303 Stainless Steel (UNS S30300) Supplier

Properties and Appearance

303 Stainless Steel is an austenitic stainless steel alloy combining toughness whilst being the most readily machinable of all austenitic steels. 303 Stainless Steel comprises 17-19% chromium, 8 – 10% nickel with the balance from iron and small percentages of other elements.

303 stainless steel typically has a bright, silvery-grey appearance, like other stainless steel alloys. It is easily machined, allowing for fast production rates and improved tool life. It provides good corrosion resistance to mild environments, such as atmospheric conditions, fresh water, and mild chemicals, although less resistant compared to other austenitic stainless steel grades like 304 and 316.

In common with other austenitic steels, 303 can be subject to corrosion cracking in some hotter chloride environments. 303 stainless steel contains added sulfur, which aids in improving its machinability however this can reduce its corrosion resistance and weldability. It is non-magnetic in both annealed and cold-worked conditions and has good heat resistance up to temperatures of around 760°C (1400°F).

Machinability

303 steel machinability can be enhanced by keeping cutting edges sharp and keeping cuts light but deep. Use chip breakers and coolants and lubricants in large quantities. Type 303 cannot be hardened by heat treatment. Use solution treatment or anneal by rapid cooling after heating to 1010-1120°C. Grade 303 stainless steel has poor weldability. Use filler rods or electrodes of grades 308L and 309. Anneal welds for maximum corrosion resistance. Hot working is by uniformly heating to 1149-1260°C before forging. Rapidly cool to ensure maximum corrosion resistance. Cold working is difficult and we do not recommend sharp bends.

Applications

303 stainless steel is widely used in applications that require excellent machinability, such as precision machined parts, shafts, and fittings. Examples of uses include:

• Aircraft fittings
• Bushings
• Couplings
• Electrical switches
• Firearms
• Food processing equipment
• Gears
• Nuts and bolts
• Pump shafts
• Screws
• Shafts
• Valves

Formats supplied:

Vulcan Metal Group supplies Stainless Steel Grade 303 in sheet, bar, plate, strip, forgings, wire, coil, rod, welding rod, tube, pipe and extrusion formats.
Custom machined and finished parts supplied to print.
Please contact us for a quote or more on how Vulcan Metal Group can help your business.