Steel 12L13
EN 12L13 · UNS G12132
12L13 (G12132, 9SMnPb28, Y12Pb) is the lead-added version of 1213, a resulfurized and rephosphorized free-machining carbon steel supplied hot-rolled, cold-rolled, cold-drawn or annealed.
Values for the HR condition
12L13 tempers and conditions
12L13 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. HR is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
subcritical/spheroidize annealed | Softened condition used when cold heading, bending or deep staking follows machining, or to relieve cold-draw stresses and reduce distortion. | 220 | 380 | 28 | 111 HB | — |
HRDefault Hot rolled | Lowest-cost as-rolled bar for parts machined all over or where tolerance and finish do not matter. | 235 | 395 | 25 | 116 HB | — |
Cold rolled | Cold-rolled flat, square and hexagonal free-machining stock where a bright, dimensionally accurate section is needed. | 400 | 525 | 11 | 160 HB | 10.8 % IACS |
Cold drawn | Default stock condition for screw-machine and CNC bar work: tight tolerance, straight, highest strength and best chip control. | 415 | 540 | 10 | 167 HB | — |
What is 12L13?
12L13 (G12132, 9SMnPb28, Y12Pb) is the lead-added version of 1213, a resulfurized and rephosphorized free-machining carbon steel supplied hot-rolled, cold-rolled, cold-drawn or annealed. Shops choose it for high-volume turned parts on automatic screw machines: machinability rating 90, with typical properties of 235 MPa yield, 395 MPa tensile, 25% elongation and 116 HB (67 HRB). It is low in strength, poorly weldable, limited in cold formability (score 35) and has no corrosion resistance; lead also restricts its use in RoHS-sensitive and food-contact parts, where 1215 or 1213 is the substitute. 12L13 has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). 12L13 has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) — weaker than 96% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
What is 12L13 used for?
- Screw machine parts
- Fasteners and studs
- Hydraulic and pneumatic fittings
- Bushings and spacers
- Couplings
- Valve stems for light duty
- Knobs and handles
- Dowel and locating pins
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 90/100, better than 99% 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
- Low embodied carbon — 1.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 25%, better than 77% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 235 MPa (34.1 ksi), worse than 96% of steel grades
- Difficult to weld — 12/100, worse than 96% of steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 250°C (482 °F), worse than 85% of steel grades
12L13 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 12L13-HR; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
12L13 has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical13
12L13 has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) — weaker than 96% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
12L13 is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 51.9 W/m·K (30 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 96% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.7 µm/m·K (6.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
12L13 conducts electricity at 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 86% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 12L13 takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 1.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability7
12L13's machinability is excellent (90/100, better than 99% of steel grades); weldability not recommended (12/100); 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. 12L13 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 12L13
Is 12L13 easy to machine?
Outstanding machinability at high speed — lead plus MnS gives short chips, low tool wear and mirror-like turned finishes; sharp positive-rake tooling and adequate coolant/mist recommended, and lead swarf needs controlled handling.
Can 12L13 be welded?
Not recommended for welding: high sulfur/phosphorus and lead cause hot cracking and porosity; if unavoidable, use low-hydrogen filler, preheat and expect reduced joint properties.
Can 12L13 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bending and heading are limited by low ductility and directional sulfide inclusions — use generous radii, bend transverse to inclusion flow only with caution; hot working above ~650 °C risks lead-induced hot shortness.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 12L13. Every 12L13 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent90 / 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 |
12L13 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cmax only per SAE J403 | ≤ 0.13 | 0.1 |
| Mn | 0.7 – 1 | 0.85 |
| Prephosphorized for chip brittleness | 0.07 – 0.12 | 0.09 |
| SMnS inclusions for machinability | 0.24 – 0.33 | 0.28 |
| Pblead addition (the 'L') | 0.15 – 0.35 | 0.25 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 12L13?
Take plating, black oxide and phosphate/oil well after degreasing; not anodizable, and lead/sulfide inclusions can leave micro-pits and slight plating porosity on polished surfaces.
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 12L13 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- G12132
- Similar grades
- 9SMnPb28Y12Pb
How much does 12L13 cost?
12L13 is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% 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.
12L13 — frequently asked
What is 12L13 used for?
12L13 is typically used for screw machine parts, fasteners and studs, hydraulic and pneumatic fittings, bushings and spacers, couplings and valve stems for light duty. In short: premium leaded machining bar.
What is the yield strength of 12L13?
12L13 has a typical yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) — weaker than 96% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is 12L13 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (90/100, better than 99% of steel grades). Outstanding machinability at high speed — lead plus MnS gives short chips, low tool wear and mirror-like turned finishes; sharp positive-rake tooling and adequate coolant/mist recommended, and lead swarf needs controlled handling.
Can 12L13 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (12/100). Not recommended for welding: high sulfur/phosphorus and lead cause hot cracking and porosity; if unavoidable, use low-hydrogen filler, preheat and expect reduced joint properties.
What surface finishes work on 12L13?
Take plating, black oxide and phosphate/oil well after degreasing; not anodizable, and lead/sulfide inclusions can leave micro-pits and slight plating porosity on polished surfaces.
Can 12L13 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold bending and heading are limited by low ductility and directional sulfide inclusions — use generous radii, bend transverse to inclusion flow only with caution; hot working above ~650 °C risks lead-induced hot shortness.
What is the maximum service temperature of 12L13?
12L13 is rated for continuous use to about 250°C (482 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 12L13-HR and 12L13-CD?
HR is the default condition — lowest-cost as-rolled bar for parts machined all over or where tolerance and finish do not matter. CD: default stock condition for screw-machine and CNC bar work: tight tolerance, straight, highest strength and best chip control. Yield strength is 235 MPa in HR versus 415 MPa in CD.
How much does 12L13 cost?
12L13 is a budget-cost steel ($), cheaper than about 90% 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 12L13?
Yes — 12L13 is available for CNC machining; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- SAE J403 — Chemical Compositions of SAE Carbon Steels — SAE International (2014)
- ASTM A29/A29M — General Requirements for Steel Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought — ASTM (2020)
- ASTM A108 — Steel Bar, Carbon and Alloy, Cold-Finished — ASTM (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.16 — Machining — ASM International (1989)
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.