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. Alloy 303 was specially designed to exhibit improved machinability while maintaining good mechanical and corrosion resistant properties Due to the presence of sulfur in the steel composition, Alloy 303 is the most readily machineable austenitic stainless steel; however, the sulfur addition does lower Alloy 303’s corrosion resistance to below that of Alloy 304. Like other austenitic grades, Alloy 303 demonstrates excellent toughness, although the sulfur does reduce this a little as well.
Alloy 303 is frequently used in applications that require parts to be heavily machined. Some examples include:
Nuts and bolts
Aircraft fittings
Gears
Screws
Shafts
Electrical switchgear components
Bushings
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304 Stainless Steel
Grade 304 is the standard "18/8" stainless; it is the most versatile and most widely used stainless steel.
304L Stainless Steel
Alloy 304L a T-300 series stainless steel austenitic, which has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
309 Stainless Steel
Grade 309 stainless steel has high corrosion resistance and strength compared to 304 stainless steel.