What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy of steel, chromium and other elements. It has superior strength, corrosion resistance and durability compared to ordinary steel. This makes stainless steel a popular choice for projects that require precision machining and fabrication. CNC machining of stainless steel allows manufacturers to create complex parts with precise dimensions and intricate details. The high-tensile strength of stainless steel allows it to be machined without warping or distortion. By using CNC machining with stainless steel, manufacturers can produce parts that are of the highest quality and accuracy. CNC machining is also cost effective compared to other manufacturing techniques due to its fast production rate and low labor costs. The result is a part that meets exact customer specifications at an economical price.
CNC machining of stainless steel requires specialized tools, such as drills and taps, that can withstand the material’s high hardness. Specialized coolants are also necessary in order to prevent overheating during the cutting process. Other factors, such as proper lubrication and clamping pressure need to be considered when working with stainless steel. With the right tools and expertise, CNC machining of stainless steel can produce high quality parts with intricate details that meet exact customer specifications.
Top 5 Machinable Stainless Steel
Austenitic stainless steel: 304, 316, 303, 321. This type is the most common form of stainless steel. It is non-magnetic, corrosion resistant and has excellent weldability. It is also used in food processing equipment and medical implants.
Grade 304 steels: This grade is the standard “18/8” stainless that you will usually see in kitchens and other food processing applications. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics.
Grade 316 steel: This grade of steel is more corrosion resistant than 304, making it an ideal choice for more corrosive applications. It also has superior strength and hardness.
Grade 303 steel: This grade of steel is highly machinable and has excellent corrosion resistance. It is suitable for high-volume production runs, due to its ease of machining.
Grade 321 steel: This grade of stainless steel has superior strength and corrosion resistance compared to other grades. It also offers higher heat resistance, making it suitable for applications in extreme temperature.
Ferritic stainless steel: 410, 430, 442. This type of stainless steel has a low chromium content but offers good heat resistance and mechanical properties at lower temperatures. It is typically used for industrial applications such as automotive parts and exhaust systems.
Grade 410 steel: This grade offers good corrosion resistance and heat resistant properties. It is also relatively easy to machine and fabricate.
Grade 430 steel: This grade has superior corrosion resistance, making it an ideal choice for applications in harsh environments. It is non-hardenable but can be cold worked for increased strength.
Grade 442 steel: This grade is highly machinable and has excellent formability. It offers superior strength and corrosion resistance compared to other grades of ferritic stainless steel.
Martensitic stainless steel: 416, 420, 440C. This type of stainless steel has higher carbon content than austenitic or ferritic types which makes it harder to machine but gives it superior strength and wear resistance making it ideal for use in knives and cutting tools or aerospace components like landing gear.
Grade 416 steel: This grade is a martensitic stainless steel with excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. It offers superior strength, making it suitable for use in applications such as knife blades or high-performance automotive components.
Grade 420 steel: This grade of stainless offers good toughness and wear resistance while also having excellent machinability. It is often used in medical devices, cutlery and kitchen appliances.
Grade 440C steel: This grade has a high carbon content which gives it superior strength, hardness and wear resistance compared to other grades of martensitic stainless steel. It is ideal for use in high-performance applications such as knives or surgical instruments.
Duplex stainless steel: 2205, 2507. This type of stainless steel is composed of both austenitic and ferritic microstructures which gives it excellent corrosion resistance and structural strength. It is often used in offshore platforms, oil & gas industry components and other marine applications.
Grade 2205 steel: This grade has superior corrosion resistance. It also offers good strength and toughness, making it suitable for use in high-pressure applications.
Grade 2507 steel: This grade is a super duplex stainless steel with higher strength and corrosion resistance than other grades. It is ideal for use in chemical processing, oil & gas and marine applications.
Precipitation-hardened stainless steel: 17-4PH, 15-5PH. This type of stainless steel has increased strength due to its precipitation hardening treatment that involves heat treatment followed by aging or cooling. It is typically used for parts with complex shapes such as turbine blades or aircraft components.
Steel 17-4PH: This grade of stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and offers superior strength, making it suitable for use in high-temperature applications.
Steel 15-5PH: This grade has excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance. It also offers good corrosion resistance, making it ideal for use in parts that are exposed to harsh conditions.
More Properties as below:
| Material Type | Yield Strength (tensile) | Elongation at Break | Hardness | Density | Maximum Temp |
| 303SS | 35,000 psi | 42.5% | Rockwell B95 | 0.29 lbs / cu. in. | 2550° F |
| 304SS | 30,000 psi | 50% | Rockwell B80 | 0.29 lbs / cu. in. | 1500° F |
| 316L | 30,000 psi | 39% | Rockwell B95 | 0.29 lbs / cu. in. | 1500° F |
| 410SS | 65,000 psi | 30% | Rockwell B90 | 0.28 lbs / cu. in. | 1200° F |
| 416SS | 75,000 psi | 22.5% | Rockwell B80 | 0.28 lbs / cu. in. | 1200° F |
| 440C | 110,000 psi | 8% | Rockwell C20 | 0.28 lbs / cu. in. | 800° F |
| 17-4PH | 160,000 psi | 7% | Rockwell C35 | 0.28 lbs./cu. in. | 1100°F |
| 15-5PH | 145,000 PSI | 15% | Rockwell C31 | 0.28lb / in^3 | 1100°F |
| 420SS | 40,000 PSI | 25% | Rockwell C25 | 7.8 g/cm^3 | 1150°F |
The Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Machining
Pros:
– Parts are made from a durable, corrosion-resistant material.
– Machining results in precise parts with tight tolerances.
