Why free cutting steel?
Free cutting steels are low-carbon steels with added sulphur — and in 12L14, lead — that break chips short during machining. That means higher spindle speeds, longer tool life, fewer stoppages to clear swarf and a better surface finish on turned parts. Cold drawing then gives the close size tolerance and straightness that bar-fed automats need.
Grades and typical composition
| Grade | Equivalent | C % | Mn % | S % | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12L14 | 11SMnPb30 · EN1APb | ≤ 0.15 | 0.85–1.15 | 0.26–0.35 | P 0.04–0.09, Pb 0.15–0.35 |
| EN1A | 230M07 · 11SMn30 | 0.07–0.15 | 0.80–1.20 | 0.20–0.30 | — |
| 1215 | AISI 1215 · 9SMn36 | ≤ 0.09 | 0.75–1.05 | 0.26–0.35 | P 0.04–0.09, non-leaded |
Typical ranges per AISI / BS 970 for reference. Each supply is backed by the mill test certificate — please check against your drawing.
12L14 bright steel bar — leaded free cutting steel
The most machinable of the three. Preferred for precision turned components produced in very high volumes: inserts, bushes, couplings, connectors, valve and fitting parts.
EN1A bright steel bar — British-standard free cutting steel
The workhorse free cutting grade in Indian turning shops for fasteners, couplings and general turned components.
1215 bright steel bar — non-leaded free cutting steel
High sulphur and phosphorus give excellent chip-breaking without lead — chosen for hydraulic and pneumatic fittings and wherever lead-free material is specified.
Applications
- Hydraulic and pneumatic fittings, adaptors and nipples
- Auto components — bushes, spacers, pins, connectors
- Electrical and electronic hardware, inserts
- Fasteners, couplings and general precision turned parts
Frequently asked questions
What is free cutting steel?
Low-carbon steel with added sulphur (and lead in 12L14) that forms short, broken chips — allowing higher cutting speeds, longer tool life and better finish on automats and CNC machines.
What is the difference between 12L14, EN1A and 1215?
All are re-sulphurised free cutting steels. 12L14 adds lead for the best machinability; EN1A is the BS 970 grade (230M07); 1215 is a non-leaded AISI grade with high S and P.
Can free cutting steel be welded or case-hardened?
Free cutting steels are generally not recommended for welding or for highly stressed parts. They can be case-hardened for wear surfaces — tell us the end use and we'll suggest the right grade.