303 stainless steel bright wire

Introduction to 303 Stainless Steel Bright Wire

303 stainless steel bright wire is a specialized free-machining grade engineered for superior machinability. This non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel bright wire features enhanced sulfur content to facilitate excellent machining characteristics. Unlike some other stainless steel wire types, it cannot be hardened through heat treatment. The wire maintains impressive mechanical properties and corrosion resistance while offering unique non-galling properties, making it ideal for applications requiring frequent assembly and disassembly.

Applications of 303 Stainless Steel Bright Wire

This versatile stainless steel bright wire excels in various applications:

• Precision medical instruments
• Industrial shafts
• High-performance valves
• Engineered fittings
• Complex machined components requiring precise tolerances

Chemical Composition and Properties

The 303 stainless steel bright wire features a carefully balanced composition:

• Chromium: 17.00-19.00%
• Nickel: 8.00-10.00%
• Sulfur: 0.150% min (for enhanced machinability)
• Carbon: 0.12% max
• Silicon: 1.00% max
• Manganese: 2.00% max
• Iron: Balance

Physical Characteristics

Key physical properties of 303 stainless steel bright wire include:

• Density: 8.00 g/cm³
• Melting Range: 2550-2590°F (1400-1420°C)
• Modulus of Elasticity: 28 x 10³ KSI (193 x 10³ MPa)
• Thermal Conductivity: 112 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F at 212°F
• Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 9.3 µin/in-°F (68-392°F)

These properties make 303 stainless steel bright wire the preferred choice for applications requiring excellent machinability and consistent performance in precision-engineered components.