Steel 1020


Steel 1020 information in a nutshell

Material Group P - Steel
Sub-Group Low Carbon Steel
Tensile Strength 500-650 [N/mm^2]
Machinability 80%

Machining Steel 1020: Balancing Machinability and Challenges

Steel 1020, a low carbon steel with 0.18-0.23% carbon content, offers good machinability compared to steels with lower carbon levels. Its machinability rating is 80%, but challenges can still arise due to its relative softness and the potential for built-up edge (BUE) formation.

Understanding the Machinability of Steel 1020

The carbon content of Steel 1020 places it within the optimal range for machinability (0.2%-0.3%). However, its low carbon content can still lead to BUE formation, requiring careful consideration of tooling and cutting parameters.

Overcoming Machining Challenges

To achieve successful machining of Steel 1020, consider the following approaches:

  1. Sharp Cutting Edge: Maintaining a sharp cutting edge is crucial to minimize BUE formation and ensure smooth chip flow. Regularly inspect and replace worn tools.

  2. Carbide Grade Selection:

    • Turning (stable conditions): Opt for a grade with a hard substrate and CVD coating for general turning operations.
    • Turning (lower cutting speeds <490 SFM): Utilize a grade with a hard substrate and PVD coating.
    • Milling: Choose a grade with a semi-hard substrate and thin PVD coating for general milling.
  3. Cutting Speed Optimization:

    • Turning (stable conditions): Maintain a cutting speed range of 980-1330 SFM (300-405 m/min).
    • Milling (stable clamping, short overhang): Aim for a cutting speed range of 610-820 SFM (185-250 m/min).

Additional Tips:

  • Coolant: Employing a suitable coolant can help manage heat generation and further improve machinability.
  • Tool Geometry: Selecting the appropriate tool geometry can also aid in chip breaking and reduce BUE formation.
  • Cold Drawing: Consider cold drawing Steel 1020 to increase its hardness and enhance machinability.

By implementing these strategies and tailoring them to specific machining setups, machinists can effectively machine Steel 1020 and achieve desired results.

For detailed carbide grade and cutting speed recommendations, refer to the provided chart or utilize the Grades Wizard. For specific cutting speed recommendations, consult the provided table or use the Speed and Feed Calculator.

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended as a general guideline. Specific machining parameters may vary depending on individual setups and requirements. Always consult with tooling experts and refer to manufacturer recommendations for optimal results.


International Designations for Steel 1020 that are equivalent

Standard Name
SAE 1020
WNR 1.0402
DIN C22
BS 050A20
SS 1450
ANFOR CC20
UNI C20C21
UNF F.112

Steel 1020's chemical composition.

Element Percentage
Manganese (Mn) .30-.60%
Carbon (C) .18-.23%
Sulfur (S) 0.05%
Phosphorus (P) 0.04%

Cutting Speeds Recommendations for Steel 1020

Application Vc (m/min) Vc (SFM)
Turning 300-405 980-1330
Milling 185-250 610-820
Parting 145-195 480-640
Grooving 165-225 540-740
Drilling 120-160 390-520

Cutting Speed Recommendations: Important Considerations
  • The recommended cutting speeds provided are based on ideal machining conditions. Achieving optimal results in real-world scenarios requires careful consideration of various factors that can influence cutting performance. These factors include:

    • Tool Clamping: Ensuring a stable and secure tool clamping system is essential to prevent vibrations and maintain consistent cutting conditions.
    • Workpiece Clamping: Proper workpiece clamping is crucial to avoid movement and ensure dimensional accuracy.
    • Raw Material Quality: The quality and consistency of the raw material being machined can significantly impact cutting performance and tool life.
    • Tool Overhang: A shorter tool overhang minimizes deflection and vibration, leading to improved cutting stability and surface finish.
    • Material Hardness: The hardness of the material being machined directly affects cutting forces and tool wear. Ensure the material's hardness is within the nominal range for optimal results.
    • Other Factors: Additional factors such as coolant selection, tool geometry, and machine rigidity can also influence cutting performance and should be considered for optimal results.

    By taking these factors into account and adjusting cutting speeds accordingly, machinists can maximize productivity, tool life, and overall machining success.

    Disclaimer: The recommended cutting speeds are provided as a starting point. Always consult with tooling experts and refer to manufacturer recommendations for fine-tuning cutting parameters based on specific machining setups and requirements.


