SAE/AISI 1020 Carbon Steel (UNS G10200)

Image of SAE/AISI 1020 bars

SAE/AISI 1020 steel is commonly used for parts that require moderate strength, such as gears, studs, bolts, couplings, and hydraulic fittings. It can be easily formed into various shapes and is often used in the production of structural components, automotive parts, and machinery.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Iron99.08%99.53%
Carbon0.17%0.23%
Manganese0.30%0.60%
Phosphorous0.04%
Sulfur0.05%

The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 1020 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

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

Table of SAE/AISI 1020 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density7870 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)390 - 460 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)240 - 380 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)200 GPa
Bulk Modulus (K)140 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)80 GPa
Elongation at Break15 - 30%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.29
Brinell Hardness110 - 130
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Thermal Conductivity52 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)486 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)1.17×10-5 1/°C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Conductivity6.38×106 S/m
Electrical Resistivity1.59×10-7 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 1020 Carbon Steel

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Cost-EffectiveLow Strength
Excellent MachinabilityLimited Hardness
Good WeldabilityCorrosion Susceptibility
Good FormabilityLimited Heat Treatment Options

Applications of 1020 Carbon Steel

AISI 1020 carbon steel finds applications in various industries and sectors due to its favorable properties. Here are some common applications of AISI 1020 carbon steel:

  • Machinery components: AISI 1020 steel is used in the manufacturing of machinery parts such as gears, shafts, couplings, and sprockets.
  • Automotive components: Many automotive parts, including axles, crankshafts, and steering components, are made from AISI 1020 steel.
  • Structural applications: AISI 1020 steel is utilized in the construction of structures, such as buildings, bridges, and frames, where low strength requirements and weldability are important factors.
  • Fasteners: AISI 1020 steel is commonly used in the production of fasteners like bolts, nuts, and studs.
  • Hand tools and equipment: Many hand tools, such as wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers, are made from AISI 1020 steel.
  • Agricultural equipment: AISI 1020 steel is used in the manufacturing of agricultural equipment like plows, cultivators, and harvesters.
  • Pipes and tubing: AISI 1020 steel can be used for manufacturing pipes and tubing, particularly in low-pressure applications.
  • Bicycle frames: AISI 1020 steel is sometimes employed in the construction of bicycle frames due to its balance of strength, ductility, and affordability.
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