Steel 1141 vs 12L13
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 1141 and 12L13 are both steel grades, both machining-friendly steel. 1141 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for 12L13, about 53% more; tensile strength follows at 675 MPa (97.9 ksi) vs 395 MPa (57.3 ksi). In exchange, 12L13 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for 1141, and 1141 is harder (192 HB vs 116 HB). 1141 runs hotter in service (425°C vs 250°C continuous) and 12L13 conducts electricity better (10.8 % IACS vs 9.5 % IACS). On the shop floor, 12L13 machines more easily (excellent vs good), 1141 welds better (poor vs not recommended), and 12L13 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 1141 (standard, $$).
1141Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
12L13Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
1141 vs 12L13: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 200 GPa29 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 486 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.7 µm/m·K6.5 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 10 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 35 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.9 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 1141 | 12L13 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | HR | HR |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining. Both take the same 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.
1141 vs 12L13 — frequently asked
Is 1141 stronger than 12L13?
Yes. 1141 has a typical yield strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for 12L13 — about 53% more. Tensile strength is 675 MPa (97.9 ksi) vs 395 MPa (57.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 1141 or 12L13?
12L13 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 1141 is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, 1141 or 12L13?
12L13. Its machinability rates excellent (90/100) against good (68/100) for 1141; for welding the order is 1141 first (poor, 25/100) then 12L13 (not recommended, 12/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1141 and 12L13 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.