
Best Value 1020 Steel for Sale: Top 4 Tips
Table of Contents
Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of manufacturing, engineering, and industrial construction, the demand for reliable, cost-effective, and versatile materials continues to surge. Among these, 1020 steel for sale stands out as a low-carbon steel option favored by engineers, metal fabricators, and manufacturers alike.
Characterized by its balance of strength and ductility, this steel grade is ideal for a wide array of applications—from automotive components to machinery parts and structural frameworks. Its machinability, weldability, and adaptability to heat treatment make it a popular and economically sound choice across multiple sectors.
At the heart of this growing market, Henan Jiyuan Iron & Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. has become a trusted name in high-quality steel production. Founded in 1958, this national high-tech enterprise ranks among the Top 100 Global Iron and Steel Enterprises and boasts a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing 5 million tons annually. Located in Jiyuan City, Henan Province, with convenient rail connectivity, the company is a preferred supplier of high-grade steel materials, including 1020 steel for sale.
This guide will walk you through four essential tips to secure the best value when purchasing 1020 steel. Whether you’re buying in bulk for an industrial project or sourcing specific dimensions for custom parts, these insights will help you make informed, strategic decisions.
Tip 1: Understand the Core Properties of 1020 Steel for Sale
What Exactly Is 1020 Steel?
1020 steel is a plain carbon steel containing approximately 0.17% to 0.23% carbon and 0.30% to 0.60% manganese. It is often selected for its excellent machinability and good surface hardness post heat treatment. When untreated, it remains soft and malleable, making it a preferred material for machining and forming operations.
Because of its low carbon content, 1020 steel does not have the higher strength of alloy steels but compensates with its exceptional ductility and toughness. This makes it suitable for many applications that don’t require high tensile strength but demand a material that’s easy to fabricate.
Mechanical and Physical Properties
- Tensile Strength: 394–540 MPa
- Yield Strength: Approx. 294 MPa
- Elongation: 36% (in 50 mm)
- Hardness: 111 Brinell (annealed), higher after treatment
- Density: 7.87 g/cm³
- Modulus of Elasticity: 205 GPa
Benefits of Using 1020 Steel for Sale
- High formability
- Easy machinability
- Excellent weldability
- Good surface finish
- Cost-efficiency for large-volume orders
Tip 2: Choose a Trusted Supplier of 1020 Steel for Sale

The quality and consistency of steel products vary widely across suppliers, making it critical to partner with a reliable and well-established manufacturer.
Why Henan Jiyuan Iron & Steel is the Preferred Choice
Henan Jiyuan Iron & Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. has over 65 years of expertise in steel production. The company stands out for several reasons:
- Ranked Among the Top 500 Chinese Enterprises
- Vice President Unit of Special Steel Enterprises Association of China
- Certified with ISO9001, ISO14001, GB/T28001, IATF16949
- Annual Production Capacity of 5 Million Tons
- Advanced Long-Process Technology
We pride ourselves on providing consistent product quality through a highly integrated production process. From iron-making to rolling and inspection, every stage is closely monitored by over 3,000 technical personnel.
Our long-term commitment to green manufacturing and intelligent automation ensures that our 1020 steel for sale meets not only local but also international demands for sustainability, safety, and performance.
Quality Assurance at Jiyuan
Our state-of-the-art inspection equipment includes:
- Spectral analyzers
- Mechanical testing machines
- Ultrasonic and magnetic particle detectors
- Surface defect scanning systems
This guarantees every piece of steel leaving our facility is fully traceable, certified, and ready for application.
Tip 3: Compare Technical Specifications of 1020 Steel for Sale
When sourcing 1020 steel for sale, it’s easy to assume that all suppliers offer the same quality. However, this is far from true. While the chemical composition is standardized to some extent, the actual mechanical performance, consistency, and treatment options may differ significantly depending on the supplier’s production process, raw material quality, and post-processing capabilities.
Before placing your order, it’s essential to carefully compare the technical specifications provided by each supplier. This not only ensures the material meets your engineering or fabrication needs but also helps avoid costly failures, reworks, or delays in production.
Table: Technical Comparison of 1020 Steel Properties
Property | Typical Value | Comments |
---|---|---|
Carbon (C) Content | 0.17% – 0.23% | Determines strength and hardness |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.30% – 0.60% | Enhances toughness and hardenability |
Tensile Strength | 394 – 540 MPa | Suitable for medium-strength applications |
Yield Strength | Approx. 294 MPa | Stable for structural applications |
Elongation (in 50mm) | 36% | Excellent ductility |
Brinell Hardness (HB) | ~111 (annealed) | Can be increased through heat treatment |
Weldability | Excellent | Ideal for structural and fabrication uses |
Machinability | ~55% compared to 1212 steel | Efficient for CNC and manual machining |
Heat Treatment Compatibility | Very Good | Carburizing, quenching, tempering |
These values may vary slightly depending on the production method and condition of the steel (hot-rolled, cold-drawn, annealed, etc.). Understanding these metrics allows you to align your choice of 1020 steel for sale with your specific design and performance requirements.
Tip 4: Maximize Value with Customization and Bulk Ordering

