, screws, nuts, and other small parts.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Iron99.16%99.60%
Carbon0.10%0.15%
Manganese0.30%0.60%
Phosphorous0.04%
Sulfur0.05%

The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 1012 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of SAE/AISI 1012 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density7870 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)370 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)310 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)190 - 210 GPa
Bulk Modulus (K)140 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)80 GPa
Elongation at Break20%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.27 - 0.30
Brinell Hardness105
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Thermal Conductivity50 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)472 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)1.2×10-5 1/°C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Conductivity4.6×106 S/m
Electrical Resistivity2.17×10-7 Ω·m

The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.

Advantages & Disadvantages of 1012 Carbon Steel

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Cost-EffectiveLimited Strength and Hardness
Good FormabilityReduced Wear Resistance
Excellent MachinabilityLower Toughness

Applications of 1012 Carbon Steel

AISI 1012 carbon steel, despite its limitations in strength and hardness, finds applications in various industries where its specific characteristics are beneficial. Some common applications of AISI 1012 carbon steel include:

  • Fasteners: AISI 1012 steel is often used in the production of fasteners such as screws, bolts, and studs. Its good formability and machinability make it suitable for cold-heading operations, where it can be easily formed into the desired shapes and sizes.
  • Wire and Rods: The soft and malleable nature of AISI 1012 steel makes it suitable for wire and rod production. It can be drawn into thin wires or rolled into rods that are used in applications like welding electrodes, wire mesh, and reinforcement bars.
  • Sheet Metal Components: Due to its excellent formability, AISI 1012 steel is employed in the manufacturing of sheet metal components. It can be easily stamped, pressed, or formed into complex shapes, making it useful in industries such as automotive, construction, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).
  • Automotive Parts: AISI 1012 steel is utilized in the production of various automotive parts that require good formability and moderate strength. Examples include brackets, clips, hinges, and some interior components.
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