Composition and Properties of 303 Stainless Steel

Have you ever been curious about 303 stainless steel, wondering how its composition determines its unique characteristics? If you’re intrigued by this question, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’ll delve deep into the mysterious world of 303 stainless steel, unveiling the composition and properties of 303 stainless steel.

Composition of 303 Stainless Steel

The chemical composition of 303 stainless steel is as follows:

1. Carbon (C): Max 0.15%
2. Silicon (Si): Max 1.00%
3. Manganese (Mn): Max 2.00%
4. Phosphorus (P): Max 0.20%
5. Sulfur (S): Min 0.15%, Max 0.35%
6. Chromium (Cr): Min 17.00%, Max 19.00%
7. Nickel (Ni): Min 8.00%, Max 10.00%

In addition to these elements, 303 stainless steel may also contain trace amounts of copper (Cu), nitrogen (N), iron (Fe), and other elements. Adding sulfur to the composition gives 303 stainless steel excellent machinability, but it also reduces its corrosion resistance in some environments.

Physical Properties of 303 Stainless Steel

The physical properties of 303 stainless steel are as follows:

1. Density: The density of 303 stainless steel is approximately 8.03 g/cm³ (0.290 lb/in³).
2. Melting Point: The melting point of 303 stainless steel is approximately 1398-1420 °C (2550-2590 °F).
3. Thermal Conductivity: The thermal conductivity of 303 stainless steel at room temperature is approximately 16.3 W/(m*K).
4. Electrical Conductivity: The electrical conductivity of 303 stainless steel at room temperature is approximately 2.1% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard).
5. Specific Heat: The specific heat of 303 stainless steel at room temperature is approximately 500 J/(kg*K).
6. Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: The coefficient of thermal expansion of 303 stainless steel at room temperature is approximately 17.3 μm/m·K.

It should be noted that the physical properties of 303 stainless steel may vary depending on the specific manufacturing process used, temperature, and the environment in which it is used.

Mechanical Properties of 303 Stainless Steel 

The mechanical properties of 303 stainless steel are as follows:

1. Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of 303 stainless steel ranges from 500 to 750 MPa (72.5 to 109 ksi).
2. Yield Strength: The yield strength of 303 stainless steel ranges from 190 to 310 MPa (28 to 45 ksi).
3. Elongation: The elongation of 303 stainless steel is typically around 40% at a 50 mm (2 inch) gauge length.
4. Hardness: The hardness of 303 stainless steel typically ranges from 187 to 229 Brinell hardness.
5. Elastic Modulus: The elastic modulus of 303 stainless steel is approximately 200 GPa (29,000 ksi).

It should be noted that the mechanical properties of 303 stainless steel can vary depending on factors such as heat treatment, cold working, and the specific manufacturing process used. Generally, 303 stainless steel has moderate strength and good ductility, making it suitable for applications that require good machinability and moderate mechanical properties.

More about 303 Stainless Steel

303 stainless steel is also known as AISI 303 or UNS S30300 stainless steel. It may also be known as “X10CrNiS18-9” in some European countries, which is the equivalent EN standard for this material. 303 stainless steel is a free-machining austenitic stainless steel that contains sulfur, which improves its machinability.

It is typically used in applications that require extensive machining, such as nuts, bolts, and fittings. In addition, it has good corrosion resistance and is suitable for mildly corrosive environments. Certain manufacturers or distributors may use other common or trade names for 303 stainless steel, but the material is commonly referred to in the industry as AISI 303 or UNS S30300 stainless steel.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our article and we hope it can help you to have a better understanding of the composition and properties of 303 Stainless Steel. If you want to find more information about 303 Stainless Steel, we’d advise you to visit Sino Stainless Steel.

As a top supplier of stainless steel products across the world, Sino Stainless Steel provides customers with high-quality products such as 309 Hot Rolled Stainless Steel Plates, 303 Stainless Steel Bar, 301 Cold-rolled Stainless Steel Coils, 430 Hot-rolled Stainless Steel Coils, 409 and 409L Cold-rolled Stainless Steel Coils, Stainless Steel Angles, and Stainless Steel Channels at a very competitive price.