AISI 12L14 Steel Properties – SAE 12L14 Carbon Steel Equivalent Material

SAE AISI 12L14 steel is a resulfurized, rephosphorized and lead containing free-machining material, and is widely used in machinery, energy, metallurgy, aerospace and other fields. The lower carbon content of 12L14 steel, especially the low melting point lead particles, ensures inherent lubrication of the steel during machining and embrittlement of the liquid metal at low machining speeds, thus avoiding the formation of Built-Up-Edge (BUE). In addition, phosphorus and sulfide inclusions form sources of stress concentration and discontinuities in the ferrite substrate, resulting in breakable chips. The sulfide-lubricated zone formed during machining reduces friction and tool wear, further improving its machinability. All these properties combine to make this material the most machinable of all common carbon and alloy steels. This machinability can be evaluated in terms of low cutting forces and good chip breaking characteristics. 12L14 material density is 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³); Tensile strength is 390 MPa (57 ksi) for hot rolled, 540 MPa (78 ksi) for cold rolled; Yield strength is 230 MPa (34 ksi) for hot rolled, 410 MPa (60 ksi) for cold rolled; Hardness is 121 HB (hot rolled), 163 HB (cold rolled).