Durable 303 Stainless Steel Round Rod Free-Machining Alloy Diameter 3 - 300mm Bright Bars

Products Specification

Durable 303 Stainless Steel Round Rod Free-Machining Alloy Diameter 3 - 300mm Bright Bars

The 303 stainless steel round rod, known for its superior machinability and corrosion resistance, is one of the most commonly used materials in precision machining and turning applications. Available in a wide diameter range from 3mm to 300mm, the 303 stainless steel bright bar is designed to meet the demands of industries where high-speed machining, ease of fabrication, and durable performance are required.

With its unique combination of free-machining properties and corrosion resistance, the 303 stainless steel round rod is the ideal choice for high-volume production of parts that need to withstand moderate environmental conditions while offering smooth finishes and precise tolerances. This product information page will explore the essential features, benefits, technical specifications, and applications of 303 stainless steel round rods in a variety of industries, from automotive and aerospace to medical equipment manufacturing.

1. Product Overview

The 303 stainless steel round rod is a free-machining grade of austenitic stainless steel, formulated specifically for ease of machining and turning. The addition of sulfur (S) to the alloy enhances chip-breaking and reduces cutting tool wear, enabling faster production times and smoother finishes. Its superior performance in automated machining operations makes it an excellent choice for precision components that require high accuracy and low friction.

Key Features of 303 Stainless Steel Round Rod

• Excellent machinability: Designed for high-speed machining with low tool wear

• Corrosion resistance: Suitable for mild to moderate environments

• Smooth bright finish: Attractive, high-quality surface for visible parts

• High dimensional stability: Consistent tolerances and precision

• Cost-effective production: Reduced machining time and fewer tool replacements

• Weldability: Moderate welding capability for certain applications

Typical Applications

• Precision turned parts: Shafts, pins, bushings, and gears

• Automotive components: Bolts, nuts, and fasteners

• Food processing equipment: Parts exposed to mild food environments

• Electronic enclosures: Housings and connectors

• Aerospace: Brackets, fittings, and non-critical parts

• Medical devices: Non-implantable components such as surgical tools and instruments

2. Chemical Composition

The 303 stainless steel round rod is primarily composed of iron, chromium, and nickel, with added sulfur for machinability. The alloy’s composition helps it resist corrosion in many environments while enabling high-performance machining capabilities. The chemical breakdown is shown in the table below.

Table 1: Chemical Composition of 303 Stainless Steel Round Rod

The key addition of sulfur (0.15-0.35%) makes 303 stainless steel especially well-suited for applications that require fast, efficient machining.

3. Mechanical Properties

The 303 stainless steel round rod offers a balance of strength and ductility that is suitable for a wide range of engineering applications. The following mechanical properties are based on annealed condition.

Table 2: Mechanical Properties of 303 Stainless Steel Round Rod

These properties make the 303 stainless steel round rod suitable for manufacturing components that require medium strength and resistance to deformation under load, such as fasteners, shafts, and pins.

4. Physical Properties

In addition to its mechanical characteristics, 303 stainless steel round rods also offer several beneficial physical properties, which make it well-suited for various industrial applications. The table below outlines the key physical properties.

Table 3: Physical Properties of 303 Stainless Steel Round Rod

These physical attributes are ideal for applications where the material will be subjected to moderate heat or mechanical stress but does not need to withstand extreme temperatures or corrosive environments.

5. Surface Finish Options

The 303 stainless steel round rod is available in different surface finishes to meet specific production requirements. Depending on the finish, this material can be used for both visible and functional parts.

Table 4: Available Surface Finish Options

These finishes help optimize 303 stainless steel for CNC machining, turning, and other processes, where surface quality and precision are essential.

6. Available Sizes and Tolerances

The 303 stainless steel round rod is offered in a wide range of diameters, from 3mm to 300mm, and is available in various lengths, with custom sizes available upon request. The bar stock is precision manufactured to meet tight tolerances and is suitable for both large-scale production and custom, small-batch applications.

Table 5: Standard Size Range and Tolerances

These size options make the 303 stainless steel round rod a versatile material for numerous applications, whether requiring standard sizes or custom lengths.

7. Applications

The 303 stainless steel round rod is widely used across various industries due to its machinability and corrosion resistance. It is especially favored for high-precision machining and manufacturing processes that demand fast production and consistent quality.

Industries and Applications

• Automotive: Fasteners, bolts, screws, and other precision components

• Aerospace: Non-critical fittings, brackets, and fasteners

• Medical Devices: Surgical instruments, tools, and medical equipment housings

• Electronics: Connectors, terminals, and enclosures for electronic devices

• Food Processing: Parts exposed to mild food environments, machinery components

• Marine: Non-corrosive parts for marine applications (for mild marine environments)

• General Manufacturing: Bearings, bushings, valve bodies, and other mechanical components

Commonly Machined Parts

• Shafts: Precision shafts for various mechanical systems

• Pins and Bushings: Parts used in mechanical assemblies that require a smooth surface and precise fit

• Fasteners: Bolts, screws, and nuts used in high-volume industrial applications

• Gears: Precision gears for mechanical systems that require high durability

• Housings and Enclosures: Casings for devices, machinery, and components that require corrosion resistance

8. Comparison with Other Stainless Steel Grades

While 303 stainless steel offers excellent machinability and corrosion resistance, it may not be suitable for applications requiring extreme corrosion resistance or high weldability. Here's a comparison with other popular stainless steel grades:

Table 6: Comparison Between 303, 304, and 316 Stainless Steel