BS 970 LEADED HIGH MACHINABILITY LOW CARBON FREE CUTTING STEEL

EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel

We are EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Exporters in Mumbai, India. STEEL MART is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company established in 1986, with decades of experience in supplying high-quality free-cutting steel products to various industries. We specialize in manufacturing and supplying EN 1A (L) Leaded Free Cutting Steels (BS 970 220M07 Leaded / EN 1A Pb / 11SMnPb30 / W.Nr 1.0718 / AISI 12L14 approx) that meet national and international quality standards for ultra-high-speed automatic screw machine parts, precision turned fasteners, hydraulic nipples, bushings, and high-volume turned components. EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel is a leaded low-carbon steel engineered specifically for maximum cutting speeds, superior chip fragmentation, and minimal tool wear on multi-spindle CNC automatics. Formulated with controlled Carbon (0.15% max), Manganese (0.90–1.30%), elevated Sulphur (0.20–0.35%), and an intentional Lead addition (0.15–0.35% Pb), EN 1A (L) provides an extraordinary machinability rating (120–140%). The microscopic lead droplets act as an internal lubricant during cutting, reducing friction at the tool-chip interface and preventing built-up edge. Supplied in cold drawn (+C), turned, or centerless ground condition, EN 1A (L) provides precise dimensional tolerances, high bar straightness, and outstanding surface finish. Because of its unmatched speed and tool life advantages, EN 1A (L) Leaded Free Cutting Steel is widely specified across high-volume automotive component turning, hydraulic connector production, electrical hardware, and precision instrument manufacturing.

Our EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steels are 100% Prime – Tested & Guaranteed, ensuring precise lead dispersion, accurate chemical composition, and consistent machinability. Each product is supplied with proper Mill Test Certificates (MTC) confirming compliance with BS 970 / EN 10087 standards with EN 10204 3.1 certification. STEEL MART follows strict quality control procedures and ensures timely delivery.

ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED
100% PRIME TESTED
MILL TEST CERTIFICATE
40+ Years Experience
ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company
Worldwide Supply & Export
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What is EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel

What is EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel?

EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel (BS 970 220M07 Leaded / EN 1A Pb / 11SMnPb30 / W.Nr 1.0718 / AISI 12L14 approx) is a leaded low-carbon free-cutting structural steel engineered specifically for maximum high-speed machining efficiency on multi-spindle automatic lathes and CNC turning centers. Formulated with 0.15% max Carbon, 0.90–1.30% Manganese, 0.20–0.35% Sulphur, and an intentional addition of 0.15–0.35% Lead (Pb), EN 1A (L) delivers superior cutting performance over non-leaded grades. The microscopic lead particles act as internal lubricants during chip formation, drastically reducing tool wear, cutting temperature, and spindle power consumption. This internal lubricity permits higher cutting speeds and feed rates while ensuring short, easily broken chips and a mirror-like surface finish. In cold drawn supply condition (+C), EN 1A (L) offers excellent bar straightness and tight dimensional tolerances. It is widely specified for high-speed automatic screw machine production, precision automotive fittings, hydraulic adapters, electrical terminals, and high-volume turned parts.

✔ Leaded Free Cutting Steel (BS 970 220M07 Leaded / 11SMnPb30)
✔ 0.15–0.35% Lead (Pb) Addition for Internal Lubrication
✔ Ultra-High Machinability Rating (120–140%) for Fast Cycle Times
✔ Superior Surface Finish & Extended Cutting Insert Life
✔ High Bar Straightness & Precise Cold Drawn Tolerances (+C)
✔ Global Equivalents: 11SMnPb30 / W.Nr 1.0718 / 12L14

130% Machinability

Leaded composition allows ultra-high cutting speeds & shortened cycle times.

0.15-0.35% Lead (Pb)

Lead micro-droplets lower friction at tool edge and eliminate built-up edge.

Fine Chip Breaking

Clean chip fragmentation prevents tool entanglement on high-rpm CNC automatics.

370–540 MPa Tensile

Cold drawn bar condition provides reliable tensile strength & high dimensional accuracy.

Maximized Tool Life

Reduced cutting temperatures extend tool tip longevity significantly.

Automotive Turned Parts

Preferred choice for mass production turned fittings, fasteners, & hydraulic nipples.

Why Choose STEEL MART for EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel

STEEL MART is the preferred choice for purchasing EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel due to its strong reputation for quality and reliability. With over 40 years of experience in the steel industry, the company ensures that every product meets strict industry standards. The company follows strict quality inspection procedures to ensure that every EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel product meets international standards.

Each product is carefully tested to ensure durability, strength, and performance. Customers trust STEEL MART for consistent quality, competitive pricing, and timely delivery. The company maintains a large inventory to meet urgent and bulk requirements efficiently. In addition to EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steels, STEEL MART also supplies a wide range of leaded, non-leaded, alloy steel, and carbon steel products for various industrial applications.

Chemical Composition of EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel

Element Composition (%)
Carbon (C) 0.15 % Max
Manganese (Mn) 0.90 – 1.30 %
Lead (Pb) 0.15 – 0.35 %
Sulphur (S) 0.20 – 0.35 %
Phosphorus (P) 0.07 % Max
Silicon (Si) 0.05 % Max

Lead (0.15-0.35%) and Sulphur (0.20-0.35%) combine to deliver internal lubrication and micro-chip breaking.

