Grade 12.9 Steel (class 12.9) is the highest common strength class, for high-load machine assembly. When hex flange nuts are specified in this grade, the dimensions remain per ISO 4161 / DIN 6923; the material determines corrosion behavior (requires plating or black-oxide protection) and the service temperature range (up to approx. +300 °C). Both are covered below with the size table.
Why Choose Grade 12.9 Steel for Hex Flange Nuts
The highest common strength class, for high-load machine assembly. For hex flange nuts, this matters when requires plating or black-oxide protection is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | class 12.9 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Magnetic |
| Service temperature | up to approx. +300 °C |
| Corrosion characteristic | Requires plating or black-oxide protection |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
For hex flange 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 Hex Flange 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 Hex Flange Nuts Available in Grade 12.9 Steel
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Flange diameter dc (mm) | Nut height m (mm) | Width across flats s (mm) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 | 0.8 | 11.8 | 5.0 | 8.0 | ISO 4161 / DIN 6923 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 14.2 | 6.0 | 10.0 | ISO 4161 / DIN 6923 |
| M8 | 1.25 | 17.9 | 8.0 | 13.0 | ISO 4161 / DIN 6923 |
| M10 | 1.5 | 21.8 | 10.0 | 15.0 | ISO 4161 / DIN 6923 |
| M12 | 1.75 | 26.0 | 12.0 | 18.0 | ISO 4161 / DIN 6923 |
| M14 | 2.0 | 29.9 | 14.0 | 21.0 | ISO 4161 / DIN 6923 |
| M16 | 2.0 | 34.5 | 16.0 | 24.0 | ISO 4161 / DIN 6923 |
| M20 | 2.5 | 42.8 | 20.0 | 30.0 | ISO 4161 / DIN 6923 |
| M24 | 3.0 | 51.1 | 24.0 | 36.0 | ISO 4161 / DIN 6923 |