Free Cutting Stainless Steel
303Cu, 303F, 316F, 316L, 316, 304L, 304F and 0Cr17Mo2S for shafts, bolts, valves, bushings and precision machined parts
Hara Metal supplies free cutting stainless steel bars for industrial applications that require improved machinability, stable surface quality and dependable corrosion resistance. This category is suitable for automatic machining, precision parts and stainless applications where easier cutting performance helps improve production efficiency.
and other grades
Product Details
Characteristics:
Free-cutting stainless steels, a type of free cutting steel, offer superior machinability due to added elements, but often have slightly reduced corrosion resistance compared to standard stainless steel grades.
Application:
They are ideal for high-volume production of intricate parts, fasteners, certain medical devices, and general machined parts where ease of machining is more important than maximum corrosion resistance.
Characteristics:
303Cu stainless steel is an austenitic, easy-to-cut stainless steel and wear-resistant acid steel. In order to improve the performance of the steel, Cu element and a small amount of sulfur and phosphorus are added to make it easier to cut than 304. It is used for products that mainly require easy cutting and Occasions with high appearance and brightness.
Application:
Mainly used to produce standard parts that have strict requirements on dimensional accuracy and smoothness but relatively low mechanical performance requirements, such as gears, shafts, bolts, valves, bushings, pins, and machine tool screws.
Product specifications
| Specification range | Tensile strength Rm | Hardness |
| ≥Φ1 | 515~965 | HRC≤26.0 |
| Tolerance | The outer diameter tolerance can reach ≤0.04mm |
| Surface roughness | The drawing rod can reach ≤Ra0.6, the grinding rod can reach ≤Ra0.3, and there are no trachoma, threads or scratches on the surface. |
| Straightness | Bar length ≤3m, straightness up to 400mm≤0.04mm |
Characteristics:
303/303F stainless steel is an austenitic, easy-to-cut stainless, wear-resistant acid steel. In order to improve the performance of the steel, no more than 0.60% molybdenum can be added to the steel to resist ablation.
Application:
Used in situations where easy cutting and high surface finish are required. It is most suitable for processing industrial equipment such as bolts, nuts, and atomic energy. It is also used for household products, auto parts, medical equipment, building materials, agriculture, ship parts, etc.
Product specifications
| Specification range | Tensile strength Rm | Hardness |
| ≥Φ1 | 575~985 | HRC≤28.0 |
| Tolerance | The outer diameter tolerance can reach ≤0.04mm |
| Surface roughness | The drawing rod can reach ≤Ra0.6, the grinding rod can reach ≤Ra0.3, and there are no trachoma, threads or scratches on the surface. |
| Straightness | Bar length ≤3m, straightness up to 400mm≤0.04mm |
Characteristics:
Added Mo, its corrosion resistance, atmospheric corrosion resistance and high temperature strength are particularly good. Its corrosion resistance to seawater and various corrosive media is better than SUS304 steel. It also has good anti-rust properties and can be used in harsh environments. It is used under certain conditions and has a high sulfur content, so it is easy to turn and process, and has a good finish.
Application:
Suitable for petroleum, electronics, chemical industry, medicine, textile, food, machinery, construction, nuclear power, aerospace, military industry and other industries.
Product specifications
| Specification range | Tensile strength Rm | Hardness |
| ≥Φ1 | 525~925 | HRC≤25.0 |
| Tolerance | The outer diameter tolerance can reach ≤0.04mm |
| Surface roughness | The drawing rod can reach ≤Ra0.6, the grinding rod can reach ≤Ra0.3, and there are no trachoma, threads or scratches on the surface. |
| Straightness | Bar length ≤3m, straightness up to 400mm≤0.04mm |
Characteristics:
The structural characteristics of 316L are austenitic stainless steel. Because the steel contains Mo, the overall performance of this steel is better than that of 304 stainless steel, and the carbon content is lower than that of 316 steel. It has better resistance to intergranular corrosion. 316L stainless steel also has Good resistance to chloride attack and good welding performance, can be welded using all standard welding methods.
Application:
Suitable for use in chemical industry, chemical fiber, chemical fertilizer, dyeing equipment, film processing equipment, pipelines, exterior materials of buildings in coastal areas, as well as watch bracelets, watch cases, etc. It is also used in seawater equipment, dyes, papermaking, Production equipment such as oxalic acid is used as an important corrosion-resistant material.
Product specifications
| Specification range | Tensile strength Rm | Hardness |
| ≥Φ1 | 525~900 | HRC≤25.0 |
| Tolerance | The outer diameter tolerance can reach ≤0.04mm |
| Surface roughness | The drawing rod can reach ≤Ra0.6, the grinding rod can reach ≤Ra0.3, and there are no trachoma, threads or scratches on the surface. |
| Straightness | Bar length ≤3m, straightness up to 400mm≤0.04mm |
Characteristics:
316 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel with the addition of Mo element, which greatly improves its corrosion resistance and high temperature strength. It can withstand high temperatures up to about 1300°( and can be used under harsh conditions. It has good welding performance and corrosion resistance better than 304 stainless steel.
