ASTM EN GB Standard 303 Stainless Steel Precision Ground Bar for Mechanical Components

Products Specification

ASTM EN GB Standard 303 Stainless Steel Precision Ground Bar for Mechanical Components

The 303 stainless steel precision ground bar is a high-performance material widely utilized in the manufacturing of mechanical components that require high levels of accuracy, reliability, and strength. Adhering to international standards such as ASTM, EN, and GB, this precision-ground bar is designed for industries that demand excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, and consistent performance in demanding applications.

Manufactured using advanced grinding techniques, this product features tight tolerances and a smooth surface finish, making it ideal for high-speed CNC machining, turning, and automation processes. The 303 stainless steel ground bar offers a wide range of diameters and lengths, ensuring it meets the specific needs of a variety of mechanical component applications, from automotive and aerospace to electronics and industrial machinery.

This product description will cover the ASTM, EN, and GB standards it conforms to, its mechanical and physical properties, the manufacturing process, and key applications in different industries.

1. Product Overview

The 303 stainless steel precision ground bar is one of the most versatile materials in the machining world. It is part of the austenitic stainless steel family, known for its outstanding machinability, corrosion resistance, and durability. With the addition of sulfur (S), the alloy provides better chip breaking and less tool wear compared to other stainless steel grades, making it ideal for high-speed machining.

The 303 precision ground bar is compliant with ASTM A276, EN 10088-3, and GB/T 1220 standards, ensuring that it meets the quality and performance requirements for various industrial applications. It is available in a wide range of diameters, from 3mm to 100mm, and can be custom cut to any length required for your specific needs.

Key Features

• ASTM, EN, GB compliance for superior quality and consistency

• Precision ground surface for smooth machining with minimal defects

• Tight tolerances within ±0.05mm

• High machinability, designed for fast CNC turning and automatic lathing

• Corrosion resistance for mild to moderate environments

• Excellent dimensional stability, reducing part distortion

• Wide range of diameters (3mm – 100mm), with custom sizes available

Common Applications

• Automotive components: Fasteners, shafts, and valve bodies

• Aerospace parts: Brackets, fittings, and fasteners

• Industrial machinery: Bearings, pins, and bushings

• Medical devices: Surgical tools and non-implantable components

• Electronics: Connectors, terminals, and enclosures

• Marine applications: Parts for light marine environments

2. Chemical Composition

The 303 stainless steel precision ground bar is composed of a variety of elements that give it its characteristic properties. Its high chromium content ensures resistance to oxidation and corrosion, while sulfur is added to improve machinability by breaking up chips and reducing friction during the cutting process.

Table 1: Chemical Composition of 303 Stainless Steel

The presence of sulfur (S) in particular enhances the machinability of the 303 stainless steel, making it a favored material for automatic machining processes.

3. Mechanical Properties

The 303 stainless steel precision ground bar combines high strength with excellent machinability. It has a wide range of mechanical properties that make it suitable for precision components that will undergo machining, turning, or threading.

Table 2: Mechanical Properties of 303 Stainless Steel Precision Ground Bar

These values show that 303 stainless steel offers medium to high strength while maintaining sufficient ductility and elongation for reliable performance under load. The material's moderate hardness also allows it to maintain its integrity during high-speed machining without excessive wear on tools.

4. Physical Properties

The physical properties of 303 stainless steel precision ground bars ensure consistent behavior during machining and under operational conditions.

Table 3: Physical Properties of 303 Stainless Steel Precision Ground Bar

These properties ensure that the material can withstand moderate to high temperatures and remain dimensionally stable during production and operational use. The thermal conductivity value indicates good heat transfer characteristics, which is important for components subjected to heating and cooling cycles.

5. Precision Ground Surface

The 303 stainless steel precision ground bar undergoes a centerless grinding process to achieve tight dimensional tolerances and smooth finishes. This process minimizes surface defects and ensures uniform roundness and straightness, making the material ideal for parts that require high accuracy.

Table 4: Surface Characteristics of Precision Ground Bars

The superior surface finish and tight tolerances make it easier to machine the bar into final products with high dimensional accuracy and smooth finishes.

6. Available Sizes and Lengths

The 303 stainless steel precision ground bar comes in a variety of diameters and lengths to meet the needs of different applications. It can also be custom-sized for specific projects.

Table 5: Available Size Range

This flexibility in size options ensures that the material is suitable for both small-scale and large-scale manufacturing processes, with precise length cuts available for ease of use in production.

7. Applications

The 303 stainless steel precision ground bar is used in a variety of industries that require high-quality mechanical components with tight tolerances. Some of the most common applications include:

Common Applications

• Automotive Industry: Fasteners, valve bodies, and engine components

• Aerospace Industry: Fittings, structural components, and brackets

• Medical Devices: Surgical tools, non-implantable components, and medical instrumentation

• Industrial Equipment: Bearings, gears, pins, and shafts

• Electronics Industry: Connectors, terminals, and electrical enclosures

• Marine Industry: Fittings and hardware for light-duty marine applications

The 303 stainless steel precision ground bar is also used in the production of precision shafts, pins, and bushings, components that require a smooth surface and high dimensional stability.

8. Comparison With Other Stainless Steel Grades

When comparing 303 stainless steel with other grades like 304 or 316, the main advantage of 303 is its superior machinability due to the added sulfur. However, it may not offer the same level of corrosion resistance as 316 or 304. Below is a comparison:

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

For high-speed machining projects, 303 stainless steel remains the ideal choice due to its machinability and cost-effectiveness.

9. Quality Assurance & Certifications

The 303 stainless steel precision ground bar is manufactured in compliance with industry standards and undergoes a series of rigorous tests to ensure that it meets the necessary mechanical, physical, and dimensional specifications.

• ASTM A276, EN 10088-3, GB/T 1220 compliance

• Tensile and yield strength testing

• Dimensional inspection: Roundness, straightness, and tolerance checks

• Surface quality: Visual and roughness assessment

Certifications

• Mill Test Report (MTR) available upon request

• ISO 9001 certification for quality management

• RoHS and REACH compliance for environmental standards

10. Packaging and Shipping

For safe transport, the 303 stainless steel precision ground bar is securely packaged in anti-rust paper, plastic sleeves, or wooden crates to avoid damage during shipping. Custom lengths can be cut to size and shipped via sea, air, or express courier depending on the order size.

11. Why Choose Our 303 Stainless Steel Precision Ground Bar?

• Superior machinability with tight tolerances

• Corrosion resistance suitable for most industrial environments

• Cost-effective for high-volume machining projects

• Reliable and consistent material quality compliant with international standards

• Custom sizes and lengths available to meet your specific project requirements

Choose the 303 Stainless Steel Precision Ground Bar for your next high-speed machining project, and ensure the reliability and performance of your mechanical components.