Steel 1020
AISI/SAE 1020 · UNS G10200 · EN 1.0402, C20 · JIS S20C · GB 20, 20#
1020 is the most widely used low-carbon non-alloy structural steel at about 0.20 % C (UNS G10200, JIS S20C, GB 20, EN C20/1.0402), stocked as hot-rolled, cold-drawn, annealed, normalized, cold-drawn stress-relieved, carburized or water-quenched-and-tempered material.
Values for the CD condition
1020 tempers and conditions
1020 is supplied in 7 conditions, soft to hard. CD is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hot rolled | Cheapest form for welded frames, brackets and machined-all-over parts where scale and loose tolerance are acceptable. | 250 | 395 | 27 | 111 HB | — |
Annealed | Softest, most ductile state — choose for deep drawing, severe bending or before carburizing. | 295 | 395 | 36 | 111 HB | — |
Cold Drawn, Stress Relieved | Cold-drawn bar with a 550–650 °C stress relief for straightness stability in long or asymmetrically machined shafts. | 330 | 410 | 18 | 116 HB | 10.8 % IACS |
Normalized | Uniform fine-grain structure with better toughness and consistency than as-rolled; used after forging or heavy welding. | 345 | 440 | 36 | 131 HB | — |
CDDefault Cold drawn | Default stocked condition: higher yield, bright straight surface and tight tolerances for shafts, pins and turned parts. | 350 | 420 | 15 | 121 HB | — |
Water quenched and tempered | Rarely specified: low hardenability limits it to thin sections where a modest strength boost over normalized is wanted. | 400 | 550 | 22 | 165 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
Carburized, quenched and tempered | Pick when a wear-resistant 0.5–1.5 mm hard case over a tough low-carbon core is needed (gears, pins, bushings, cams). | 420 | 620 | 12 | 60 HRC | — |
What is 1020?
1020 is the most widely used low-carbon non-alloy structural steel at about 0.20 % C (UNS G10200, JIS S20C, GB 20, EN C20/1.0402), stocked as hot-rolled, cold-drawn, annealed, normalized, cold-drawn stress-relieved, carburized or water-quenched-and-tempered material. It is chosen for very good weldability and cold forming, low price and moderate machinability, and is available in bar, plate, sheet and tube for frames, pins, bolts, bushings and case-hardened parts. Default properties are 350 MPa yield, 420 MPa tensile, 15 % elongation and 121 HB (68 HRB). Limits are low hardenability and poor corrosion resistance, so it must be coated or painted; use 1015 for deeper drawing or 1045 when higher through-hardened strength is required. 1020 has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of steel grades. It melts at 1,495°C (2,723 °F). 1020 has a yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 74% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
What is 1020 used for?
- Camshafts
- Gears
- Frames
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 51.9 W/m·K (30 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 96% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 93% of steel grades
- Low embodied carbon — 1.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 70/100, better than 86% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
1020 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 1020-CD; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
1020 has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of steel grades. It melts at 1,495°C (2,723 °F).
Mechanical16
1020 has a yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 74% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal6
1020 is rated for continuous service to 425°C (797 °F). It conducts heat at 51.9 W/m·K (30 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 96% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.7 µm/m·K (6.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
1020 conducts electricity at 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 86% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 1020 takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 1.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
1020's machinability is good (57/100, better than 71% of steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability very good (70/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. 1020 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 1020
Is 1020 easy to machine?
Machines easily but gummy in the annealed state — use positive rake, sharp tools and good coolant; cold-drawn bar gives the best surface finish and chip control.
Can 1020 be welded?
Excellent weldability by all arc, resistance and gas processes with no preheat below ~25 mm and no post-weld heat treatment required.
Can 1020 be formed, bent or molded?
Very good cold formability — bends, rolls, headed and deep-drawn readily; anneal or use HR/annealed stock for severe forming.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to 1020. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better57 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | P.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 220 / 260 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 5× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / 0.8 µm |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Better70 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better92 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
1020 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CSAE J403 / GB/T 699 20# | 0.17 – 0.23 | 0.2 |
| MnGB 20#: 0.35–0.65 | 0.3 – 0.6 | 0.45 |
| Sinot specified in SAE for bar; GB/T 699 0.17–0.37 | 0.15 – 0.35 | 0.25 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| SSAE 0.050 max; GB 0.035 max | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Crresidual (GB/T 699) | ≤ 0.25 | |
| Niresidual | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Curesidual | ≤ 0.25 | |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 1020?
Not anodizable; protect with zinc plating, hot-dip galvanizing, black oxide, phosphate-and-oil or paint/powder coat, since bare surfaces rust quickly.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
CVD Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Steel 1020 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
How much does 1020 cost?
1020 is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 99% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
1020 — frequently asked
What is 1020 used for?
1020 is typically used for camshafts, gears and frames. In short: general purpose carbon steel.
What is the yield strength of 1020?
1020 has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 74% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is 1020 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (57/100, better than 71% of steel grades). Machines easily but gummy in the annealed state — use positive rake, sharp tools and good coolant; cold-drawn bar gives the best surface finish and chip control.
Can 1020 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). Excellent weldability by all arc, resistance and gas processes with no preheat below ~25 mm and no post-weld heat treatment required.
What surface finishes work on 1020?
Not anodizable; protect with zinc plating, hot-dip galvanizing, black oxide, phosphate-and-oil or paint/powder coat, since bare surfaces rust quickly.
Can 1020 be formed, bent or molded?
Very good cold formability — bends, rolls, headed and deep-drawn readily; anneal or use HR/annealed stock for severe forming.
What is the maximum service temperature of 1020?
1020 is rated for continuous use to about 425°C (797 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 1020-CD and 1020-HR?
CD is the default condition — default stocked condition: higher yield, bright straight surface and tight tolerances for shafts, pins and turned parts. HR: cheapest form for welded frames, brackets and machined-all-over parts where scale and loose tolerance are acceptable. Yield strength is 350 MPa in CD versus 250 MPa in HR.
How much does 1020 cost?
1020 is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 99% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 1020?
Yes — 1020 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- SAE J403 — Chemical Compositions of SAE Carbon Steels — SAE International (2014)
- ASTM A29/A29M — Steel Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought — ASTM (2020)
- ASTM A108 — Steel Bar, Carbon and Alloy, Cold-Finished — ASTM (2018)
- JIS G 4051 (S20C) — JISC (2016)
- EN 10083-2 / EN 10084 (C20, 1.0402) — CEN (2006)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.16 — Machining — ASM International (1989)
- worldsteel LCI data for steel products — World Steel Association (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.