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In modern metallurgy and precision manufacturing, the hexagonal bar stock represents one of the most critical structural geometries used by machine shops worldwide. The specifier looking for Wholesale 17mm Stainless Hex Bar 304/304L Metric 60" Length is targeting a highly specific segment: the convergence of standard metric cross-sectional geometry (17mm across flats) with customized imperial lengths (60 inches / 5 feet) optimized for automatic Swiss-type screw machines, CNC lathes, and raw stock bar feeders.
Historically, the 304/304L dual-certified chemistry has stood as the workhorse of the stainless steel industry. Representing over 50% of global stainless consumption, this austenitic chromium-nickel alloy provides an exceptional balance of mechanical strength, formability, and general corrosion resistance. In regional markets such as North America, Western Europe, and East Asia, 17mm hex bar represents a crucial sizing standard utilized extensively for high-strength hydraulic connectors, custom fluid-handling fittings, industrial fastners, valve components, and marine hardware.
Sourcing this specific geometry directly from scale factories allows global procurement directors to achieve precise material optimization. By manufacturing hex bars to exact metric measurements (17mm flat-to-flat) with strict tolerance bands (such as h11 or h12 according to ISO 286-2), companies eliminate secondary milling processes, lowering tooling wear and scrap rates in high-speed subtractive manufacturing workflows.
To meet strict regulatory compliance and industry codes (such as ASTM A276, ASTM A484, and ASME SA276), the chemical composition of raw 304/304L hex bars must be tightly controlled during mill melting. Understanding these limits is critical to evaluating the long-term corrosion performance and machinability index of the bar stock.
| Element Name | Grade 304 (Wt. %) | Grade 304L (Wt. %) | Dual Certified 304/304L (Actual Range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 max | 0.030 max | 0.025 - 0.030 max |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.00 - 20.00 | 18.00 - 20.00 | 18.15 - 19.50 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 - 10.50 | 8.00 - 12.00 | 8.05 - 9.50 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 max | 2.00 max | 1.60 - 1.85 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 max | 0.75 max | 0.40 - 0.60 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 max | 0.045 max | 0.030 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.030 max | 0.030 max | 0.015 - 0.025 (Optimized for Machining) |
Mechanically, cold-drawing hex bar stock shifts the crystal lattice structure, significantly improving the yield strength compared to hot-rolled materials. Below are the minimal engineering baselines required for metric 17mm dual-certified hex bars:
| Mechanical Property | Standard Requirement (ASTM A276) | Typical Cold-Drawn Values (17mm Hex) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (UTS) | Min 515 MPa (75,000 PSI) | 620 - 750 MPa |
| Yield Strength (Offset 0.2%) | Min 205 MPa (30,000 PSI) | 340 - 510 MPa |
| Elongation in 2 inches | Min 30% or 40% | 35% - 45% |
| Hardness (Rockwell B / Brinell) | Max 92 HRB / 201 HBW | 85 - 90 HRB |
The addition of controlled sulfur in small fractions (typically 0.015% to 0.025%) acts as an internal lubricant during metal cutting. While keeping the composition safely below ASTM thresholds, it aids in chip breakage, reduces heat at the tool edge, and extends the cycle life of CNC equipment.
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The standard construction of elevator wire rope includes seale and warinaton, in 8 or 9 strand construction, including filled wire. It is optimized for reducing bending stress, abrasion resistance and increased stability against radial pressures.
Oil drilling wire rope is a special purpose wire rope, with the continuous progress of wire rope design technology and the continuous development of drilling rig manufacturing technology, rope core material steel core has become a set trend, EIP level application has been widespread, special drilling wire rope is increasingly valued by production enterprises.
There are single strand wire rope, 6 strand wire rope and multi-strand wire rope for Marine engineering, but the multi-strand wire rope is not used much, and the fully sealed wire rope has also obtained a certain development and application in recent years.
It is widely used in a series of working mechanisms such as the lifting mechanism of various types of cranes, the amplitude changing mechanism of wheeled cranes and the opening and closing mechanism of various clamps, and can also be used for various sling equipment.
Founded in 1999, Shanghai Mei Shen Industrial Co., Ltd. is a research, production, and service-integrated manufacturer, committing its technological resources to manufacturing top-tier industrial products.
Mainly committed to the field of steel wire rope manufacturing research and development, production, sales, service, to provide customers with the latest technology, the most valuable, the most reliable products. The production plant of steel wire rope is located in Jiangsu Province, with an annual output of stainless steel wire rope, various specifications of smooth steel wire rope, galvanized steel wire rope, plastic coated steel wire rope, compacts steel wire rope, special steel wire rope for rotary excavator, special steel wire rope for elevator, non-rotating series of Silu-Wallington-type steel wire rope, carbon spring steel wire, and other hardware rigging products.
The products are widely used in construction machinery, bridge construction, ocean engineering, port lifting, coal mine, water conservancy engineering and other industries of lifting, binding and traction equipment. It is the largest and most complete steel wire rope production base in China. Through systematic quality control systems and persistent material engineering innovations, we guarantee consistency from raw stainless steel drawing to high-strength final products.
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Stainless steel wire rope has high temperature resistance, good fatigue resistance, excellent breaking tension, long service life, durability and many other characteristics, widely used in coal, petroleum, metallurgy, chemical industry, ships, Bridges, electric power, rubber, military, tourism, water conservancy, light industry and other industries. Products can be produced according to ISO, BS, DIN, JIS, ABS, LR and other international and foreign advanced standards.
Modern stainless bar fabrication has evolved beyond simple roll-and-cut mechanics. Integrating advanced digital controls and computerized dimensional scanning ensures that every millimeter of the 17mm profile conforms strictly to mechanical requirements. Furthermore, as international standards demand reduced carbon footprints, factory lines are transitioning toward modern annealing systems that optimize grain growth with 30% lower energy expenditure.
For global supply networks, the metric 17mm sizing represents a universal standard. However, the custom 60-inch length creates a processing variable. Standardizing mill runs to yield exactly 60-inch blanks minimizes kerf loss when parting on multi-spindle automatic screw machines. Rather than acquiring standard 12-foot lengths and generating high scrap ratios, precision lengths maximize throughput.
Future advancements point toward the integration of AI-driven defect scanning on cold-drawn production lines. Surface micro-cracks, which are invisible to the naked eye, can lead to stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) in corrosive environments. Real-time eddy current testing (ECT) integrated directly behind drawing dies is becoming the benchmark for premium industrial-grade supply.
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