Low-carbon and lead-free free-cutting steel

Sharp cutting, lead disposal and environmental contribution

Environmentally-responsive process and products of customers

Use of lead, an environmental load substance, is regulated by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and the End of Life Vehicles Directive (ELV) (lead ≦ 0.35%). Also, the increase in awareness of clean products has accelerated the use of lead-free free-cutting steel as a self-imposed restraint.

• Adding lead was previously inevitable to improve cutting capability. Cutting capability: chip treatment capability, cutting resistance, tool friction, roughness of surface, etc.

Clean free-cutting steel that controls MnS of inclusions in steel.

①Controls the deposition form of MnS and prevents the generation and growth on the tip of structure cutters.
②Achieves a smoother finish of cutting surface by controlling the generation and growth of MnS on the tip of structure cutters.

The developed steel controls the hard tip of structure cutters generated during the cutting process, and achieves a less rough, smooth cutting surface.

• Award history:
  2007 and 2011 Technology Development Award by the Japan Institute of Metals and Materials
  2009 Excellence Prize of the Monozukuri Nihon Grand Award