Steel 1215
AISI/SAE 1215 · UNS G12150 · EN 1.0736, 1.0715 · GB Y12Pb · BS EN1A
1215 is a resulfurised, rephosphorised low-carbon free-machining steel (UNS G12150, 1.0715 / 9SMn28, SUM22 and SUM24L) in which manganese-sulphide inclusions break the chip and extend tool life, rating about 136 % where AISI 1212 = 100 %.
Values for the HR condition
1215 tempers and conditions
1215 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. HR is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
subcritical/full anneal, softest condition | Choose when maximum ductility for heading, staking or severe machining-stress relief is required. | 240 | 390 | 28 | 111 HB | 11 % IACS |
HRDefault Hot rolled | Cheapest form, for large sections or when material will be machined all over and tolerances come from cutting. | 250 | 415 | 25 | 121 HB | — |
case hardened (pack/gas carburize, quench and low temper) | Use when a wear-resistant surface is needed on a cheap machined part; core stays soft and low strength. | 380 | 560 | 12 | 58 HRC | 10.5 % IACS |
Cold rolled | Cold-rolled flats and profiles where a smooth surface and tight thickness tolerance are needed. | 400 | 520 | 12 | 163 HB | 10.8 % IACS |
Cold drawn | Default stock condition for screw-machine bar: best size tolerance, straightness and chip control. | 415 | 540 | 10 | 167 HB | — |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways 1215 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
TGP | TG&P | Surface finish |
What is 1215?
1215 is a resulfurised, rephosphorised low-carbon free-machining steel (UNS G12150, 1.0715 / 9SMn28, SUM22 and SUM24L) in which manganese-sulphide inclusions break the chip and extend tool life, rating about 136 % where AISI 1212 = 100 %. It is the default bar stock for high-volume screw-machine and CNC turned low-stress parts such as screws, pins, couplings and hardware, usually supplied as cold-drawn bright round or TGP. Transverse toughness, cold formability and weldability are poor and corrosion resistance is below plain low-carbon steel, so parts are normally carburised or plated; choose a plain low-carbon grade such as 1018 when welding or forming is required. 1215 has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F). 1215 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) — weaker than 94% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
What is 1215 used for?
- Fasteners
- Bushings
- Hose fittings
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 98% of steel grades
- Conducts heat well — 51.9 W/m·K (30 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 96% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 25%, better than 77% of steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 96% of steel grades
- Low strength — 250 MPa (36.3 ksi), worse than 94% of steel grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 84% of steel grades
1215 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 1215-HR; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
1215 has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of steel grades. It melts at 1,420°C (2,588 °F).
Mechanical12
1215 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) — weaker than 94% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
1215 is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 51.9 W/m·K (30 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 96% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.9 µm/m·K (6.61 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
1215 conducts electricity at 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (8/100), worse than 99% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 1215 takes about 26 MJ of energy and emits 2 kg of CO₂ — less than 64% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability7
1215's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 98% of steel grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability fair (35/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. 1215 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 1215
Is 1215 easy to machine?
Outstanding on CNC/screw machines — short broken chips, high feeds and speeds, long tool life; keep speeds high enough to avoid built-up edge on soft, low-carbon matrix.
Can 1215 be welded?
Not recommended: high sulfur and phosphorus promote hot cracking and porosity; if unavoidable, use low-hydrogen filler, preheat and accept reduced joint properties.
Can 1215 be formed, bent or molded?
Poor cold formability — avoid tight bends, heading or severe upsetting; inclusion stringers cause transverse splitting, so form only with generous radii or in the annealed condition.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to 1215. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent85 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | P.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 220 / 260 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 5× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
1215 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CASTM A29/A108 grade 1215 | ≤ 0.09 | 0.07 |
| Mn | 0.75 – 1.05 | 0.9 |
| Prephosphorized for chip breaking | 0.04 – 0.09 | 0.06 |
| SMnS inclusions give free-machining behaviour | 0.26 – 0.35 | 0.3 |
| Pbonly in leaded equivalents 12L15 / 9SMnPb28 / Y12Pb; not present in plain 1215 | 0.15 – 0.35 | 0.25 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 1215?
Takes zinc/nickel plating, black oxide and phosphate well after good cleaning; mirror polishing is limited by inclusion pull-out, and bare parts need oil or plating to prevent rust.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
CVD Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Steel 1215 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
How much does 1215 cost?
1215 is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 98% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
1215 — frequently asked
What is 1215 used for?
1215 is typically used for fasteners, bushings and hose fittings. In short: easiest machining steel.
What is the yield strength of 1215?
1215 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) — weaker than 94% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is 1215 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 98% of steel grades). Outstanding on CNC/screw machines — short broken chips, high feeds and speeds, long tool life; keep speeds high enough to avoid built-up edge on soft, low-carbon matrix.
Can 1215 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not recommended: high sulfur and phosphorus promote hot cracking and porosity; if unavoidable, use low-hydrogen filler, preheat and accept reduced joint properties.
What surface finishes work on 1215?
Takes zinc/nickel plating, black oxide and phosphate well after good cleaning; mirror polishing is limited by inclusion pull-out, and bare parts need oil or plating to prevent rust.
Can 1215 be formed, bent or molded?
Poor cold formability — avoid tight bends, heading or severe upsetting; inclusion stringers cause transverse splitting, so form only with generous radii or in the annealed condition.
What is the maximum service temperature of 1215?
1215 is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 1215-HR and 1215-CD?
HR is the default condition — cheapest form, for large sections or when material will be machined all over and tolerances come from cutting. CD: default stock condition for screw-machine bar: best size tolerance, straightness and chip control. Yield strength is 250 MPa in HR versus 415 MPa in CD.
How much does 1215 cost?
1215 is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 98% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 1215?
Yes — 1215 is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A29/A29M — Steel Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought, General Requirements — ASTM (2020)
- ASTM A108 — Steel Bar, Carbon and Alloy, Cold-Finished — ASTM (2018)
- SAE J403 — Chemical Compositions of SAE Carbon Steels — SAE International (2014)
- EN 10087 — Free-cutting steels (9SMn28 1.0715 / 9SMnPb28 1.0718 / 9SMnPb36 1.0736) — CEN (1998)
- GB/T 8731 — (Y12Pb ) — SAC (2008)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.16 — Machining — ASM International (1989)
- Mysteel / SMM (2025)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.