Application:
Mainly used in seawater applicable equipment, chemicals, dyes, papermaking, etc. In 2013, it was also used in the field of solenoid valves, mainly used in shells, clamps, balls, valve bodies, valve seats, nuts, valve stems, etc.
Product specifications
| Specification range | Tensile strength Rm | Hardness |
| ≥Φ1 | ≤650 | HV≤255 |
| Tolerance | The outer diameter tolerance can reach ≤0.04mm |
| Surface roughness | The drawing rod can reach ≤Ra0.6, the grinding rod can reach ≤Ra0.3, and there are no trachoma, threads or scratches on the surface. |
| Straightness | Bar length ≤3m, straightness up to 400mm≤0.04mm |
Characteristics:
304L stainless steel rod is a basic austenitic steel type, ultra-low carbon stainless steel, with all the characteristics of 304 stainless steel. It is a variant of 304 stainless steel. The lower carbon content causes the carbides to precipitate in the heat affected zone close to the weld. Reduced to a minimum, it can maintain good corrosion resistance, deep drawing properties, and excellent polishability after welding or stress relief.
Application:
Used for instruments and equipment in chemical, coal and petroleum environments with high resistance to intergranular corrosion, open-air decorative materials, heat-resistant parts and parts with difficult heat treatment.
Product specifications
| Specification range | Tensile strength Rm | Hardness |
| ≥Φ1 | 555~945 | HRC≤26.0 |
| Tolerance | The outer diameter tolerance can reach ≤0.04mm |
| Surface roughness | The drawing rod can reach ≤Ra0.6, the grinding rod can reach ≤Ra0.3, and there are no trachoma, threads or scratches on the surface. |
| Straightness | Bar length ≤3m, straightness up to 400mm≤0.04mm |
Characteristics:
304F stainless steel rods are easier to machine than 304 by adding a small amount of sulfur and phosphorus. Other properties are similar to 304. In order to improve the performance of the steel, no more than 0.60% molybdenum can be added to the steel. It has high It has excellent corrosion resistance, high plasticity and toughness at low temperature, room temperature and high temperature, as well as good cold forming and weldability. It has poor machinability and cannot be strengthened by heat treatment. 304F stainless steel rods are widely used, and 304 is almost the same, it is the best among stainless steel materials, and compared with 316 stainless steel rods, its cost performance is also very high.
Application:
Widely used in industrial equipment such as food, chemical industry, atomic energy, and household products. It is also used in auto parts, medical equipment, building materials, agriculture, and ship parts. It is very suitable for automatic lathes, bolts, and nuts.
Product specifications
| Specification range | Tensile strength Rm | Hardness |
| ≥Φ1 | 575~985 | HRC≤28.0 |
| Tolerance | The outer diameter tolerance can reach ≤0.04mm |
| Surface roughness | The drawing rod can reach ≤Ra0.6, the grinding rod can reach ≤Ra0.3, and there are no trachoma, threads or scratches on the surface. |
| Straightness | Bar length ≤3m, straightness up to 400mm≤0.04mm |
Characteristics:
0Cr17Mo25 is a soft magnetic and easy-cut stainless steel, which is customized and produced according to customer requirements. Compared with other steels for solenoid valves, this steel type has a higher Mo content and better corrosion resistance.
Application:
Mainly used in solenoid valves and other related products.
Product specifications
| Specification range | Tensile strength Rm | Hardness |
| ≥Φ1 | ≤480 | HRB≤100 |
| Tolerance | The outer diameter tolerance can reach ≤0.04mm |
| Surface roughness | The drawing rod can reach ≤Ra0.6, the grinding rod can reach ≤Ra0.3, and there are no trachoma, threads or scratches on the surface. |
| Straightness | Bar length ≤3m, straightness up to 400mm≤0.04mm |
| Free Cutting Stainless Steel | ||||||||||
| Material | Chemical composition (mass fraction) % | |||||||||
| C | Si | Mn | P | S | Ni | Cr | Mo | Cu | Pb | |
| 303CU | <0.15 | <1.0 | <3.0 | <0.200 | ≥0.15 | 08.00~10.00 | 17.00~19.00 | —— | 1.50~3.50 | —— |
| 303F | ≤0.15 | ≤1.0 | ≤2.0 | ≤0.200 | ≥0.15 | 08.00-10.00 | 17.00-19.00 | ≤0.6 | —— | —— |
| 316F | ≤0.08 | ≤1.0 | ≤2.0 | ≤0.045 | ≥0.10 | 10.00～14.00 | 16.00~18.00 | 2.00～3.00 | —— | —— |
| 316L | ≤0.03 | ≤1.0 | ≤2.0 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.03 | 10.00～14.00 | 16.00~18.00 | 2.00～3.00 | —— | —— |
| 316 | ≤0.08 | ≤1.0 | ≤2.0 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.03 | 10.00～14.00 | 16.00~18.00 | 2.00～3.00 | —— | —— |
| 304L | ≤0.03 | ≤1.0 | ≤2.0 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.03 | 08.00～12.00 | 18.00~20.00 | —— | ≤0.50 | —— |
| 304F | ≤0.08 | ≤1.0 | ≤2.5 | ≤0.035 | —— | 08.00～11.00 | 15.00~18.00 | —— | —— | —— |
| 0Cr17Mo2S | —— | —— | —— | —— | —— | —— | —— | —— | —— | —— |
What Is Free Cutting Stainless Steel?