– Parts can be finished to a high degree of accuracy.
– Machined parts are aesthetically pleasing and can improve the appearance of an object.
– Machining stainless steel can produce a high-quality finished product that is made to last for years.
Cons:
– Stainless steel has a low thermal conductivity, which means it can be difficult to machine without the proper tools and techniques.
– The material can be hard to work with due to its strength and hardness.
– Machining stainless steel can be expensive due to the cost of materials and long production times.
Overall, CNC machining of stainless steel is an efficient and cost-effective way to produce high-quality parts with precise dimensions and tight tolerances. With its excellent strength and corrosion resistance, this material is ideal for a wide range of applications in industries such as aerospace, medical devices, and marine engineering. It is important to understand the pros and cons of machining stainless steel when choosing which material is best suited for a particular application.
Quick Tips for Machining Stainless Steel
Compared with aluminum and other relatively soft metals, stainless steel this kind of hard alloy is not easy to machine because of its high strength, good plasticity. During machining, stainless steel material will harden and generate a lot of heat. This will lead to faster tool wear, and stainless steel chip is not easy to bend or break, which easily damages the product surface.
The difficulties of stainless steel parts processing are:
During machining, stainless steel material hardens, which accelerates the tool wear and increases the processing difficulty.
Generate a lot of heat.
Chips are not easy to break or bend, and they will scratch the surface of stainless steel parts.
and below are some quick tips:
– Select the appropriate cutting tool and coolant to reduce machining time and cost.
– The processing equipment need to be equipped with excellent lubrication system, because stainless steel machining will bring a lot of heat, cooling lubricant can take them away while lubricating the product surface. We generally use a mixed lubricant consisting of nitrogen tetrafluoride and engine oil. Practice has proved that this lubricant is very suitable for processing stainless steel parts with a smooth surface.
– Lower cutting speed. Different from soft metals like aluminum, it’s necessary to use a lower cutting speed for hard materials like stainless steel, which can reduce the heat generation and help with chip-breaking.
– Use a high-quality grade of stainless steel for better machinability and corrosion resistance.
– Ensure that your machine is well-maintained to avoid potential problems during production.
– Make sure that the material is properly clamped before machining.
– Monitor and adjust the cutting parameters during production to ensure a high-quality finish.
– Use frequent tool changes to maintain sharp cutting edges, which can improve machining efficiency.
– Clean the parts after machining to remove chips and coolant residue for better part performance and appearance.
Overall, CNC machining of stainless steel can bring many benefits to an application. With the right tools, techniques, and knowledge, precision parts with superior strength and corrosion resistance can be produced quickly and cost-effectively.
Applications of CNC Machined Stainless Steel Parts
Due to its excellent strength and corrosion resistance, CNC machined stainless steel parts are commonly used in a variety of industries. Some of the most common applications include:
– Aerospace components such as turbine blades, landing gear, and engine casings.
– Medical implants such as surgical instruments, prosthetics, and dental fixtures.
– Industrial components for use in chemical processing plants, food processing equipment, and marine engineering projects.
– Automotive parts like brake calipers, fuel injectors, and exhaust systems.
– Commercial products such as kitchen appliances and tools.
CNC machining of stainless steel can produce high-quality parts with precise dimensions and tight tolerances that make them ideal for these and many other applications.
How to Choose the Right Type of Stainless Steel for Your Application
When selecting stainless steel for use in an application, it is important to consider the grade of the material and its properties. Different grades offer varying levels of strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, and thermal conductivity. Additionally, some grades are better suited for certain types of applications than others.
Grade 304 stainless steel is a general-purpose grade that is a common choice in the food and beverage industry. It offers good corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and is easy to machine.
Grade 316 stainless steel is often used in medical applications due to its superior corrosion resistance, and can also be found in industrial and marine environments.
Grade 17-4PH stainless steel is heat treated to achieve superior mechanical properties and wear resistance. It is typically used for parts with complex shapes such as turbine blades or aircraft components.
Grade 15-5PH stainless steel has excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance making it ideal for use in harsh conditions.
Before selecting a particular grade of stainless steel, consider all of these factors when determining which material will best suit your application requirements.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Stainless Steel Supplier
When sourcing stainless steel parts, it is important to select a reliable supplier who can provide quality materials and timely delivery. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your stainless steel supplier:
– Ensure that the material meets all relevant certification requirements.
– Request samples of the material before making an order to ensure its suitability for your application.
– Determine if the supplier offers additional services such as machining or finishing.
– Check for reviews from other customers on their website or social media platforms regarding product quality and customer service.
– Review their delivery options and return policies in case there is an issue with the product received.
– Compare prices with other suppliers to make sure you get a good deal.
By taking the time to consider these factors, you can be sure that you are selecting a supplier who meets your needs and provides quality products at competitive prices.
Conclusion
CNC machining of stainless steel is an ideal choice for applications that require precise parts with superior strength and corrosion resistance. When selecting a grade of material, consider all of its properties and how it will perform in the desired application. Additionally, research potential suppliers to ensure that they provide quality materials, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery services. With the right knowledge and experience, CNC machining of stainless steel can make your project successful.
Shanghai Elue is committed to providing industry-leading CNC machining services for stainless steel parts. Our team of highly trained engineers have decades of experience in the production of complex components that meet even the most demanding requirements. With state-of-the-art equipment and advanced manufacturing techniques, we are able to provide superior quality stainless steel parts with tight tolerances and superior surface finishes for a wide range of applications.
We offer competitive pricing, reliable delivery times, and excellent customer service to ensure that all our customers receive the highest level of service. Contact us today to learn more about our machining services and how we can help you with your project.
