VT machining provides CNC Wire EDM 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 Wire EDM 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 Wire EDM
1020 Steel behaves predictably under CNC Wire EDM 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 Wire EDM 1020 Steel
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Profile dimension | ±0.010 mm | ±0.002 mm |
| Internal corner radius | 0.15 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Taper control over 50 mm | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Surface finish (skim passes) | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.2 µm |
| Recast layer | 10 µm | 2 µm (fine skim) |
| Start-hole diameter | 1.0 mm | 0.25 mm |
| Workpiece hardness | no limit (conductive) | no limit (conductive) |
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.
CNC Wire EDM Tolerances & Surface Finish
EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the 1020 Steel part, producing fine, controlled surface textures and sharp internal corners impossible to mill.
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.
CNC Wire EDM 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.
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.
Design Tips for CNC Wire EDM 1020 Steel
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened 1020 Steel that cannot be milled; allowing a small corner radius where possible speeds the cut. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
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.
Applications of CNC Wire EDM 1020 Steel
Customers order CNC Wire EDM 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 Wire EDM 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 Wire EDM 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 surface finish is achievable on 1020 Steel with CNC Wire EDM?
Surface finish on 1020 Steel is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Why is 1020 Steel a good choice for CNC Wire EDM?
1020 Steel is strong, economical and widely available, which makes it well suited to CNC Wire EDM. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished 1020 Steel EDM machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Wire EDM 1020 Steel?
CNC Wire EDM 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.
Can you EDM-machine hardened 1020 Steel?
Yes. EDM removes material by electrical discharge rather than cutting force, so hardened and difficult 1020 Steel can be machined to fine detail and tight tolerance without distortion.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Wire EDM 1020 Steel?
We machine 1020 Steel across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.