TECHNICAL PARAMETERS:

DESCRIPTION:

Alloy 303 (UNS S30300) is a non-magnetic, austenitic, free-machining stainless steel that is a modification of the basic 10% chromium -8% nickel stainless steel specially designed to exhibit improved machinability while maintaining good mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties.

General Properties

Alloy 303 (UNS S30300) is an austenitic stainless steel developed for applications requiring extensive machining operations. The alloy has a sulfur addition which assists in breaking up turnings while reducing drag on the cutting tool when compared to the machining characteristics of the conventional 18-8 stainless steels.

The alloy is nonmagnetic in the annealed condition , but may become slightly magnetic as a result of cold working. The addition of sulfur negatively impacts the corrosion resistance of 303 making it less resistant than 304 to mildly corrosive environments.

Applications

Aerospace Parts

Fittings

Pump and Valve Components

Screw Machine Products

Standards

ASTM........A 895

Corrosion Resistance

Alloy 303 is resistant to mildly corrosive environments. However, the alloy’s corrosion resistance is inferior to 304 in most applications. Its corrosion resistance is superior to 416, another free-machining grade, but is somewhat inferior to other 400 series stainless steels which do not contain higher sulfur levels. In order to obtain optimal corrosion resistance, it is recommended that Alloy 303 be chemically treated to remove sulfides from the final surfaces.