Grade for Turning

Grade Coating Apps Range 05 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
SHARP METAL
YP15T PVD & CVD P15
PM25 PVD TiAlN P20
NC25 PVD TiAlN P20
TN15 PVD TiAlN P20
TN20 PVD TiAlN P20
TIN25 PVD TiAlN P20
YP25T PVD & CVD P25
YP35T PVD & CVD P35
FM CARBIDE
FM2533 CVD P10 - P10
FM2543 CVD P20
FM324 PVD P20-P30
FM2553 CVD P30
CANELA
NC25 CVD P05 - P20
TN15 CVD P10 - P25
TN20 CVD P20 - P25
PM25 Uncoated P20 - P35
TIN25 PVD P20 - P35
PM40 Uncoated P35 - P45
TN30 CVD P40
TL20 PVD P20
KM15 Uncoated P15
ISCAR
IC807 (IC907) PVD P05 - P25
IC8150 CVD P10-P15
IC8250 CVD P15-P30
IC830 (IC328) PVD P25 - P45
Seco
TH1500 CVD P05 - P05
TP0501 CVD P05 - P20
TP1501 CVD P10 - P25
TP2501 CVD P15 - P35
CP500 PVD P15 - P40
CP600 PVD P25 - P45
TP3501 CVD P30 - P40
KENNAMETAL
KCP05B (KCP05) CVD P05 - P10
KCP10B (KCP10) CVD P10 - P20
KCU10 (KC5010) PVD P10-P20
KCP25B (KCP25) CVD P20 - P30
KCU25 (KC5025) PVD P20-P30
KCP30 CVD P30-P40
KCP40B (KCP40) CVD P35 - P45
SANDVIK
GC1115 PVD P05 - P20
GC4305 CVD P05 - P10
GC4415 (GC4315) CVD P10 - P15
GC4425 (GC4325) CVD P15 - P30
GC1125 PVD P20 - P30
GC4335 CVD P30-P40
TUNGALOY
T9205 (T9105) CVD P05 - P10
T9215 (T9115) CVD P10 - P20
AH725 PVD P15 - P30
T9225 (T9125) CVD P15 - P25
T9235 (T9135) CVD P30 - P40
WALTER
WPP10S (WPP10) CVD P05 - P20
WPP05S (WPP05) CVD P05 - P15
WPP20S (WPP20) CVD P10 - P30
WPP30S (WPP30) CVD P20 - P40
MITSUBISHI
UE6105 CVD P05 - P15
MC6015 (UE6010) CVD P10 - P20
VP15TF PVD P10 - P30
MC6025 (UE6020) CVD P15 - P20
MC6035 (UE6035) CVD P25 - P40
SUMITOMO
AC8015P (AC810P) CVD P05 - P15
AC8020P CVD P10 - P25
AC1030U PVD P10 - P30
AC8025P (AC820P) CVD P15 - P30
AC8035P (AC830P) CVD P25 - P45
KYOCERA
PR1005 PVD P15
PR930 PVD P15-P25
PR1115 PVD P15-P25
PR1535 PVD P25
PR1025 PVD P15-P35
PR1225 PVD P15-P35
PR1425 PVD P15-P35
PR1532 PVD P35
PR1625 PVD P35
Hitachi Tool
IP2000 PVD P25
IP3000 PVD P35
YG-1
1001 CVD TiCN P10
3010 CVD TiCN P20
3030 CVD TiCN P30
3030 PVD P35
801 PVD TiAlN P15-P30
3020 CVD TiCN P20-P30
KORLOY
PC8105 PVD P15
PC8110 PVD P15
PC8115 PVD P25
PC5300 PVD P25-P35
ZCC
YBG101 PVD P15
YBG102 PVD P15
YBG105 PVD P15
YB9320 PVD P25
YBG205 PVD P25
YBG202 PVD P25
YBG302 PVD P35

Grade for Parting Off

Grade Coating Apps Range 05 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
FM CARBIDE
FM20 Uncoated P20-P30
FM2553 CVD P30
CANELA
PM25 Uncoated P25
PM40 Uncoated P40
SANDVIK
GC1125 PVD P05 - P20
GC1135 CVD P15 - P35
ISCAR
IC808 (IC908) PVD P05 - P30
IC830 (IC328) PVD P20-P40
SECO
TGP45 CVD P10 - P45
CP500 PVD P20 - P45
T350M CVD P25 - P45
CP600 PVD P30 - P50
KENNAMETAL
KCU10 PVD P05 - P20
KCU25 PVD P20 - P30
WALTER
WKP13S CVD P05 - P20
WSM23S PVD P10 - P30
WSM33S (WSM33) PVD P20-P40
WSM43S PVD P30 - P45
SUMITOMO
AC1030U (AC530U) PVD P10 - P25
AC520U PVD P15 - P30
AC830P CVD P20 - P40
TUNGALOY
AH725 PVD P15 - P30
AH7025 PVD P20 - P30
GH130 PVD P25 - P40
MITSUBISHI
VP10RT PVD P05 - P10
VP20RT PVD P10 - P30
VP15TF PVD P10 - P30


