SUS303 and SUS304 are two (2) of the most common types of stainless steel types that are used for CNC machining. Here are a few of the differences between these grades:
Durability
SUS304 is a type of austenitic stainless steel that is non-magnetic, which calls for lower electrical and thermal conductivity. It’s also exceptionally tough and corrosion resistant.
Usability
SUS303 is one of the few types of stainless steel that is easy and convenient to use because of its free-cutting capability. On the contrary, SUS303 is considered not weldable and less susceptible to machining. SUS304 is a stainless steel type that is weldable; it’s also the best and ideal stainless steel type for machining. It does not harden with heat treatment – it is not a free-cutting material.
Cost
Last and most definitely not least would be the cost and price of these types. The regular costs change every now and then, so, you can’t be too sure which one is cheaper and more affordable. Generally speaking, SUS304 is cheaper in comparison to its properties against SUS303.
These are the primary differences between SUS303 and SUS304 in stainless steel machining.
