- Description
303 stainless steel keyed shafting features a machined keyway along its length, allowing for a secure mechanical coupling with pulleys, gears, or hubs without additional machining. This grade is prized for its free-machining characteristics: the sulfur content added to 303 improves machinability and makes it easier to cut precise features like keyways. The corrosion resistance of 303 is generally good in mild and atmospheric environments, though it is somewhat less resistant than 304 due to the sulfur addition. The keyed format saves time and effort in assembly by eliminating the need to custom broach or mill the keyway yourself, making it a convenient, ready-to-use solution for many power-transmission applications.