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Weldability
Due to the added sulfur, stainless steel grade 1.4305 is poorly suited to welding. The sulfur improves machinability but reduces corrosion resistance and adversely affects weldability by promoting hot cracking. Therefore welding of this material should be avoided where possible.
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Machinability
1.4305 offers excellent machinability. The high sulfur content produces short-breaking chips during cutting, making this stainless steel especially suitable for automatic machining; it is commonly referred to as "automatic steel". The good chip control also benefits production of complex parts such as screws and turned components. Adequate cooling during machining is important to increase tool life and improve surface quality.
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Forgeability
Although 1.4305 can be forged, it is generally not recommended due to its properties and typical applications. Forging requires high temperatures—approximately 950 to 1150°C—and carries an increased risk of overheating and hot cracking similar to welding. If forging is performed, air cooling is used afterward.
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Magnetizability
Because of its austenitic structure, 1.4305 is non-magnetic; cold working can induce some magnetic response, but this has no practical effect on typical applications.
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Corrosion resistance
AISI 303 has moderate corrosion resistance. The sulfur addition makes the material particularly susceptible to acidic and chloride-containing environments and increases susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. Its corrosion resistance is therefore lower than similar grades such as AISI 304.
