1214 is a free-cutting structural steel. Free-cutting steel is easily machined (for turning, milling, drawing, planing, drilling, etc.). It is also known as steel for automatic machine tools, or simply automatic steel. It was developed to accommodate automated machining and assembly line production. This type of steel can be cut at higher cutting speeds and deeper cuts. Furthermore, the addition of free-cutting elements to the steel reduces cutting resistance, and the inherent properties of the added elements and the resulting compounds lubricate the tool edge, making chips easier to break and reducing wear. This improves the finish and precision of the machined parts, increasing tool life and production efficiency.