303se stainless steel soft wire

Overview of 303Se Stainless Steel Alloy

Alloy 303Se is a free-machining stainless steel specifically designed to enhance machinability. This non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel is not hardenable through heat treatment. By replacing sulfur with selenium, this alloy achieves free-machining characteristics and offers improved formability compared to Alloy 303. The beneficial mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties of the lower-sulfur grade are maintained as much as possible.

Applications of 303Se Stainless Steel

303Se stainless steel is ideal for various applications, including:

• Medical Instruments
• Shafts
• Valves
• Fittings
• Intricate parts that require precision machining

As part of the Stainless Steel Soft Wire family, 303Se stainless steel soft wire is particularly valuable in manufacturing intricate components.

Chemical Composition

The typical chemistry of 303Se stainless steel includes:

• Carbon: 0.12 max
• Phosphorus: 0.120-0.170
• Selenium: 0.15-0.35
• Silicon: 1.00 max
• Nickel: 8.00-10.00
• Chromium: 17.00-19.00
• Manganese: 2.00 max
• Iron: Balance

Physical Properties

Key physical properties of 303Se include:

• Density: 0.283 lb/in³ (8.00 g/cm³)
• Electrical Resistivity: At 70°F: 433.0 ohm-cir-mil/ft
• Specific Heat: 0.12 BTU/lb-°F (0.5 J/g-°C) at 32-212°F (0-100°C)
• Thermal Conductivity: 112 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F (16.20 W/m•K) at 212°F (100°C)
• Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 9.3 µin/in-°F (16.7 µm/m-°C) from 68 to 392°F (20 to 200°C)
• Modulus of Elasticity: 28 x 10³ ksi (193 x 10³ MPa) in tension
• Melting Range: 2550-2590°F (1400-1420°C)

Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature

Annealed Properties

• Ultimate Tensile Strength: 75 KSI min (517 MPa min)
• Yield Strength: 25 KSI min (172 MPa min)
• Elongation: 35% min

Tempered Properties

303Se can be cold worked to various tempers. For more details on tempering and mechanical properties, please contact Ulbrich Shaped Wire Technical Service.

This alloy, particularly in its form as 303Se stainless steel soft wire, is an excellent choice for applications requiring exceptional machinability and corrosion resistance.