Steel X12Ni5
EN X12Ni5
X12Ni5 (1.5680) is a 5% nickel low-temperature alloy steel supplied quenched and tempered, normalized and tempered, normalized, annealed or as forged and QT.
Reference datasheet — X12Ni5 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the QT condition
X12Ni5 tempers and conditions
X12Ni5 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. QT 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Solution annealed | Choose for maximum machinability and cold formability of bar/forging stock before final QT. | 340 | 520 | 28 | 155 HB | 6.4 % IACS |
Normalized and tempered | Alternative plate/forging condition for thicker sections where quenching distortion is a problem; slightly lower strength than QT. | 400 | 570 | 25 | 172 HB | 6.2 % IACS |
Normalized | Intermediate mill condition; usually tempered afterwards, low-temperature impact values are not guaranteed as-normalized. | 405 | 590 | 23 | 178 HB | 6.2 % IACS |
Forged + QT (EN 10222-3 flanges, valve bodies, tube sheets) | Forging grade for cryogenic valves, flanges and nozzles; properties are section-size dependent and slightly lower than thin plate. | 420 | 600 | 22 | 180 HB | 6.2 % IACS |
QTDefault Quenched and tempered | Standard cryogenic pressure-vessel plate condition: highest strength combined with guaranteed low-temperature Charpy values. | 440 | 620 | 24 | 185 HB | 6.2 % IACS |
What is X12Ni5?
X12Ni5 (1.5680) is a 5% nickel low-temperature alloy steel supplied quenched and tempered, normalized and tempered, normalized, annealed or as forged and QT. It serves pressure vessels and piping in cryogenic service down to about -165 °C at a lower nickel content and lower cost than the 9Ni grades, with 440 MPa yield, 620 MPa tensile, 24% elongation and about 185 HB in the default condition. Maximum service temperature is about 350 °C and the steel rusts readily, so coating or insulation is required. Use X7Ni9 or X8Ni9 where the design temperature approaches -196 °C. X12Ni5 has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,440°C (2,624 °F). X12Ni5 has a yield strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 50% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 24% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
What is X12Ni5 used for?
- cryogenic vessels
- low-temperature piping
- storage tanks
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 170 MPa·√m (154.7 ksi·√in), better than 98% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 62/100, better than 78% of steel grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 3 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 91% of steel grades
- Poor heat conductor — 33 W/m·K (19.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of steel grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 6.2 % IACS, worse than 78% of steel grades
X12Ni5 properties
Typical room-temperature values for X12Ni5-QT; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
X12Ni5 has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,440°C (2,624 °F).
Mechanical16
X12Ni5 has a yield strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 50% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 24% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal6
X12Ni5 is rated for continuous service to 350°C (662 °F). It conducts heat at 33 W/m·K (19.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.2 µm/m·K (6.22 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
X12Ni5 conducts electricity at 6.2 % IACS, worse than 78% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (16/100), better than 79% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of X12Ni5 takes about 38 MJ of energy and emits 3 kg of CO₂ — more than 91% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
X12Ni5's machinability is fair (52/100, better than 52% of steel grades); weldability good (68/100); formability good (62/100).
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. X12Ni5 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with X12Ni5
Is X12Ni5 easy to machine?
Machines like a tough 500–650 MPa low-alloy steel: rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, 80–150 m/min, generous coolant to avoid work hardening and gummy chips.
Can X12Ni5 be welded?
Weld with low heat input and controlled interpass (typically ≤150 °C) using matching Ni or nickel-base/high-Ni consumables; PWHT ~550–600 °C where required, and always qualify weld-metal and HAZ Charpy at the design temperature.
Can X12Ni5 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold formable plate with generous bend radii; hot forming should be followed by re-normalizing/re-quenching and tempering to restore cryogenic toughness.
X12Ni5 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cper EN 10028-4 / EN 10222-3 | ≤ 0.15 | 0.1 |
| Si | ≤ 0.35 | 0.25 |
| Mn | 0.3 – 0.8 | 0.55 |
| Plow P for cryogenic toughness | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Slow S, Ca-treated for through-thickness toughness | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Niprincipal alloying element | 4.75 – 5.25 | 5 |
| Moresidual; A645-type 5Ni grades add ~0.25 Mo | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Crresidual | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Altotal Al, grain refinement | ≥ 0.02 | 0.04 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on X12Ni5?
No anodizing; shot-blast then epoxy/zinc-rich paint, thermal-spray aluminium or metallic plating — surface rusts readily in humid or marine air.
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).
Organic Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Steel X12Ni5 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.5680
How much does X12Ni5 cost?
X12Ni5 is a standard-cost steel ($$), cheaper than about 71% 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.
X12Ni5 — frequently asked
What is X12Ni5 used for?
X12Ni5 is typically used for cryogenic vessels, low-temperature piping and storage tanks. In short: lower-cost 5% nickel grade; cryogenic to about -165 °C; softer than 9Ni steels.
What is the yield strength of X12Ni5?
X12Ni5 has a typical yield strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 50% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is X12Ni5 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (52/100, better than 52% of steel grades). Machines like a tough 500–650 MPa low-alloy steel: rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, 80–150 m/min, generous coolant to avoid work hardening and gummy chips.
Can X12Ni5 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (68/100). Weld with low heat input and controlled interpass (typically ≤150 °C) using matching Ni or nickel-base/high-Ni consumables; PWHT ~550–600 °C where required, and always qualify weld-metal and HAZ Charpy at the design temperature.
What surface finishes work on X12Ni5?
No anodizing; shot-blast then epoxy/zinc-rich paint, thermal-spray aluminium or metallic plating — surface rusts readily in humid or marine air.
Can X12Ni5 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold formable plate with generous bend radii; hot forming should be followed by re-normalizing/re-quenching and tempering to restore cryogenic toughness.
What is the maximum service temperature of X12Ni5?
X12Ni5 is rated for continuous use to about 350°C (662 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between X12Ni5-QT and X12Ni5-A?
QT is the default condition — standard cryogenic pressure-vessel plate condition: highest strength combined with guaranteed low-temperature Charpy values. A: choose for maximum machinability and cold formability of bar/forging stock before final QT. Yield strength is 440 MPa in QT versus 340 MPa in A.
How much does X12Ni5 cost?
X12Ni5 is a standard-cost steel ($$), cheaper than about 71% 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.
Sources
- EN 10028-4 Flat products of steels for pressure purposes — Nickel alloy steels with specified low temperature properties — CEN (2017)
- EN 10222-3 Steel forgings for pressure purposes — Nickel steels with specified low temperature properties — CEN (1998)
- ASTM A645 5Ni-1/4Mo Alloy Steel Pressure Vessel Plates, Specially Heat Treated — ASTM (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13 — Corrosion — ASM International (2005)
- Cryogenic nickel steel plate datasheets (Ni-alloyed pressure vessel grades) — European plate mills (2022)
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.