303 Stainless Steel Bar
303 stainless steel bars are a type of easily machinable austenitic stainless steel bars. The core feature is that excellent machining performance is achieved by adding sulfur (S) or selenium (Se), but at the expense of some corrosion resistance and weldability.
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Product Introduction

303 Stainless Steel Bar is a specialized free-machining austenitic stainless steel engineered specifically for high-speed machining applications requiring the combination of corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, and exceptional machinability. By incorporating sulfur (0.15-0.35%) and sometimes selenium or phosphorus additions, 303 achieves dramatically improved machinability compared to standard austenitic grades like 304, while maintaining the non-magnetic properties and general corrosion resistance of the 300 series. This grade represents the optimal solution for applications requiring extensive machining operations, complex turned parts, and high-volume production where machining efficiency directly impacts manufacturing costs and productivity.

Available in rounds, squares, hexagons, and flats, 303 stainless steel bar offers unparalleled machining performance—typically rated at 78% of B1112 steel machinability, compared to 40-50% for 304. The intentionally added inclusions create chip-breaking characteristics that facilitate faster machining speeds, reduced tool wear, and improved surface finishes. While its corrosion resistance is slightly reduced compared to 304 due to the sulfur additions, 303 remains suitable for most general-purpose applications where machining efficiency is paramount and extreme corrosion resistance is not required.

Product parameters


Item / Parameter

Specification for 303 Bar

Notes / Significance

Key Feature

The Premium Free-Machining Austenitic Stainless Steel Bar Stock. Sulfur/Se additions create chip-breaking inclusions that dramatically improve machinability for high-volume production of complex machined components.

The go-to choice when extensive machining operations are required on stainless steel bar components.

Common Designations

UNS S30300
AISI 303
ASTM A276 (Stainless Steel Bars)
EN 1.4305, X8CrNiS18-9
JIS SUS303
BS 303S31
Variants: 303Se (selenium)

Available as 303 (sulfur) or 303Se (selenium); selenium offers better corrosion resistance.

Chemical Composition (Typical wt.%)

C: ≤ 0.15
Cr: 17.0 - 19.0
Ni: 8.0 - 10.0
Mn: ≤ 2.00
Si: ≤ 1.00
P: ≤ 0.20
S: 0.15 - 0.35 (or Se: ≥0.15)
Key: Sulfur/selenium create MnS inclusions for chip breaking

Sulfur/selenium content is the defining characteristic enabling free-machining properties.

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength: ≥ 515 MPa
Yield Strength: ≥ 205 MPa
Elongation: ≥ 40%
Hardness: ≤ 201 HB
Machinability: 78% of B1112 steel

Good mechanical properties despite sulfur additions; machinability is the key advantage.

Physical Properties

Density: 7.87 g/cm³
Melting Range: 1399 - 1454 °C
Thermal Expansion: 17.2 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-100°C)
Thermal Conductivity: 16.3 W/m·K (100°C)
Non-magnetic when annealed

Similar to 304; slightly lower density due to composition differences.

Machining Characteristics

• Machinability Rating: 78% (vs 304: 45%)
• Surface Finish: Excellent
• Chip Formation: Short, broken chips
• Tool Life: 2-3× longer than with 304
• Cutting Speed: 20-30% faster than 304
• Feed Rates: Higher than 304

Enables faster production rates and lower tooling costs in machining operations.

Available Forms

Rounds: 6mm - 200mm diameter
Hexagons: 6mm - 75mm
Squares: 6mm - 100mm
Flats: Various sizes
Wire: For screw machine applications

Most commonly supplied as round bar for turning operations.

Surface Conditions

Hot Rolled: Black bar
Cold Drawn: Bright bar
Centerless Ground: Precision ground
Polished: For decorative applications
Peeled/Turned: Improved surface for machining

Bright cold drawn finish most common for machining applications.

Corrosion Resistance

Good general corrosion resistance but inferior to 304 due to sulfide inclusions. Not recommended for marine or severe chemical environments.

Suitable for most indoor applications, mild atmospheres, and non-critical applications.

Welding Characteristics

Poor weldability due to sulfur content
Hot cracking susceptibility
Generally avoided for welded construction
Limited to machined components

Usually used for machined parts without subsequent welding.

Special Variants

303Se: Selenium instead of sulfur
303Pb: Lead addition (rare)
303Cu: Copper addition for improved machinability
303Plus X: Enhanced machinability grades

Different variants offer trade-offs between machinability and corrosion resistance.

Key Standards

ASTM A276 303: Stainless Steel Bars
ASTM A581: Free-Machining Stainless Steel Wire
AMS 5640 (Aerospace)
EN 10088-3: Stainless Steel Bars
JIS G4303: Stainless Steel Bars

Widely standardized for quality assurance in machining applications.

Common Applications

• Screw Machine Parts: Bushings, spacers, fittings, connectors
• Valve Components: Valve bodies, stems, fittings, trim parts
• Fastener Systems: Machined nuts, bolts, screws, specialized fasteners
• Automotive: Fuel injection parts, transmission components, fittings
• Aerospace: Machined fittings, couplings, hydraulic components
• Medical: Surgical instrument housings, connector parts, device components
• General Engineering: Shafts, gears, precision turned parts, fixtures

Specifically selected where extensive machining is required on stainless steel components.

Surface selection

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Packaging and transportation

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FACTORY SHOW

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FAQ

Q:What about your price? 
A:Our price is very competitive because we are a factory. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in our products. 

Q:Can I go to your factory to visit?
A:Of course, we welcome customers from all over the world to visit our factory.

Q:What product information do I need to provide?
A:You need to provide the grade, width, thickness, coating and the number of tons you need to purchase. 

Q:Does the product have quality inspection before loading? 
A:Of course, all our products are strictly tested for quality before packaging, and unqualified products will be destroyed.we
accept the third party inspection absolutely. 

Q:How about the delivery time? 
A:Within 3-15 days after we confirm you requirement. 

Q:What is your terms of payment ?
A:T/T, L/C at sight, Cash, Western Union are all accepted if you have other payment,please contact me. 

Q: Do you provide samples? 
A:Yes,we could offer the sample for you to test but please pay freight fee.

Q:How do we trust your company? 
A:We are a specialized company focusing on global steel trading and supply chain services. Our mission is to provide high-quality, multi-specification, and one-stop steel products and solutions to customers worldwide.

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