303 Machinability Welding

Grade 303 stainless steel has excellent machinability. Machining can be enhanced by adhering to the following rules:

Cutting edges must be kept sharp. Dull edges cause excess work hardening. Cuts should be light but deep enough to prevent work hardening by riding on the surface of the material.

·Chip breakers should be employed to assist in ensuring swarf remains clear of the work

·Low thermal conductivity of austenitic alloys results in heat concentrating at the cutting edges. This means coolants and lubricants are necessary and must be used in large quantities.

The sulphur addition present in Grade 303 stainless steel results in poor weldability. If Grade 303 stainless steel must be welded the recommended filler rods or electrodes are grades 308L and 309 stainless steel tube. For maximum corrosion resistance, the welds must be annealed.