Grade 303 is a type of stainless steel alloy that falls into the austenitic category. Stainless steel 303 hexagonal and square bars are popular materials used in various applications due to their excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. Here are some key points to know about these bars:
Stainless Steel 303 Hexagonal Bars
- 303 stainless steel hexagonal bars are made of chromium-nickel stainless steel with added sulfur and phosphorus to improve machinability and non-seizing properties.
- They are corrosion-resistant to atmospheric elements and many chemicals.
- The sulfur component in 303 stainless steel hexagonal bars helps improve turning breakup while simultaneously reducing cutting tool drag.
Stainless Steel 303 Square Bars
- 303 stainless steel square bars can resist scaling at up to 871°C[4].
- Compared to conventional stainless steel square bars, the sulfur component helps improve turning breakup and reduce cutting tool drag.
- Square bars made with 303 stainless steel are useful for parts that require sufficient corrosion resistance and need to be machined, ground, or polished.
Characteristics of Grade 303 Hexagonal and Square Bars
Corrosion Resistance:
Grade 303 stainless steel offers excellent resistance to many corrosive environments, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Machinability:
This grade is renowned for its superior machinability, making it a preferred choice for parts that require precision machining.
Good Weldability:
Grade 303 Bright Bars can be welded using conventional methods, allowing for flexibility in manufacturing processes.
Excellent Polishing Properties:
The bright finish of these bars makes them ideal for applications where aesthetics matter.
Common Applications:
Machined Components:
Due to its exceptional machinability, Grade 303 is often used in the production of intricate machined parts and components.
Fasteners:
It's a preferred material for screws, bolts, and nuts.
Shafts and Valves:
Grade 303 Bright Bars are suitable for applications where corrosion resistance and durability are crucial.
Architectural Use:
Thanks to its attractive appearance, this material is also utilized in architectural designs.
Manufacturing Process of Stainless Steel 303 Hexagonal and Square bars
Stainless steel 303 Hexagonal and Square bars are manufactured using various processes, including hot rolling, heat treatment, pickling, and cold drawing. The manufacturing process involves the following steps:
Melting:
The raw materials, such as scrap, ferroalloys, and fluxes, are melted in an electric arc furnace or an induction furnace. The molten metal is then refined and deoxidized to remove impurities and adjust the chemical composition. The sulfur content is increased to about 0.15% to enhance the machinability of the grade.
Casting:
The refined molten metal is cast into the required size ingots or billets by using a continuous casting machine or a semi-continuous casting method. The ingots or billets are then cooled and solidified.
Hot rolling:
The ingots or billets are reheated to a high temperature and then hot rolled into hexagonal or square bars. The hot working process reduces the cross-sectional area and increases the strength of the bars.
Annealing:
The bars are then subjected to a solution annealing treatment to restore the corrosion resistance and ductility of the grade and remove any stresses that may have been introduced during the hot rolling process.
Surface Treatment:
The solution Annealed bars undergo surface treatments like pickling or passivation. Pickling removes oxide scale, heat tint, and other surface contaminants that form during the Hot Rolling and Annealing. This improves the appearance of the stainless steel. Pickling promotes the passivation of stainless steel, which helps to create a protective oxide layer on the surface. This layer enhances corrosion resistance and prevents further oxidation.
Cold drawing:
The Surface treated bars are further reduced in size by cold drawing. The cold drawing process improves the surface finish and dimensional accuracy of the bars. It also increases the tensile strength and hardness of the bars but reduces the ductility and impact resistance.
Straightening:
The bars are straightened to ensure that they are straight and have the required straightness
Cutting & Chamfering:
The bars are then cut to the required length and chamfered as per the customer's requirements.
Finishing:
The bars are then polished to give them a bright and shiny finish.
Quality Control:
Quality checks are conducted to ensure that the hexagonal and Square bars meet the specified standards and tolerances. The final bars are tested and inspected for their mechanical properties, chemical composition, surface quality, and dimensions. They are also checked for any defects or cracks by ultrasonic testing methods.
Packaging:
The finished bars are coated with a protective material like Rust preventive oil to prevent corrosion then bars are placed in LDPE & HDPE to protect them during transportation and handling. Each bundle is labeled with essential information, such as the material grade, size, quantity, and order details. The packages are ready for shipment to the customer or storage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Grade 303 Bright Bars offer an excellent balance of corrosion resistance and machinability, making them a valuable material in various industries. When considering these bars for your project, be sure to assess your specific requirements and consult with Vishwa Stainless Pvt. Ltd. to determine the best material for your needs.
Vishwa is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of stainless steel Hexagonal and Square bars. We promise to offer the finest Quality. If you are looking for a reliable manufacturer of 303 Hexagonal and Square bars, then get in touch with Vishwa Stainless Pvt. Ltd. today.
For any product requirement, feel free to contact us at sales@vishwastainless.com or call us today at +91-7211124482
