Machinability: 303 stainless steel is known for its excellent machinability due to the presence of sulfur and phosphorus, which act as free-machining agents. It can be easily machined using automatic screw machines, CNC machines, and other machining equipment.
Corrosion Resistance: 303 stainless steel is resistant to corrosion from acids, alkalis, and atmospheric corrosion. However, it is less corrosion-resistant than other austenitic stainless steels such as 304 and 316.
Strength: 303 stainless steel has moderate strength, making it suitable for applications that require moderate mechanical strength. It has a minimum tensile strength of 620 MPa and a minimum yield strength of 275 MPa.
Ductility: 303 stainless steel has good ductility, which means that it can be easily formed and shaped without cracking or breaking. This property makes it ideal for applications that require complex shapes or designs.
Weldability: 303 stainless steel is known for its good weldability, making it a popular choice for welding, brazing, and soldering. It can be welded using common welding techniques, such as TIG, MIG, and stick welding.
Magnetic Properties: 303 stainless steel is non-magnetic in the annealed condition but may become slightly magnetic after cold working.
% | Cr | Ni | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Mo | Fe |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
303 | min: 17.0 max:19.0 | min: 8.0 max: 10.0 | 0.15 max | 1.00 max | 2.0 max | 0.20 max | 0.15 min | 0.75 | balance |
Grade | Tensile Strength ksi (min.) | Yield Strength 0.2% Offset ksi (min.) | Elongation - % in 50 mm (min.) | Hardness (Brinell) MAX | Hardness (Rockwell B) MAX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
303 | 75 | 30 | 35 | 228 |
Denstiy lbm/in3 | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (min/in)-°F | Electrical Resistivity mW-in | Thermal Conductivity BTU/hr-ft-°F | Melting Range | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
at 68 °F | at 68 – 212°F | at 68 – 932°F | at 68 – 1450°F | at 68°F | at 212°F | at 392°F | at 752°F | at 1112°F | at 1472°F | at 68 – 212°F | |
0.29 | 9.2 | 10.4 | 10.9 | 28.3 | 30.7 | 33.8 | 39.4 | 43.7 | 47.6 | 113.2 | 2552°F |
Machined Components: 303 stainless steel is widely used in the manufacturing of machined components due to its excellent machinability. It is used in components such as screws, bolts, nuts, and bushings.
Aerospace: 303 stainless steel is used in the aerospace industry for its corrosion resistance and good strength-to-weight ratio. It is used in components such as aircraft fittings, shafts, and fasteners.
Medical Devices: 303 stainless steel is used in the medical industry for its corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. It is used in components such as surgical instruments, dental instruments, and medical implants.
Automotive: 303 stainless steel is used in the automotive industry for its corrosion resistance and good strength-to-weight ratio. It is used in components such as fuel injectors, sensors, and electrical connectors.
Food Processing: 303 stainless steel is used in the food processing industry for its corrosion resistance and non-reactivity with food. It is used in components such as conveyor systems, mixing equipment, and storage tanks.