Grade for Grooving

Grade Coating Apps Range 05 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
FM CARBIDE
FM2543 CVD P20
FM90 DLC P10
CANELA
PM25 Uncoated P25
PM40 Uncoated P40
SANDVIK
GC1125 PVD P05 - P35
ISCAR
IC807 (IC907) PVD P05 - P10
IC808 (IC908) PVD P10 - P25
IC830 (IC328) PVD P20 - P40
KENNAMETAL
KC5010 PVD P10 - P20
KCU10 PVD P10 - P20
KC5025 PVD P20 - P30
KCU25 PVD P20 - P30
WALTER
WKP13S CVD P05 - P20
WSM23S PVD P10 - P30
WSM33S (WSM33) PVD P20-P40
WSM43S PVD P30 - P45
SECO
CP500 PVD P10 - P25
CP600 PVD P20 - P40
TUNGALOY
T9225 (T9125) CVD P15 - P25
AH725 PVD P15 - P30
AH7025 PVD P20 - P40
GH130 PVD P25 - P40
MITSUBISHI
VP10RT PVD P05 - P10
VP20RT PVD P10 - P25
MY5015 CVD P10 - P20
VP30RT PVD P20 - P40
SUMITOMO
AC1030U (AC530U) PVD P10 - P25
AC520U PVD P15 - P30
AC830P CVD P20 - P40

Grade for Milling (Indexable)

Grade Coating Apps Range 05 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
FM CARBIDE
FM125 PVD P15 - P35
CANELA
PM25 Uncoated P05
PM40 Uncoated P05
TL10 PVD & CVD P05
TL20 PVD & CVD P05
TL40 PVD & CVD P05
TIN21 PVD & CVD P05
TIN25 PVD & CVD P05
SANDVIK
GC4330 CVD P10 - P25
GC4340 CVD P25 - P40
ISCAR
IC808 (IC908) PVD P05 - P15
IC830 (IC928) PVD P10 - P40
KENNAMETAL
KC510M PVD P05 - P10
KC522M PVD P10 - P25
KCPK30 CVD P25 - P40
KC725M PVD P30 - P40
WALTER
WKP25S (WKP25) CVD P15 - P35
WKP35G CVD P25 - P45
WSM45X CVD P35 - P45
WSP45S (WSP45S) PVD P35 - P45
SECO
MP1501 CVD P05 - P20
F40M PVD P05 - P50
MP2501 CVD P15 - P45
TUNGALOY
AH120 PVD P15 - P25
AH725 PVD P15 - P30
AH3225 PVD P20 - P35
T3225 CVD P20 - P35
AH130 PVD P25 - P40
AH3135 PVD P30 - P40
MITSUBISHI
MP6120 PVD P10 - P30
MP6130 PVD P20 - P40
VP30RT PVD P25 - P45
SUMITOMO
ACP2000 CVD P05 - P25
XCU2500 CVD P05 - P30
ACU2500 PVD P10 - P40
ACP3000 PVD P20 - P45
SHARP METAL
DP20M PVD TiAlN P15-P25
DP30M PVD TiAlN P30-P35
DP40M PVD P40
KYOCERA
PR830 PVD P20
PR1225 PVD P20
PR1230 PVD P20-P30
PR1525 PVD P20-P340
HITACHI TOOL
CY9020 PVD P20
JP4120 PVD P20
CY150 PVD P20
JS4045 PVD P30
CY250 PVD P30
CY250V PVD P30
CY25 PVD P30
HC844 PVD P30
JS4060 PVD P40
PTH30E PVD P40
PTH40H PVD P40
JX1060 PVD P40
YG-1
602 PVD TiAlN P15-P30
PRAMET
M8310 PVD P20
8215 PVD P20
2003 PVD P20
M8325 PVD P30
M8326 PVD P30
M8330 PVD P30
M8340 PVD P40
M8345 PVD P40
M8346 PVD P40
KORLOY
PC3600 PVD P20-P30
PC3500 PVD P30
PC3700 PVD P30
PC5400 PVD P40
ZCC
YBG102 PVD P20
YBG202 PVD P20
YBG252 PVD P20
YBG302 PVD P30


Recommended Insert Cutting Edge Geometry for Steel 1020

Honing Siz 0.05-0.08 mm / 0.002-0.003"
Rake Angl 11° -13°
Land Angl Positive
Land Widt 0.20-0.30 mm / 0.008-0.012"