SAE/AISI 12L14 Carbon Steel (UNS G12144)

Image of SAE/AISI 12L14 bars

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.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Iron97.91%98.70%
Carbon0.15%
Lead0.15%0.35%
Manganese0.85%1.15%
Phosphorous0.04%0.09%
Sulfur0.26%0.35%

The following table provides a list of SAE/AISI 12L14 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of SAE/AISI 12L14 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density7870 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
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 Break10%
Reduction of Area35%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.27 - 0.30
Brinell Hardness163
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Thermal Conductivity52 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)470 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)1.15×10-5 1/°C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Conductivity4.12×106 S/m
Electrical Resistivity2.43×10-7 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

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Excellent machinabilityLower ductility and impact toughness
Enhanced chip formationLimited weldability
Reduced friction during machiningLead content may be undesirable in certain applications
Good surface finishSlightly 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 application in various industries and is particularly well-suited for machining operations. Here are some common applications of 12L14 carbon steel:

  • Machined Components: 12L14 steel is widely used for manufacturing precision machined components due to its excellent machinability. It is often utilized for producing bushings, pins, inserts, fittings, and various turned parts.
  • Fasteners: The steel's good machinability and high-speed cutting capabilities make it suitable for producing fasteners such as screws, bolts, nuts, and studs. These components often require precise dimensions and smooth surface finishes.
  • Couplings and Fittings: 12L14 carbon steel is utilized in the fabrication of couplings, fittings, and connectors, especially in fluid systems and mechanical assemblies. Its machinability enables the production of intricate threaded or non-threaded components.
  • Automotive Components: The steel's 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 its machinability and ability to achieve precise dimensions, 12L14 steel is used in the manufacture of firearm components such as triggers, hammers, and sears.
  • Electrical Connectors: The steel's high-speed cutting capabilities make it suitable for producing electrical connectors, terminals, and other conductive components that require precise machining.
  • Small Tools and Hardware: 12L14 carbon steel is employed for manufacturing small tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and small hardware items where its machinability and dimensional accuracy are advantageous.
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