AVZ - Lead Free Fast Steel

Excellent choice for precision mechanical small parts and high production speeds, with the advantage of being lead-free, making it suitable for industries with environmental and health restrictions

Chemical composition

11SMn37

ISO Standard

1.0736

L'AVZ (Lead Free Fast Steel)also known as 11SMn37, it is an automatic steel unplumbed with excellent workability, thanks to the high content of sulphur (S) which improves machinability.

It is an alternative to theAVP (11SMnPb37) when you want to avoid problems related to the presence of lead (Pb)for example in areas with environmental or regulatory restrictions such as food, medical and drinking water.

It is particularly suitable for precision mechanical small partswith diameters between 3 and 32 mm and lengths up to 250 mmas in your production.

Why use AVZ?

1
Excellent workability
- The sulphur content improves machinability and reduces tool wear.
- It allows machining at high speedsideal for CNC and automatic lathes.
- Good surface finish with no need for further treatment.
2
Ecological alternative to VPA
- Lead-freetherefore compatible with regulations ROHS and REACH.
- Suitable for applications where lead is banned (food, medical, plumbing).
3
Good mechanical resistance
- Similar to AVP, it can be used for mechanical components subject to moderate loads.
- It can be case-hardened to increase surface hardness.
4
Cheap and readily available
- Commercially available at an affordable price.
- Perfect for high-volume production.

Applications of small parts in AVZ

Mechanical and Automotive

- Pins, bushings, screws, spacers.
- Transmission components and shafts.
- Fasteners and hardware.
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Hydraulic and Pneumatic Sector

- Fittings, nipples, valve bodies.
- Plungers and components for compressed air systems.
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Food and Medical

- Components for industrial machinery without risk of lead contamination.
- Hardware for water treatment plants.
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Electronic and Electromechanical Sector

- Metal connectors, brackets and motor components.
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When to avoid AVZ?

If high corrosion resistance is required → Not stainless, so better AISI 303, 304 or 316 for wet or aggressive environments.

If high mechanical strength is required → Not suitable for high loads, in which case an alloyed or hardened and tempered steel is better.

If extreme workability is needed → The leaded AVP (11SMnPb37) is easier to work with than the AVZ.

If good weldability is required → Sulphur content reduces welding quality.

L'AVZ (11SMn37) is an excellent choice for mechanical small parts of precision and high production speedwith the advantage of being lead-freemaking it suitable for sectors with environmental and health restrictions. However, if you search maximum machinability, l'AVP (11SMnPb37) remains more performant.

AVZ (11SMn37) with galvanising treatment

L'AVZ (11SMn37) is a lead-free automatic steel, known for its excellent workability thanks to the presence of sulphur (S)which facilitates the formation of short chips and reduces tool wear. It is the version lead-free of theAVP (11SMnPb37)and is therefore more environmentally friendly and compliant with environmental regulations (ROHS and REACH).

However, the AVZ has a poor corrosion resistance, which is why it is often galvanised to protect it from oxidation and increase its durability in moderately aggressive environments.

Why use galvanised AVZ?

1
Excellent workability
- Easy to machine on CNC and automatic lathes at high speed.
- Short chip → Less tool wear and lower production costs.
- Good surface finish → Ideal for precision small parts.
2
Corrosion protection through galvanisation
- Protective barrier against oxidation and rust.
- Ideal for components exposed to moisture or weathering.
- Longer life than the untreated version.
3
Economical alternative to stainless steels
- Cheaper than theAISI 303, 304 and 316while offering surface protection.
- Excellent compromise between cost, workability and protection.
4
Compliant with environmental regulations
- Lead-free, therefore ROHS and REACH compliant.
- Suitable for applications in sectors where lead is banned (food, medical, plumbing).

Applications of galvanised AVZ hardware

Mechanical and Automotive

- Screws, bolts, bushings and pins for metal structures.
- Frame and support components subject to moderate corrosion.
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Hydraulics and Pneumatics

- Fittings, nipples and valves for low pressure systems.
- Connection parts for hydraulic and pneumatic circuits.
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Furnishing and Construction Sector

- Metal fittings and accessories for interior and exterior structures.
- Brackets and supports for furniture and light carpentry.
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Electromechanical Sector

- Pins and spacers for switchgear and metal structures.
- Structural components of electronic devices and machinery.
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When to avoid galvanised AVZ?

If higher mechanical strength is required → L'AVZ is softer than PR80 or PR70.

If extreme corrosion resistance is required → Galvanising helps, but is not comparable to the AISI 303, 304 or 316 stainless steel.

If it is necessary to weld the part → Weldability is poor and galvanising must be removed before welding.

If you work in environments with restrictions on galvanic coatings → Some sectors (food, medical) prefer alternatives without coatings such as stainless steel or technical polymers.

L'AVZ galvanised is an economical and versatile choice for small mechanical good workability and moderate corrosion protection. It is ideal for mechanical, hydraulic, building and furniture componentsbut it is not suitable for high stress or very aggressive environmentswhere the following are preferable PR70, PR80 or stainless steel.

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