Low Carbon Steel Competition: 1018 Steel vs. 1020 Steel
In the world of steel materials, each type of steel has its unique properties and applicable fields, and together they support the building of modern industry. As important members of the carbon steel family, 1018 steel and 1020 steel are often used in many industries such as machinery manufacturing and automobile parts production. Although they belong to the same steel series and have certain similarities, there are many differences in chemical composition, mechanical properties, and actual application scenarios. These differences not only determine their respective advantages, but also affect engineers’ choice of them in different projects. Next, let us analyze 1018 steel and 1020 steel in depth, explore the similarities and differences between them, and provide a reference for better application of these two steels.
1. Chemical composition
- 1018 steel:
– Carbon (C): 0.15%~0.20%
– Manganese (Mn): 0.60%~0.90%
– Others: Low sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) content (≤0.05%) - 1020 steel:
– Carbon (C): 0.18%~0.23%
– Manganese (Mn): 0.30%~0.60%
– Others: Sulfur and phosphorus content are similar to 1018.
What is the key differences on elements between 1018 and 1020 steel?
1020 has a slightly higher carbon content, but a significantly lower manganese content than 1018. Manganese, as a strengthening element, is present in a higher content in 1018, which may offset the slightly lower carbon content.
2. Mechanical properties
Typical values in annealed state:
- 1018 steel:
– Tensile strength: about 440 MPa (64 ksi)
– Yield strength: about 370 MPa (54 ksi)
– Elongation: about 15% - 1020 steel:
– Tensile strength: about 414 MPa (60 ksi)
– Yield strength: about 345 MPa (50 ksi)
– Elongation: about 15%~20%
What are the main differences in mechanical properties between 1018 steel and 1020 steel?
1018 shows slightly higher strength and hardness due to higher manganese content, while 1020 may have better ductility due to slightly higher carbon but lower manganese (the actual difference is small).
3. Processing performance
- Cold working:
-1018: High manganese content leads to faster work hardening, suitable for cold heading, cold extrusion and other processes.
-1020: Low manganese content, slightly better ductility during cold forming, but limited strength improvement. - Weldability:
– Both have low carbon equivalent (CE = C + Mn/6) (1018 about 0.305%, 1020 about 0.275%), and good weldability. 1018 may require slightly more preheating due to slightly higher CE. - Machinability:
-Both are not free-cutting steels (such as no sulfur/lead addition), and the machinability is average. The high manganese in 1018 may slightly increase tool wear.
4. Heat treatment and surface treatment
- Carburizing treatment:
– Both are applicable, but 1020 may have slightly better core strength due to its slightly higher carbon content, and the surface wear resistance is not much different. - Quenching:
– Low carbon steel is difficult to harden by direct quenching, and usually relies on carburizing or surface hardening.
5. Typical applications
- 1018 steel:
– Cold-worked parts (bolts, shafts, pins), automotive brackets, parts that require work hardening. - 1020 steel:
– Structural parts, gears (after carburizing), mechanical parts, focusing on slightly higher strength or carburizing requirements.
6. Other factors
- Price and supply: Both are common low-carbon steels with similar prices and wide supply, depending on the market area.
- Selection suggestions:
– 1018 (high manganese strengthening) is preferred for cold forming;
– 1020 is selected for slightly higher carbon or carburizing.
Summary
1018 and 1020 steels have subtle differences in performance, but the key difference lies in the balance of manganese and carbon:
- 1018: High manganese strengthening, suitable for cold working scenarios.
- 1020: Slightly higher carbon content, suitable for carburizing or occasions that require balanced strength and ductility.
The actual selection needs to be combined with specific process requirements (such as forming method, welding requirements) and cost considerations.
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