Free Cutting

Free Cutting Steel – Precision, Efficiency & High-Quality Machinability

At Midland Bright Steels, we supply high-quality free cutting steel, the preferred choice for turned parts and lightly stressed components where machinability, surface finish, and production efficiency are critical. Designed for fast, clean machining, free cutting steel is widely used in automotive, engineering, and manufacturing industries where precision and consistency matter.

We stock free cutting steel in a variety of forms, including:
Flats – Ideal for components requiring excellent surface finish and precision machining
Squares – Used in machining applications where consistent tolerances are needed
Diameters (Rounds) – A popular choice for fast-turning operations and high-speed machining
Hexagons – Used for fasteners, connectors, and precision-engineered parts

With no minimum order quantity, we cater to both small-batch production and large-scale industrial supply, ensuring that you get the right material, on time, every time.

What is Free Cutting Steel?

Also known as free machining steel, is a type of carbon steel that contains higher levels of sulfur, phosphorus, or lead, enhancing its ability to be cut quickly and accurately with minimal tool wear. The result is improved machining speed, reduced tool costs, and a superior surface finish on the final product.

This makes it the go-to material for manufacturers who require:
High-speed machining with minimal tool wear
Superior surface finish without additional processing
Improved productivity and reduced cycle times
Precision components with tight tolerances

Steel Grades & Standards

At Midland Bright Steels, we stock the most commonly used free cutting steel grades, including:

• BS 970 Specification: 230M07 (available in leaded or unleaded options)
• European Standard: 11SMn30 and 11SMnPb30
• American AISI/SAE Equivalent: 1215, 12L14

Each grade is carefully selected to provide optimal machinability and surface finish, ensuring that your manufacturing process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Common Applications

Due to its exceptional machining properties, free cutting steel is widely used in:

Turned Parts & Components – Ideal for automatic lathes and CNC machining
Fasteners & Fixings – Bolts, screws, nuts, and threaded components
Hydraulic & Pneumatic Components – Precision-machined fittings and couplings
Shafts & Pins – Used in mechanical and automotive applications
Gears & Connectors – Ensuring smooth operation and durability

Whether you need high-volume production or one-off custom components, our free cutting steel ensures efficient machining and consistent quality in every batch.