Free Cutting Steels

Free cutting steels are steels with a carbon content between 0.07% and 0.60% and a sulfur ratio between 0.15% and 0.40%, and a phosphorus ratio between 0.07 and 0.10%. Although sulfur and phosphorus are tried to be reduced in all other qualities, they are especially added to free cutting steels because they increase the machining capability, these elements provide metallic fragility in the material and provide short brittle chip formation. Furthermore, the addition of sulfur and phosphorus provides a lubricating effect, increasing the strength of the part and providing a clean surface. Free cutting steels can also be found alloyed with lead, the added lead does not change the mechanical properties of the steel, but increases its lubricating properties. Free cutting steels also have the ability to improve and cement.

Technical Delivery Conditions

• EN 10277-3: 2008 Bright Steel Materials, Technical Delivery Conditions. Free Cutting Steels
• EN 10087: 1999 Free Cutting Steels. Technical Delivery Conditions for Semi-Finished Hot Rolled Bars.