SAE/AISI 12L14 Carbon Steel (UNS G12144)
SAE/AISI 12L14 is a low-carbon steel valued for its excellent machinability, high-speed cutting capabilities, and good surface finish. It is often used for producing precision machined components, such as bushings, inserts, pins, and various fittings.
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| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Iron | 97.91% | 98.70% |
| Carbon | —— | 0.15% |
| Lead | 0.15% | 0.35% |
| Manganese | 0.85% | 1.15% |
| Phosphorous | 0.04% | 0.09% |
| Sulfur | 0.26% | 0.35% |
The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 12L14 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
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| 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 | 163 |
| 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 | 4.12×106 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 2.43×10-7 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 12L14 Carbon Steel
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Excellent machinability | Lower ductility and impact toughness |
| Enhanced chip formation | Limited weldability |
| Reduced friction during machining | Lead content may be undesirable in certain applications |
| Good surface finish | Slightly lower strength compared to some other steels |
| Suitable for high-speed cutting | |
| Cost-effective for machining operations |
Applications of 12L14 Carbon Steel
AISI 12L14 carbon steel finds applications in various industries and is particularly well-suited for machining operations. Key applications include:
- Machined Components: Widely used for manufacturing precision machined components due to its excellent machinability. Often utilized for producing bushings, pins, inserts, fittings, and various turned parts.
- Fasteners: The good machinability and high-speed cutting capabilities make it suitable for producing screws, bolts, nuts, and studs. These components often require precise dimensions and smooth surface finishes.
- Couplings and Fittings: Utilized in the fabrication of couplings, fittings, and connectors, especially in fluid systems and mechanical assemblies. The machinability enables the production of intricate threaded or non-threaded components.
- Automotive Components: The properties make it valuable in automotive applications, particularly for producing parts like shafts, spindles, and bushings. These components require both strength and good machinability.
- Firearms Parts: Due to the machinability and ability to achieve precise dimensions, it’s used in the manufacture of firearm components such as triggers, hammers, and sears.
- Electrical Connectors: The high-speed cutting capabilities make it suitable for producing electrical connectors, terminals, and other conductive components that require precise machining.
- Small Tools and Hardware: Employed for manufacturing small tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and small hardware items where machinability and dimensional accuracy are advantageous.