RA 330 is Rolled Alloys' trade name for the 330 heat-resisting austenitic alloy family (UNS N08330, Werkstoffnummer 1.4864, DIN/EN X12NiCrSi36-16, cross-referenced against SAE/AISI 5592 and 5716) — it is the same underlying alloy covered elsewhere in this reference library as Steel 330, marketed under Rolled Alloys' branding. Like all 330-type material, it carries roughly 34-38% nickel and 17-20% chromium, with a meaningful silicon addition (0.75-1.75%) specifically to resist carburization, oxidation, and thermal-cycling fatigue at sustained high temperatures.

That chemistry gives RA 330 excellent resistance to scaling in oxidizing and carburizing furnace atmospheres up to roughly 1000-1150°C (1830-2100°F), along with strong resistance to the thermal-cycling fatigue that would crack a lower-nickel stainless. Typical service includes furnace and heat-treating equipment — muffles, retorts, radiant tubes, furnace fixtures and baskets — and any other component that sees repeated heating and cooling in an industrial furnace atmosphere.

Composition reflects standard wrought UNS N08330. Higher-carbon, higher-silicon 330HC variants exist for cast or heavily-loaded fixture applications where additional carbide-network creep strength is needed — confirm the exact grade variant against mill certification.

RA 330 machines more like a nickel-based heat-resisting alloy than a conventional stainless, because at roughly 34-37% nickel it effectively is one — this is the same underlying alloy documented in this library's Steel 330 reference page. The high nickel content makes it gummy and prone to built-up edge, it work hardens readily under any rubbing or dwelling at the cutting edge, and its low thermal conductivity concentrates cutting heat right at the tool tip instead of carrying it away in the chip. The silicon addition that gives RA 330 its oxidation resistance also adds an abrasive wear component on top of the adhesive wear typical of high-nickel alloys, so tool life is governed by both mechanisms working together.

Sharp, positive-rake carbide with a tough substrate handles RA 330 better than a general stainless grade — the same fundamental approach used on nickel superalloys applies here: keep the edge cutting rather than rubbing, use decisive feeds to avoid burnishing a work-hardened skin into the surface, and expect lower cutting speeds and shorter tool life than on 304 or 316. Rigid setups and generous coolant help manage both heat and built-up edge, and roughing passes should favor consistent chip load over light finishing skims that tend to harden the surface instead of removing it cleanly.

Values assume favorable cutting conditions: a well-matched insert grade, rigid tool and workpiece clamping, good-quality raw material, and short tool overhang. This high-nickel alloy runs well below general 300-series stainless speeds — consistent with the Steel 330 reference elsewhere in this library, since it is the same base alloy.

Turning

Parting / Grooving

Milling