Low carbon plus nitrogen, free-machining austenitic stainless steel

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel having improved machinability resulting from low carbon and nitrogen contents, along with a high manganese to sulfur ratio. The composition of the steel consists essentially of in weight, percent, carbon plus nitrogen up to 0.060 preferably up to, 0.049, and most preferred up to 0.032 chromium 16 to 30, preferred 17 to 19, nickel 5 to 26 preferred 6 to 14, sulfur 0.25 to 0.45 manganese over 2 to about 7 and at, least about eight times the sulfur content balance iron and, incidental impurities.