High Mechanical Properties & High Machinability of 11L17 Steel

11L17 steel is a low-carbon free machining steel known for its excellent machinability and reliable mechanical properties, making it a top choice for precision components. With the addition of sulfur and phosphorus, this alloy forms small brittle inclusions that reduce friction during cutting, resulting in smoother machining and longer tool life.

Despite its outstanding machinability, 11L17 bar stock retains strong mechanical performance, with a tensile strength of about 60,000 psi and a yield strength of approximately 50,000 psi. Its good ductility, wear resistance, and toughness make it well-suited for producing bolts, nuts, screws, hydraulic fittings, and other precision-engineered parts.

This balance of machinability and mechanical strength makes 11L17 steel a cost-effective solution for manufacturers requiring high-quality, tight-tolerance components with complex designs.

11L17 Steel Applications

11L17 carbon steel is widely used in industries where components must withstand vibration, shock, and wear. Its unique properties make it especially valuable for applications such as:

• Automotive & Aerospace: Kingpins, gears, pinions, ratchets, and other carburized parts requiring a soft core with high surface hardness.
• Precision Components: Bolts, screws, nuts, and hydraulic fittings produced with tight tolerances.
• Industrial Machinery: Parts exposed to repeated stress and demanding environments.
• Structural Uses: Certain bridge and building applications where durability and resistance to stress are required.

Its ability to carburize makes it suitable for components needing wear resistance, while its relatively low carbon content enhances machinability. However, it should be noted that 11L17 is not corrosion-resistant like stainless steel, so protective finishes may be necessary in harsh outdoor conditions.