This specification covers hot-finished or cold-finished bars, except bars for forging, suitable for machining processes. It includes rounds, squares, and hexagons in the more commonly used types of stainless free-machining steels designed especially for optimum machinability and for general corrosion and high-temperature service. Bars may be furnished either hot finished or cold finished in one of the conditions specified. Materials shall adhere to specified chemical composition requirements. At least one hardness testing shall be made midway between surface and center on each lot to determine that the material conforms to hardness requirements. Also, test methods and definition for hardness testing are presented.

1.1 This specification covers hot-finished or cold-finished bars, except bars for forging (Note 1). It includes rounds, squares, and hexagons in the more commonly used types of stainless free-machining steels designed especially for optimum machinability and for general corrosion and high-temperature service. Stainless steel bars other (Note 2) than the free-machining types are covered in a separate specification.

1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI (metric) units are to be regarded separately as standard: within the text and tables, the SI uits are shown in [brackets]. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents: therefore, each system must be used independent of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.

1.3 Unless the order specifies the applicable "M" specification designation, the material shall be furnished to the inch-pound units.

Note 1—For bars for reforging, see Specification A314.

Note 2—For non-free machining stainless bars, see Specification A276.