Property Class 12.9 Steel (ISO 898-1 property class 12.9) is the highest common strength class, for high-load machine assembly. When cap (acorn) nuts are specified in this grade, the dimensions remain per DIN 1587; the material determines corrosion behavior (requires plating or black-oxide protection) and the service temperature range (commonly limited to approx. +300 °C; confirm against the coating and the load). Both are covered below with the size table.
Why Choose Property Class 12.9 Steel for Cap (Acorn) Nuts
The highest common strength class, for high-load machine assembly. For cap (acorn) nuts, this matters when requires plating or black-oxide protection is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ISO 898-1 property class 12.9 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Magnetic |
| Service temperature | commonly limited to approx. +300 °C; confirm against the coating and the load |
| Corrosion characteristic | Requires plating or black-oxide protection |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
For cap (acorn) nuts in steel, the dominant compatibility issue is hydrogen embrittlement at high property classes (10.9 and above) when electroplated. Plating must be followed by an appropriate baking treatment, or a non-electroplated finish (mechanical zinc, zinc flake) should be substituted.
Comparable Grades
For Cap (Acorn) Nuts, class 8.8 is the comparable strength step. Move up when the joint preload approaches the proof load of the current class; move down when the joint is over-specified. For corrosion-critical service, switch to stainless A2 or A4.
Sizes of Cap (Acorn) Nuts Available in Property Class 12.9 Steel
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Width across flats s (mm) | Width across corners e min (mm) | Total height m (mm) | Dome diameter (mm) | Reference standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 | 0.7 | 7.0 | 7.66 | 8.0 | 7.0 | DIN 1587 | Closed-end domed cap nut, decorative / protective |
| M5 | 0.8 | 8.0 | 8.79 | 10.0 | 8.0 | DIN 1587 | Closed-end domed cap nut, decorative / protective |
| M6 | 1.0 | 10.0 | 11.05 | 12.0 | 10.0 | DIN 1587 | Closed-end domed cap nut, decorative / protective |
| M8 | 1.25 | 13.0 | 14.38 | 15.0 | 13.0 | DIN 1587 | Closed-end domed cap nut, decorative / protective |
| M10 | 1.5 | 17.0 | 18.90 | 18.0 | 17.0 | DIN 1587 | Closed-end domed cap nut, decorative / protective |
| M12 | 1.75 | 19.0 | 21.10 | 22.0 | 19.0 | DIN 1587 | Closed-end domed cap nut, decorative / protective |
| M16 | 2.0 | 24.0 | 26.75 | 28.0 | 24.0 | DIN 1587 | Closed-end domed cap nut, decorative / protective |
| M20 | 2.5 | 30.0 | 33.53 | 34.0 | 30.0 | DIN 1587 | Closed-end domed cap nut, decorative / protective |

