Leaded Steel question

[SaturnVI]

Greetings:
I've been doing some CAD work on a company project. I talked to the guy who did the prototyping work and he suggested we go with a 12L14 grade steel due to its ease of machining. My question is, should I have any safty concerns with leaded steel? The parts shouldn't come directly into contact with any users after installation, but would be located in a home environment. Thanks.

 

[Carburize]

The finished leaded steel component is not dangerous but there are big problems in disposing of the machining swarf and cuttings which have to be segregated and treated as hazardous waste.

 

[SaturnVI]

Thanks for your quick response. Luckily, we won't have to deal with the manufacturing end of the steel accept for specifications and such.

 

[rd400guy]

The only thing that I would add is you might want to check on availablitly of leaded steel. Most steelmakers have stopped producing leaded grades, due to the environmental issues associated with lead. Because of this, you might end up paying extra dollars for the steel to save a few cents at machining. We've had inquiries on leaded steels, and even ended up making a "substitute" grade with high sulfur and selenium for machinability.

 

[strokersix]

The company I work for has a policy of not specifying leaded screw stock even for purchased parts. Apparently we are legally responsible for machining swarf produced while making parts we specify regardless of who makes the parts or where they are made.

I suggest you ask this question before specifying leaded stock.

 

[SaturnVI]

Thanks for your input. I'll keep this in mind when I send drawings off to the manufacturer.