Equivalent Grades of EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel

Standard Equivalent Grade
BS 970 220M07 Leaded / EN 1A Pb
DIN / EN 11SMnPb30 / 1.0718
AISI / SAE AISI 12L14 approx / SAE 12L14 approx
JIS SUM22L / SUM23L
ISO 11SMnPb28

These international equivalents ensure global engineering specification compatibility.

Mechanical Properties of EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel (Cold Drawn)

The mechanical properties of EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steels make them ideal for ultra-high-speed CNC lathe turning, automatic screw machining, and precision fittings. In cold drawn condition (+C), EN 1A (L) delivers uniform mechanical strength and outstanding bar straightness.

Tensile Strength 370 - 540 MPa
Yield Strength 240 - 340 MPa
Elongation (A5) 10 - 18 %
Hardness (HBW) 110 - 160 HBW
Machinability Rating 120 - 140 % (Relative to 1212)

Manufacturing & Cold Processing of EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel

EN 1A (L) Leaded Free Cutting Steel bars undergo hot rolling with controlled lead addition, descaling, precision cold drawing, and stress relieving to establish dimensional accuracy.

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Hot Rolling & Lead Alloying

Controlled addition of lead during steelmaking ensures uniform lead dispersion across bar sections.

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Shot Blasting & Pickling

Surface descaling to remove oxide scale prior to precision cold drawing operations.

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Precision Cold Drawing (+C)

Drawn through precision carbide dies to achieve tight h9 / h10 dimensional tolerances.

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Straightening & Cut-to-Length

Multi-roll reel straightening and precision saw cutting to customer specification.

EN 1A (L) Industry Applications

EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steels are widely used across High-Speed Screw Machine Parts, Automotive Turned Components, Hydraulic Fittings, Electrical Connector Pins, and Precision Spares.

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High-Speed Automatic Screw Parts

High-volume turned components, automatic lathe pins, inserts, spacers, & precision bushings.

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Automotive Fasteners & Studs

High-speed turned nuts, bolts, set screws, threaded rods, tie bars, & automotive studs.

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Hydraulic Hose Adapters

Hose nipples, hydraulic adaptors, pipe union fittings, valve stems, & pneumatic connectors.

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Automotive Precision Assemblies

Control rod pins, wiper mechanism shafts, door latch components, & instrument cluster inserts.

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Electrical Connectors & Terminals

Electrical connector pins, terminal posts, switchgear shafts, & earth grounding rods.

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Textile & Appliance Machined Spares

Spinning machine spindles, loom pins, washing machine shaft inserts, & hardware fittings.

Availability and Customization

At STEEL MART, we supply EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steels in a wide range of sizes and specifications.

Profiles Available Round Bars, Hexagon Bars, Square Bars, & Flat Bars
Diameter / Size Round: 5 mm to 100 mm | Hex: 6 mm to 75 mm AF | Square: 6 mm to 50 mm
Condition Supplied in Cold Drawn (+C), Centerless Ground, or Turned condition
Length Standard lengths from 3 meters to 6 meters
Tolerances h9, h10, or h11 precision drawn tolerance per ISO / DIN 175
Customization Band-saw cut-to-length and chamfered bar ends available upon request
Certification Supplied with 100% Prime Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1)

Our strict quality control ensures consistent lead dispersion and machining excellence.

Enquire For Rates ✉

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Conclusion

EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel (BS 970 220M07 Leaded / EN 1A Pb / 11SMnPb30 / W.Nr 1.0718 / AISI 12L14 approx) is a premier leaded high-machinability steel specified across high-speed automatic screw machining, precision turned fittings, hydraulic hose nipples, electrical connector pins, and automotive fasteners. Combining lead (0.15–0.35% Pb) and elevated sulphur (0.20–0.35%) for internal lubrication and fine chip fragmentation, it permits maximum cutting speeds, reduces tool wear, and delivers a superior surface finish. Supplied by STEEL MART with strict quality control and full EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certification, EN 1A (L) is the ultimate choice for high-volume automated production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers regarding EN 1A (L) Free Cutting Steel specifications and parameters.

EN 1A (L) contains max 0.15% Carbon, 0.90–1.30% Manganese, 0.15–0.35% Lead (Pb), 0.20–0.35% Sulphur, max 0.07% Phosphorus, and max 0.05% Silicon.

Lead acts as an internal lubricant during chip formation, reducing cutting friction and tool temperature. This enables 20-30% higher cutting speeds, superior surface finish, and significantly longer cutting insert life compared to standard non-leaded EN 1A.

EN 1A (L) (BS 970 220M07 Leaded) is equivalent to DIN 11SMnPb30 (W.Nr 1.0718) and closely matches American AISI 12L14 / SAE 12L14 in chemical composition and machinability performance.

Ultra-high-speed automatic screw machine turned parts, precision nuts, bolts, studs, hydraulic nipples, electrical connector pins, and high-volume automotive fittings.

STEEL MART supplies EN 1A (L) in round bars, hexagon bars, square bars, and flat bars in Cold Drawn (+C), Centerless Ground, or Turned condition with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates.