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EN1A Leaded and Non-Leaded Carbon Steel: Composition, Properties, Applications & Suppliers in India

EN1A carbon steel, also known as 230M07, is a free-cutting mild steel that comes in two primary forms: Leaded (EN1A-L) and Non-Leaded (EN1A-NL). This low-carbon steel is widely appreciated for its excellent machinability, making it the go-to choice for precision turning, high-speed machining, and automatic lathes.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about EN1A leaded and non-leaded grades, including their chemical composition, mechanical properties, advantages, applications, and top suppliers across India.

🔍 What is EN1A Carbon Steel?

EN1A is a low-carbon free-machining steel, often used for mass production of components requiring good surface finish and tight tolerances.

  • ✅ The non-leaded (EN1A-NL) version offers standard machinability.

  • ✅ The leaded (EN1A-L) version has added lead (~0.15–0.35%), significantly enhancing machinability.

These steels are not suitable for welding or heat treatment (beyond case hardening) but are ideal for CNC operations, threading, and drilling.

🧪 Chemical Composition of EN1A Carbon Steel

🔸 EN1A – Non-Leaded (Standard Grade)

Element Content (%)
Carbon (C) 0.07 – 0.15
Manganese (Mn) 0.80 – 1.20
Sulfur (S) 0.20 – 0.30
Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.07
Lead (Pb) –
Iron (Fe) Balance

🔹 EN1A Leaded – (EN1A-L / 230M07Pb)

Element Content (%)
Carbon (C) 0.07 – 0.15
Manganese (Mn) 0.80 – 1.20
Sulfur (S) 0.20 – 0.30
Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.07
Lead (Pb) 0.15 – 0.35
Iron (Fe) Balance

🔍 Lead improves chip breaking during machining but is not recommended for welding.

⚙️ Mechanical Properties (Cold Drawn Condition)

Property EN1A-NL EN1A-L
Tensile Strength 400 – 550 MPa 370 – 500 MPa
Yield Strength 280 – 350 MPa 250 – 300 MPa
Elongation (%) 10 – 15% 10 – 12%
Hardness (BHN) 110 – 160 100 – 150
Machinability Index ~90% ~110%

💡 EN1A-L can be machined at higher speeds with better surface finish compared to EN1A-NL.

🔥 Heat Treatment and Weldability

  • 🔸 Case Hardening: Suitable for both grades to harden the surface while retaining a tough core.

  • ⚠️ Not recommended for welding, especially the leaded version due to toxicity and poor weld strength.

  • 🔧 Not ideal for quenching or tempering—low carbon content doesn’t allow for significant hardening.

🛠️ Key Features of EN1A Leaded and Non-Leaded Steel

✅ Feature ✔️ EN1A-NL ✔️ EN1A-L
High Machinability Good Excellent
Free-Cutting Capability Yes Yes
Surface Finish Quality Good Excellent
Cost Efficiency High High
Suitable for Automatic Lathes Yes Yes
Weldability Moderate Poor

🧰 Applications of EN1A Steel

EN1A grades are commonly used in high-speed production environments for components that require close dimensional accuracy but not high strength:

  • 🔩 Screws and Nuts

  • ⚙️ Pins and Spindles

  • 🧰 Bushings and Inserts

  • 🧪 Precision Machined Parts

  • 🔧 Automated Lathe Components

  • 🛠 Turned Shafts and Fittings

📌 Ideal for components requiring tight tolerances, short cycle times, and excellent finish.

🔁 Equivalent Grades of EN1A Steel

Standard EN1A Equivalent
EN (BS970) 230M07 / EN1A
AISI/SAE 12L14 (similar to EN1A-L)
DIN 9SMn28 / 9SMnPb28
IS (India) 11SMn30 / 11SMnPb30
JIS SUM22 (Leaded)

🔍 SAE 12L14 is a popular leaded equivalent used in North America.

📦 Available Forms of EN1A Carbon Steel

EN1A is supplied in various product forms:

  • Bright Round Bars

  • Hexagonal Bars

  • Square and Flat Bars

  • Peeled and Ground Bars

  • Precision-Cut Billets

  • Cold Drawn and Turned Conditions

🧽 Finish Options: Bright, Black, Polished, Centerless Ground

💰 EN1A Carbon Steel Price in India (Indicative)

Product Type EN1A-NL Price (₹/kg) EN1A-L Price (₹/kg)
Bright Round Bars ₹70 – ₹85 ₹75 – ₹95
Hex Bars ₹72 – ₹90 ₹78 – ₹100
Peeled Bars ₹80 – ₹100 ₹85 – ₹110

📌 Prices may vary based on size, surface finish, length, and quantity.

🧭 Top EN1A Leaded & Non-Leaded Steel Suppliers in India

Here are trusted stockists and distributors:

  • Triton Alloys Inc., Mumbai

  • Bright Steel Centre, Maharashtra

  • Virwadia Steels, Chennai

  • Masteel India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai

  • Jindal Steel & Power

  • Bhansali Inc., Gujarat

  • Mohan Steels, Delhi NCR

✅ Request mill test certificates (MTC), especially when sourcing EN1A-L, to verify lead content.

📈 SEO Keywords for EN1A Carbon Steel

  • EN1A leaded vs non-leaded steel

  • EN1A machinability properties

  • EN1A steel chemical composition

  • 230M07 carbon steel suppliers India

  • Free cutting steel bars India

  • EN1A round bar price

  • EN1A-L leaded steel for CNC

  • SAE 12L14 vs EN1A

  • EN1A steel welding compatibility

  • Precision machining steel grades

✅ Conclusion

EN1A carbon steel, both leaded and non-leaded, stands out as a cost-effective, highly machinable, free-cutting steel used across high-volume turning, CNC, and screw-machining applications. While the non-leaded (EN1A-NL) version meets general engineering needs, the leaded version (EN1A-L) offers superior chip control, faster cutting speeds, and better surface finishes.

With easy availability in various sizes and finishes from leading suppliers across India, EN1A is a top choice for industries focused on productivity, precision, and profitability.

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