SAE/AISI 1213 Carbon Steel (UNS G12130)

SAE/AISI 1213 is a resulfurized, low carbon steel valued for its superior machinability, clean cutting behavior, and cost-effective manufacturing. It is lead-free and widely used in producing high-volume parts such as fasteners, fittings, and other precision components requiring tight tolerances and smooth surface finishes.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Iron | 98.42% | 98.99% |
| Carbon | —— | 0.13% |
| Manganese | 0.70% | 1.00% |
| Phosphorous | 0.07% | 0.12% |
| Sulfur | 0.24% | 0.33% |
The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 1213 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 7870 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 540 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 415 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 190 - 210 GPa |
| Bulk Modulus (K) | 140 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 80 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 10% |
| Reduction of Area | 35% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.27 - 0.30 |
| Brinell Hardness | 167 |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Thermal Conductivity | 52 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 470 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 1.15×10-5 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Conductivity | 4.1×106 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 2.4×10-7 Ω·m |
The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.
Advantages & Disadvantages of 1213 Carbon Steel
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Excellent machinability | Relatively low strength compared to other carbon steels |
| Smooth finishes and reduced tool wear | Limited use in applications requiring high mechanical properties |
| Lead-free composition (environmentally friendly) | Lower hardness compared to some other carbon steels |
| Cost-effective and widely available | Not suitable for applications requiring high wear resistance |
| Good for producing complex and intricate parts | Limited heat treatability |
Applications of 1213 Carbon Steel
SAE/AISI 1213 carbon steel is commonly chosen for its excellent machinability and ease of manufacturing across a broad range of components, including:
- Fasteners: Often utilized for manufacturing bolts, screws, studs, nuts, and similar fasteners due to its superior machinability and efficiency in production.
- Fittings and Connectors: Suitable for producing components in plumbing, hydraulic systems, and other applications requiring secure, machined connections.
- Bushings and Bearings: Used in machinery and automotive components for rotating or sliding elements that benefit from precision machining.
- Small Turned Parts: Commonly used for making pins, shafts, spindles, and other precision parts requiring smooth finishes and dimensional accuracy.
- Electrical and Electronic Components: Employed in the production of connectors, terminals, and similar parts where machinability and cost-effectiveness are important.
- Automotive Components: Utilized for brackets, supports, and non-critical engine parts that do not demand high strength or wear resistance.
- General Machinery Parts: Used to fabricate gears, cams, levers, and small structural parts that benefit from the alloy’s easy machining characteristics.
