annealing 304 stainless steel

[djoseffy]

I am looking for a good annealing temperature for 304 stainless steel bolts (rolled thread, 0.5 and 0.75 in. bolts). I need to do some machine work (drilling and tapping) and between the hardening from rolling the threads and drilling, the metal is too hard to tap. Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[mcguire]

Annealing stainless can be done between 1850F ( minimum temperature...results in fine grain size )and 2050F ( grains will be coarse ). 1950F is normal
Follow by descaling if done in air.

 

[ED1469]

your heat treatment will not affect the machinability of f304 304 is not affected mechanically by heat the following factors will determine machineability grain size carbon content chrome content hope this helps also the bigger cut you can take will help because smaller cuts can actually make the material harder to cut because of glazing it will mainly depend on grain and chemistry