Steel 12L13 vs 12L14
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 12L13 and 12L14 are both steel grades, both machining-friendly steel. Both yield at about 235 MPa — strength does not separate them. 12L13 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for 12L14. 12L14 runs hotter in service (300°C vs 250°C continuous).
12L13Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
12L14Choose it when the part sees heat.
12L13 vs 12L14: 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.
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
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 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 395 MPa57.3 ksi · Reduction in Area 45% · Hardness, Rockwell B 67 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 7.87 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51.9 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 10.8 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 90 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 25 MJ/kg10,748 BTU/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 50 kN·m/kg · Specific Stiffness (E / density) 25.4 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 13.6 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 9
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 | 12L13 | 12L14 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | HR | HR |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ 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.
12L13 vs 12L14 — frequently asked
What is the difference between 12L13 and 12L14?
Steel 12L13 and 12L14 are both steel grades, both machining-friendly steel. Both yield at about 235 MPa — strength does not separate them. 12L13 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 22% for 12L14.
Which is cheaper, 12L13 or 12L14?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose 12L13 over 12L14?
Pick 12L13 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick 12L14 when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 12L13 and 12L14 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.