Abstract: A free-machining, austenitic stainless steel having low carbon plus nitrogen contents in combination with manganese and sulfur additions. The steel may have silicon of 0.045 to 1.00 percent.

Abstract: A resulfurized, chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel having improved machinability resulting from low carbon and low nitrogen contents in combination with manganese and sulfur additions. The composition of the steel consists essentially of, in weight percent, carbon plus nitrogen total up to 0.065, preferably up to 0.040 or 0.056, chromium 16 to 30, preferably 17 to 19, nickel 5 to 26, preferably 6 to 14, sulfur 0.10 to 0.45, preferably 0.10 to 0.25, more preferably 0.25 to 0.45, manganese 0.75 to 2.0, silicon up to 1, phosphorus up to about 0.20, molybdenum up to 1.0 and copper up to 1.00, and balance iron and incidental impurities.

Abstract: 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.