One of the most effective ways to save money and improve project outcomes is to purchase your 1020 steel for sale in customized forms and larger quantities.
Services Offered by Henan Jiyuan Iron & Steel
We offer a full suite of customization services including:
- Tailored Dimensions: Bars, rods, sheets, or blocks made to your exact needs
- Heat Treatment Options: Carburizing, quenching, tempering, and annealing
- Surface Finishing: Shot blasting, pickling, and coating available
- Packaging & Delivery: International-grade packaging and container loading
Benefits of Bulk Purchasing
- Lower Unit Costs: The more you buy, the more you save
- Consistent Material Batches: Reduced variation and improved quality control
- Streamlined Logistics: Direct-from-factory delivery and simplified shipping
- Technical Consultation: Dedicated support for large-scale industrial customers
We specialize in serving major projects across the globe, offering not just products but full-service supply chain solutions.
Applications of 1020 Steel for Sale in Real-World Industries
Automotive Manufacturing
1020 steel is widely used in manufacturing automotive components such as axles, camshafts, connecting rods, and crankshafts due to its excellent machining properties.
Industrial Machinery
In the world of mechanical engineering, it’s used for gears, sprockets, and shafts that require moderate strength and superior machinability.
Construction and Infrastructure
Used in building frames, guardrails, and piping systems, its ductility and weldability make it ideal for welding and structural reinforcement.
Agricultural Equipment
From plows and tillers to structural joints, 1020 steel is a common choice in rural and industrial agricultural sectors due to its cost and reliability.
Why Henan Jiyuan Iron & Steel Should Be Your Long-Term Steel Partner

As one of China’s largest integrated steel producers, we at Henan Jiyuan Iron & Steel are more than just a supplier—we are a strategic partner for long-term industrial success.
We combine:
- Decades of steelmaking heritage
- Modern intelligent manufacturing lines
- Comprehensive quality systems
- Strong global logistics capabilities
Whether you’re a domestic manufacturer or an international OEM, our team is ready to support your operations with scalable, cost-effective, and high-quality 1020 steel for sale.
Conclusion
Getting the best value from 1020 steel for sale is a combination of understanding the material, evaluating suppliers, comparing specifications, and leveraging bulk advantages. With high ductility, good strength, excellent machinability, and weldability, 1020 steel is an exceptional choice across a variety of industries.
At Henan Jiyuan Iron & Steel, we’ve made it our mission to provide the world with premium quality steel backed by six decades of expertise, modern infrastructure, and customer-first service. Whether your needs are standard or custom, small or large scale, we’re here to help you succeed with confidence.
Contact us today for a quote or technical consultation and discover why more industries are choosing Jiyuan’s 1020 steel for sale.
FAQ
What is the composition of 1020 steel?
1020 steel is a low-carbon steel containing approximately 0.17–0.23% carbon and 0.30–0.60% manganese. It’s known for its formability and good balance of strength and ductility.
Can 1020 steel be hardened?
Yes, 1020 steel can be surface-hardened by carburization and also be heat-treated to improve surface wear resistance while maintaining a ductile core.
What formats are available from Henan Jiyuan Iron & Steel?
We supply 1020 steel in a variety of forms including round bars, square bars, flat bars, wire rods, sheets, and custom-cut profiles.
Is it suitable for welding?
Absolutely. 1020 steel has excellent weldability and is compatible with MIG, TIG, and stick welding methods.
How do I place an order or request a quote?
You can reach out through our official website or customer support channels. Our team will provide tailored pricing and delivery timelines based on your quantity, customization, and destination.