Free cutting stainless steel is a type of stainless steel designed to improve machinability by adding specific alloying elements that help reduce cutting resistance and improve processing efficiency. It is suitable for applications that require easier machining, good surface finish and practical corrosion resistance in industrial production.
Available Free Cutting Stainless Steel Grades
Hara Metal supplies key free cutting stainless steel grades including 303Cu, 303F, 316F, 316L, 316, 304L, 304F and 0Cr17Mo2S, with additional grades available on request. These grades are selected for different industrial uses based on machinability, corrosion resistance, surface finish and application requirement.
Why Choose Free Cutting Stainless Steel from Hara Metal?
- Improved machinability for faster and more efficient processing
- Suitable for automatic machining and precision part production
- Better surface finish for selected applications
- Stainless steel performance with easier cutting characteristics
- Tight dimensional tolerance up to ≤0.04 mm
- Surface roughness up to Ra0.6 for drawn bars and Ra0.3 for ground bars
- Straightness control for precision applications
Grade | Best For | Key Strength | Notes |
303Cu | Precision parts, shafts, bolts, valves, bushings | Easy cutting with good appearance and brightness | Suitable for parts requiring dimensional accuracy and smooth surface finish |
303F | Bolts, nuts, industrial machined parts | Easy machining and high surface finish | Suitable for general industrial use where easy cutting is important |
316F | Chemical, food, medical and harsh-environment parts | Good corrosion resistance with improved machinability | Suitable for applications requiring both corrosion performance and easier turning |
316L | Corrosion-resistant industrial parts and welded applications | Better resistance to intergranular corrosion | Suitable for coastal, chemical and corrosion-sensitive environments |
316 | Seawater equipment, valve parts, chemical use | Strong corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance | Suitable for harsh industrial environments |
304L | Equipment for chemical, petroleum and outdoor environments | Good corrosion resistance and weldability | Suitable for applications requiring lower carbon stainless steel |
304F | Automatic lathes, bolts, nuts and general industrial parts | Easier machining than standard 304 | Suitable for cost-effective stainless machining applications |
0Cr17Mo2S | Solenoid valves and related parts | Easy-cutting stainless with improved corrosion resistance | Best suited for customized valve-related applications |
Typical Applications
Free cutting stainless steel is widely used in industrial applications such as shafts, gears, bolts, valves, bushings, pins, machine tool screws, household products, auto parts, medical equipment, building materials, ship parts, solenoid valves and precision machined components. It is suitable for parts that require easier machining, stable quality and stainless performance in practical industrial use.
How to Choose the Right Free Cutting Stainless Steel Grade
Choose your grade based on the required corrosion resistance, machining speed, surface finish and actual application. For general easy-cutting stainless parts with good appearance, 303Cu or 303F are common starting points. For applications requiring stronger corrosion resistance, 316F, 316L or 316 may be more suitable. For general stainless machining with practical cost performance, 304F may be a better choice. If you are unsure which grade matches your drawing or production process, contact Hara Metal for grade guidance and quotation support.
Request a Quote for Free Cutting Stainless Steel
Looking for 303Cu, 303F, 316F, 316L, 316, 304L, 304F or 0Cr17Mo2S for your production line? Send your requirement to Hara Metal through our quotation request form and our team will help you confirm the suitable grade, product details and quotation.
FAQs
What is free cutting stainless steel used for?
Free cutting stainless steel is used for industrial parts such as shafts, bolts, valves, bushings, pins, screws, auto parts, medical components and other machined parts that require easier cutting and dependable stainless performance.
What grades of free cutting stainless steel does Hara Metal supply?
Hara Metal supplies 303Cu, 303F, 316F, 316L, 316, 304L, 304F and 0Cr17Mo2S, with additional grades available on request.
What tolerance can Hara Metal provide for free cutting stainless steel bars?
Outer diameter tolerance can reach ≤0.04 mm, depending on the product specification.
Can Hara Metal supply drawn and ground bars?
Yes. Drawn bar surface roughness can reach Ra0.6, while ground bar surface roughness can reach Ra0.3.
How can I request a quote for free cutting stainless steel?
You can submit your inquiry through Hara Metal’s quotation form or contact the sales team directly for grade guidance and pricing support.