Description
The Machinist’s Choice for High-Volume Production
When you’re running a shop where machine uptime matters, every chip counts. We’ve worked with hundreds of manufacturers who need that sweet spot between material cost and tool life – 12L14 leaded steel delivers exactly that. The 0.15-0.35% lead content isn’t just a spec; it’s what lets your CNC keep humming through 1,000+ part runs without constant tool changes.
Unlike some “free machining” grades that trade strength for cuttability, this steel holds Rockwell B80-90 hardness while maintaining ≥10% elongation. We’ve seen automotive shops get 20% more parts per tool edge compared to 1215 steel, especially in high-speed turning of pins and bushings. The sulfur (0.26-0.35%) and phosphorus combo gives clean chip breakage – no more bird-nesting on your spindles.
Real-World Performance Where It Counts
- Hydraulic fittings: Our precision-ground bars (h8 tolerance, Ra ≤1.6μm) mean less prep work for threaded components. One client cut their thread grinding time by 15% just by switching to our 6m stock lengths with ±0.01mm straightness.
- Valve stems: The consistent core hardness (540-700MPa tensile) prevents deformation during high-torque assembly – critical for fuel system parts.
- Fastener production: We’ve supplied 4mm-12mm bars to plants making specialty screws, where the lead content helps maintain die life in cold heading operations.
A common question: “Will the lead cause issues with welding?” In our experience, the low carbon content (0.15% max) keeps it weldable for most applications, though preheating above 150°C is recommended for thicker sections. For non-welded parts, the 0.85-1.15% manganese content actually improves machinability without the brittleness you’d get with higher-sulfur grades.
Why We Specialize in This Grade
As a Chinese mill supplying both domestic and export markets, we’ve fine-tuned the production process. Our 12L14 is vacuum-degassed to control inclusions, and every heat is spectrographically tested to verify the lead distribution. That’s why we can guarantee the 0.15-0.35% lead isn’t just a “typical” value but a strict batch-to-batch standard.
Need something special? We regularly supply:
– Custom diameters from 3mm-100mm (with quick turnarounds on non-standard sizes)
– Cut lengths from 100mm to 6m, with chamfer options
– Black oxide coating or precision polishing per DIN/ISO specs
We’re happy to share actual test reports or put you in touch with clients using similar specs. Whether you need a container load or a trial batch, our team knows the nuances of machining this grade – reach out and we’ll help you optimize for your specific application.
