Steel 1020 CARB vs 1020-CD
Steel · 1020 temper comparison
1020 CARB and 1020-CD are two conditions of the same steel grade, 1020: CARB (carburized, quenched and tempered) versus CD (cold drawn). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1020 CARB is the stronger of the two: yield strength 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 1020-CD, about 20% more; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi). In exchange, 1020-CD is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 12% for 1020 CARB, and 1020 CARB is harder (180 HB vs 121 HB). 1020-CD runs hotter in service (425°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1020-CD machines more easily (good vs poor) and 1020-CD welds better (excellent vs poor).
1020 CARBChoose it when strength drives the design.
1020-CDChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1020 CARB vs 1020-CD: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 205 GPa29.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 140 GPa20.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Compressive Strength 350 MPa50.8 ksi · Shear Strength 310 MPa45 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell B 68 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.87 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,495°C2,723 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,518°C2,764 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51.9 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 486 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.8 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 65% · Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 80 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 45 L/kg5.4 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
1020 CARB vs 1020-CD — frequently asked
Is 1020 CARB stronger than 1020-CD?
Yes. 1020 CARB has a typical yield strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) against 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) for 1020-CD — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CARB or CD?
CD is the default 1020 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, 1020 CARB or 1020-CD?
1020-CD. Its machinability rates good (57/100) against poor (15/100) for 1020 CARB; for welding the order is 1020-CD first (excellent, 92/100) then 1020 CARB (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1020 CARB and 1020-CD side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.