VT machining provides CNC Turning 1020 Steel for customers who need accurate, repeatable 1020 Steel components. The machinability of 1020 Steel is good to excellent depending on carbon content; free-machining grades cut cleanly, so we set the operation up specifically for this grade.
CNC Turning Capability for 1020 Steel
- Carbon/low-alloy grades
- Economical & weldable
- Tolerance to ±0.02 mm
- Hardenable by heat treat
1020 Steel Material Data
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 585 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 450 MPa |
| Hardness | 170 HB |
| Melting point | 1420–1460 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 51.9 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 11.5 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 9% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 57% |
| Grades we run | 1018, 1045, 1215, A36, S45C, St37, 4140 (see alloy steel) |
Published typical values for 1045. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Rust. Bare steel flash-rusts within hours in a humid container, so parts are oiled or passivated before packing unless you specify otherwise.
Machining 1020 Steel with CNC Turning
1020 Steel behaves predictably under CNC Turning once parameters are dialled in: machinability is good to excellent depending on carbon content; free-machining grades cut cleanly, and we tune the operation accordingly.
We hold reference parameters for this grade, so repeat orders of 1020 Steel run consistently from one batch to the next.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Turning 1020 Steel
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Outside diameter | ±0.05 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| Bore diameter | H9 | H6 |
| Length / shoulder position | ±0.10 mm | ±0.020 mm |
| Concentricity OD to ID | 0.05 mm TIR | 0.010 mm TIR |
| Roundness | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Thread class | 6g / 2A | 4h / 3A |
| Surface finish, as turned | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Design Tips for CNC Turning 1020 Steel
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Consistent diameters, standard thread forms and avoiding extremely long, slender features help 1020 Steel turned parts stay concentric and economical. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Turning Tolerances & Surface Finish
Turned 1020 Steel holds diameter tolerances to about ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm and good roundness. Turned finishes of Ra 0.4–0.8 µm are achievable with finishing passes and sharp tooling.
Final tolerances are governed by the material's behaviour, wall thickness and overall stiffness. We give honest DFM feedback if a callout would be costly or better achieved another way.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Finished 1020 Steel parts can move straight into secondary operations under one roof. Typical add-ons are deburring, passivation, anodising, plating, blasting, polishing and laser marking. We coordinate the whole chain so you receive complete, inspection-ready parts.
Why 1020 Steel?
1020 Steel is chosen when a part needs what this grade offers — it is strong, economical and widely available. We confirm the grade and any temper or heat-treat condition with you before machining.
CNC Turning Quality & Inspection
We control quality throughout the process, not just at the end. In-process checks plus final inspection — including CMM where specified — keep every 1020 Steel part to print. Inspection reports, material certificates and first-article documentation can be supplied on request.
Applications of CNC Turning 1020 Steel
Customers order CNC Turning 1020 Steel components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.
How to Order CNC Turning 1020 Steel
Getting a quote is simple. Share your model, the material grade, your quantity and target tolerances. You receive a clear quotation with lead time and honest manufacturability feedback.
Finishing Options for 1020 Steel
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Black oxide | 1–2 µm | Mild corrosion resistance, no dimensional change |
| Zinc plate + clear/yellow | 5–12 µm | ASTM B633, general corrosion protection |
| Nickel plate (electroless) | 10–25 µm | Uniform in bores, 500 HV after bake |
| Phosphate | 5–10 µm | Paint key, mild lubricity |
| Powder coat | 60–120 µm | RAL colours |
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Turning 1020 Steel
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact 1020 Steel grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
1020 Steel in Other Processes
Related
Send the drawing, the 1020 Steel condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Turning 1020 Steel?
Turned 1020 Steel parts are produced from bar or chuck stock across a wide diameter range.
What is CNC Turning 1020 Steel and how is it done?
CNC Turning 1020 Steel refers to cNC turning rotates the workpiece against a single-point tool to produce cylindrical features, threads and grooves. Applied to 1020 Steel — strong, economical and widely available — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Turning 1020 Steel?
CNC Turning prototypes for 1020 Steel can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
What surface finish is achievable on 1020 Steel with CNC Turning?
Surface finish on 1020 Steel is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Turning 1020 Steel?
Achievable tolerances for 1020 Steel turning depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Turning holds diameter tolerances to around ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.