SAE/AISI 1042 Carbon Steel (UNS G10420)

Image of SAE/AISI 1042 bars

SAE/AISI 1042 steel is known for its good machinability, hardenability, and wear resistance. It can be heat treated to achieve a range of hardness and strength levels. This makes it a popular choice for applications where both strength and toughness are required.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Iron98.54%99.0%
Carbon0.40%0.47%
Manganese0.60%0.90%
Phosphorous0.04%
Sulfur0.05%

The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 1042 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

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

Table of SAE/AISI 1042 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density7845 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)550 - 700 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)300 - 580 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)190 - 210 GPa
Bulk Modulus (K)140 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)80 GPa
Elongation at Break14 - 18%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.27 - 0.30
Brinell Hardness160 - 200
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Thermal Conductivity52 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)470 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)1.2×10-5 1/°C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Conductivity4.1×106 S/m
Electrical Resistivity2.4×10-7 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 1042 Carbon Steel

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Good Strength and ToughnessLimited Corrosion Resistance
Good MachinabilityLower Hardness
Good WeldabilityLimited Temperature Resistance
Cost-Effective

Applications of 1042 Carbon Steel

AISI 1042 carbon steel finds applications in various industries and for different purposes. Here are some common applications of AISI 1042 carbon steel:

  • Machinery and Equipment Components: AISI 1042 steel is often used to manufacture components and parts for machinery and equipment.
  • Fasteners and Bolts: Due to its good strength and machinability, AISI 1042 carbon steel is utilized in the production of fasteners such as bolts, screws, studs, and rivets.
  • Structural Applications: AISI 1042 steel can be employed in structural applications that require moderate strength and toughness.
  • Automotive Parts: AISI 1042 carbon steel is commonly used in the automotive industry for manufacturing various components.
  • Hand Tools: AISI 1042 steel is suitable for manufacturing hand tools like wrenches, pliers, hammers, and chisels.
  • General Engineering: AISI 1042 carbon steel finds applications in various general engineering fields.
  • Shafts and Rotating Machinery: The strength and toughness properties of AISI 1042 make it suitable for use in shafts and rotating machinery.
  • Springs and Wire Forms: AISI 1042 steel can be used for manufacturing springs and wire forms that require reliable performance.
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