O/T Free machining Stainless steel

[GREG]

Can anyone recomend a brand or supplier for free machining SS in 303 or 304. Plate or flat bar , finish size is 4.5"x3"x0.25".

 

Thanks in advance

[Greg Williams]

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Can anyone recomend a brand or supplier for free machining SS in 303 or 304. Plate or flat bar , finish size is 4.5"x3"x0.25".

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Sorry but the terms, free machining and stainless steel never appear in the same sentance!

[Chris Rizzo]

Hmmm, sorry, don't know of any suppliers in Australia! If your looking for small pieces in a hurry there always is McMaster..

 

http://www.mcmaster.com/

 

 

[Greg Williams]

On a serious note,

 

Try Global Metals or Interloy we have used these before for 303 Grade

[DavidB]

Good 2 see another aussie

Im making awhole lot of parts in 304 s.s at the moment and i got the material from Bohler.

hope this helped.

 

[Keith Graydon]

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Sorry but the terms, free machining and stainless steel never appear in the same sentance!

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that would be the "L" series of Stainless. IE: 304L

[McRae]

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that would be the "L" series of Stainless. IE: 304L

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Point of Clarification,

 

In mild steel - 11L14 or similar, the "L" is indicative of Lead, which makes it easier to machine, as well, the sulphur and some of the other traces are increased all for the aim of improving machinability.

 

In Stainless Steels however, the "L" indiaction is used to specify "Low Carbon" which aids in the weldability of the metal. See also Sigma Phase Embrittlement. The proper definition is

 

XXX "L" Low Carbon (<0.03% as compaired to the normal <0.08%) for improved resistance to intergranular corrosion. The Metals Black Book, Ferrous Metals, 2nd Edition Volume 1 pg113.

 

[ 05-28-2003, 08:37 AM: Message edited by: Andrew McRae ]

[Philcott]

Greg,

 

We use "project 70" for free machining stainless steel. Try this link to have a look.Project 70+

 

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Sorry but the terms, free machining and stainless steel never appear in the same sentance!

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Give some of this S.S. a try and you may change your opinion. I have found this to be a pleasure to machine. It is more expensive but you make it up in time and insert savings.

 

Phil

[roy g. biv]

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We use "project 70" for free machining stainless steel. Try this link to have a look.Project 70+

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I second that. I turn alot of PH and 400 series SS and this stuff makes a big difference. Especially when it's heat treated.

[CAM-mando]

+1 on the Carpenter Project 70/ 70+.

 

Incidentally, I have found Carpenters Online quoting / ordering system to be pretty good and reasonable (not excessive minimums). Esp. for small quantities, sawcut pieces and the like.

 

[ 05-28-2003, 03:39 PM: Message edited by: CAMmando ]

[BernieT]

303 is considered a free machining SST and if possible get 303 SE, it is even easier to machine. 303 is supposed to machine at 70 - 75% of C1212. Sorry, not familiar with Project 70.

 

Good luck

[Philcott]

I believe I was told once that the cooling process is closly monitored to allow the grain structure to be more consistantly aligned which imparts fewer hard spots. We run much higher sfm and get longer tool life.

 

Hey Greg, where are you, sleeping?

 

 

Phil

[Greg Williams]

Hi,

 

I will have to be more carefull what I write! Project 70 looks like it may be usefull to me, Thanks for the heads up guys I will give it a go.

 

[ 05-28-2003, 05:33 PM: Message edited by: Budgie ]