303 Stainless Steel Flat Bar

The 303 stainless steel flat bar represents a specialized variant of the 304 grade, engineered specifically for enhanced machinability. As an 18/8 chromium stainless steel flat bar, it contains added sulfur to improve machining characteristics, making it ideal for automated production processes. While maintaining the basic austenitic properties, this stainless steel flat bar offers unique advantages for specific applications.

Key Features and Properties

Material Characteristics:

• Enhanced machinability due to sulfur content
• Non-magnetic austenitic structure
• Available in HRAP and cold drawn polished conditions
• Good oxidation resistance
• Excellent toughness (though lower than 304)

Processing Capabilities:

• Superior machining speeds
• Better finished productions
• Strengthening possible through cold working
• Good forming properties
• Non-galling and non-seizing characteristics

Applications and Uses

The 303 stainless steel flat bar excels in various applications:

Aviation Industry:

• Aircraft components
• Gears
• Shafts
• Machine parts

Industrial Components:

• Valves and valve trims
• Bushings
• Pump components
• Screw machine parts
• Architectural elements

Performance Considerations

When selecting 303 stainless steel flat bar, consider:

• Excellent for heavy machining operations
• Moderate corrosion resistance (less than 304)
• Susceptible to pitting in chloride environments
• Ideal for automated machining processes
• Perfect for applications requiring polishing or grinding

Supply Specifications

Available according to various international standards:

• ASTM
• JIS
• SAE
• BS
• UNS
• AS
• European specifications

This comprehensive range of properties makes 303 stainless steel flat bar the optimal choice for applications requiring superior machinability while maintaining moderate corrosion resistance. Its specific characteristics make it particularly valuable in automated manufacturing processes and precision engineering applications.