Definition of Alloy steel 1215 | EN1A | 1.0715
Alloy steel 1215 , also called EN1A or 1.0715, is a free-machining low-carbon alloy steel. It contains added sulfur and phosphorus that make chips break easily during cutting, allowing faster CNC machining and smoother surface finishes. It is not heat-treatable to high strength but can be case-hardened or plated. CNC shops use it for high-volume turned parts like shafts, pins, screws, nuts, fittings, and bushings where machinability and cost matter more than ultimate strength.
Properties of CNC Machined Alloy steel 1215 | EN1A | 1.0715
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | |
| Ultimate tensile strength | 355 – 370 MPa |
| Yield strength | 230 MPa |
| Young’s modulus (modulus of elasticity) | 190 – 210 GPa |
| Elongation at break | 18 – 26 % |
| Physical Properties | |
| Corrosion resistance | Moderate |
| Magnetism | Magnetic |
| Weldability | Poor |
| Thermal Properties | |
| Thermal expansion coefficient | 11.5 – 13.9 × 10-6/ºC |
| Thermal conductivity | 51.9 W/(m⋅°C) |
| Electrical Properties | |
| Electrical resistivity | 17.4 μΩ*cm |
| Post Treatments | |
| Post-Processing | Cold working |
| Anodizing compatibility | Not suitable |
| Common Applications | |
| Marine engineering | Furnaces and gas turbines |
| Chemical processing plants | Boiler and pressure vessels |
| Nuclear power plants | |
Why Alloy steel 1215 | EN1A | 1.0715 Matters in CNC Workshops
- Fastest machining steel: 1215 cuts at higher speeds and feeds than most steels. Shorter cycle times mean more parts per shift and higher profit per machine.
- Excellent surface finish: The free-machining additives produce smooth, clean cuts right off the lathe. Less deburring and polishing saves labor time.
- High-volume repeat orders: Customers in automotive, furniture, and appliances order 1215 parts in large quantities. Steady volume keeps your lathes running full.
- Low material cost: 1215 is one of the cheapest steels available. Customers love the low price, and you keep healthy margins on machining time.
Surface Finishes for CNC Machined Alloy steel 1215 | EN1A | 1.0715
As-Machined
The default finish from CNC machining plastic stock (Delrin, nylon, HDPE, ABS). Visible linear tool path scallop marks across machined surfaces with a matte plastic sheen. No secondary operation suitable for functional components, jigs, fixtures, and internal parts where cosmetic appearance is secondary to dimensional accuracy.
Flame Polished
Quick post-fabrication process that passes a controlled flame over acrylic (PMMA) cut edges, melting the surface micro-layer to produce a crystal-clear, glossy, transparent edge. Fast and cost-effective for acrylic sheet edges produces optical clarity on cut borders without the labor of hand polishing. Ideal for display cases, signage, and acrylic enclosures.
Vapor Polished
Post-fabrication chemical process that exposes transparent plastic parts (acrylic, PC, PETG) to solvent vapor, melting and smoothing the surface micro-layer to dramatically improve optical clarity and gloss. Removes machining lines and produces crystal-clear transparent parts — essential for prototype lenses, light guides, display windows, fluidic chambers, and medical components requiring optical transparency.
Painted
Post-fabrication spray painting in any custom color (matte, satin, gloss, metallic) followed by screen printing or pad printing for logos, labels, buttons, and graphics. Applied over a primed plastic surface for uniform color and adhesion. Allows custom fabricated plastic parts to match production aesthetics widely used for control panels, instrument faces, enclosures, and marketing/showcase components requiring exact brand color and graphic printing.
Sanded
Post-fabrication sanding with progressively finer grit sandpaper (typically 240–600 grit) produces a uniform low-gloss matte non-reflective surface. Hides machining marks, scratches, and surface inconsistencies while providing a soft tactile feel. Used for HDPE, UHMW, and nylon components where a durable, non-glare, fingerprint-resistant matte appearance is desired for industrial and functional parts.
Heat Formed
Thermoforming process that heats plastic sheet (acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS) to its glass transition temperature and bends it over a form tool to create precise angles and curved shapes. Produces clean, smooth bend radii with consistent surface finish no tool marks at the bend. Used for display stands, guards, enclosures, signage, and custom fabricated parts requiring 3D formed shapes from flat sheet stock.
