What is AISI 303 stainless steel?

AISI 303 is an austenitic stainless steel, offering an excellent machinability and toughness, being the most readily machine-able of all austenitic grades of Stainless Steel. It’s corrosion resistance however, is weaken then that of type 304.

What type of material is 303?

Alloy 303 is a non-magnetic, austenitic stainless steel that is not hardenable by heat treatment. It is the free machining modification of the basic 18% chromium / 8% nickel stainless steel.

What is the hardness of 303 stainless steel?

AISI Type 303 Stainless Steel, annealed bar, tested at RT

Is 303 stainless weldable?

Generally 303 is considered unweldable due to free machining alloys added. Which great increase the risk of hot cracking. Any techniques used to eliminate hot cracking would also be useful in reducing the cracking chances on 303. Such as a convex weld bead.

Is 303 stainless steel machinable?

Stainless steel type 1.4305 is popularly known as grade 303 stainless steel. Grade 303 is the most readily machineable of all the austenitic grades of stainless steel. The machineable nature of grade 303 is due to the presence of Sulphur in the steel composition.

Is 303 stainless martensitic?

303 was developed as a free machining grade, and has by far the best machinability of all the 300 series austenitic stainless steels, and indeed has better machinability than most of the 400 series martensitic stainless steels with the exception of the free machining grades.

Is 303 or 304 harder?

303 stainless steel is specifically made for machining applications, whereas many 304 grades can be difficult to machine. This increased machinability will often make up for the increased cost, and the lowered toughness and corrosion resistance of 303.

Can 303 be welded?

Does 303 stainless steel rust?

Stainless steel in general is naturally corrosion resistant. However, type 303 has a composition that’s been altered to increase machinability, so it’s weakened to corrosion resistance compared with grade 304.

Is 303 stainless steel ductile?

Stainless Steel 303. Stainless 303 is the most easily machined of all the austenitic grades. Austenitic steels are highly ductile and have a tendency to work harden and form build up edges on the cutting tools. The addition of sulphur to the alloy improves its machinability but reduces its corrosion resistance.

Is 303 easier to machine than 304?

What is the composition of AISI 303 stainless steel?

Among wrought stainless steels, the composition of AISI 303 stainless steel is notable for containing comparatively high amounts of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr). Nickel is primarily used to achieve a specific microstructure. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on mechanical properties and certain types of corrosion.

What should the annealing temperature of AISI 303 be?

Recommended annealing temperatures for AISI 303 wrought stainless steel is 1040 °C (1900 °F). Typical forging temperature range is 925-1260 °C (1700-2300 °F), (C: 0.08%; S: 0.30%) Hardening: SS 303 cannot be hardened by heat treatment, but can be hardened by cold working.

What is the AISI number for stainless steel?

303 is the AISI designation for this material. S30300 is the UNS number. Additionally, the British Standard (BS) designation is 303S21. It has a moderately low embodied energy among the wrought austenitic stainless steels in the database. The properties of AISI 303 stainless steel include two common variations.

What is the minimum temperature for alloy 303?

Heat Treatment. Annealing — Heat to a minimum temperature of 1900°F (1038°C) and water quench or rapid cool by other means. Hardening— Alloy 303 cannot be hardened by thermal treatment, it can only be hardened by cold working.