Steel 12L13 · supply condition
Steel 12L13-CR
Properties of the CR condition, compared with the other 12L13 tempers.
Cold-rolled flat, square and hexagonal free-machining stock where a bright, dimensionally accurate section is needed.
What is 12L13-CR?
12L13-CR is 12L13 supplied in the CR condition — cold-rolled flat, square and hexagonal free-machining stock where a bright, dimensionally accurate section is needed. 12L13-CR has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 525 MPa (76.1 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi). 12L13-CR has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F). HR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CR is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 95/100, better than 100% 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
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 12/100, worse than 96% of steel grades
- Limited ductility — 11%, worse than 89% of steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 250°C (482 °F), worse than 85% of steel grades
12L13-CR properties
Typical room-temperature values for 12L13-CR — 8 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 12L13 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
12L13-CR has a density of 7.87 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of steel grades. It melts at 1,400°C (2,552 °F).
Mechanical13
12L13-CR has a yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 525 MPa (76.1 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
12L13-CR 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-CR conducts electricity at 10.8 % IACS, better than 94% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (10/100), worse than 87% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 12L13-CR 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-CR's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 100% of steel grades); weldability not recommended (12/100); formability fair (35/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other 12L13 tempers and conditions
12L13 is also supplied in 3 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the 12L13 overview.
- HRDefaultLowest-cost as-rolled bar for parts machined all over or where tolerance and finish do not matter.235 MPa yield · 116 HB
- CDDefault stock condition for screw-machine and CNC bar work: tight tolerance, straight, highest strength and best chip control.415 MPa yield · 167 HB
- CRCold-rolled flat, square and hexagonal free-machining stock where a bright, dimensionally accurate section is needed.400 MPa yield · 160 HB
- AnnealedSoftened condition used when cold heading, bending or deep staking follows machining, or to relieve cold-draw stresses and reduce distortion.220 MPa yield · 111 HB
Working with 12L13-CR
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.
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.
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 | — |
12L13-CR — frequently asked
What is 12L13-CR used for?
12L13-CR 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-CR?
12L13-CR has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) and a tensile strength of 525 MPa (76.1 ksi) — weaker than 60% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is 12L13-CR easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 100% 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-CR 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-CR?
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-CR 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-CR?
12L13-CR 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in 12L13-CR?
Yes — 12L13-CR is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.