Typical chemistry for 303 stainless steel?

[grayseal]

One of our material suppliers recently sent us 303 stainless steel instead of the specified 304. The material was machined and then welded. The welder noticed the appearance of the weld was much different. The supplier was contacted and they admitted their mistake.
We ran a chemistry on the part and the Cr level was 16.3%, below the 17-18% requirement. Also, P level from the lab was 0.025%, much less than the specified maximum of 0.2%.
If this was true 303 bar, wouldn't the P level be higher than 0.025%? The supplier is questioning the results from out accredited (A2LA) lab.
Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[arunmrao]

How about S content. spec says 0.15%min. It is the sulphur,which is added to make it machinable. Since there is no minimum level specified for P,0.025% should be acceptable in my opinion.

 

[EdStainless]

I would be concerned with sulfide inclusions in your welds from the high S in 303.

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Plymouth Tube

 

[grayseal]

The S content was .34% and the parts that had been welded were scrapped due to the possiblity of cracking.

 

[arunmrao]

The right decision in my view. Why did you select this alloy,if it were to undergo welding post machining. Perhaps a little more insight about the product might evince better response. Thanks.

 

[grayseal]

arunmrao,

The supplier sent the wrong material. We asked for 304.

grayseal

 

[arunmrao]

Amen!!. My sympathies with you.