What’s CNC Precision Machining? A Technical Explanation
Automotive components, medical implants, defense equipment parts, and many other applications require tight tolerances for their functionality, often as low...
Stainless Steel CNC Machining Service
Superior-quality stainless steel machining with precision, strength, and versatility for various industries. Cutting-edge facilities and experienced team delivering custom stainless steel parts that perform reliably in the most demanding environments.
Stainless Steel in CNC Machining
Stainless steel is an alloy made up of iron, carbon, and chromium. The addition of other elements strengthens and fortifies the steel, enhancing its ability to withstand corrosion. Stainless steel possesses exceptional strength, remarkable resistance to corrosion, effortless cleanability, and sterilization capabilities—particularly advantageous for medical equipment. It can endure extreme temperatures and boasts remarkable weldability. Stainless steel is a highly suitable CNC machining material because of its exceptional workability and remarkable consistency. It is highly versatile and can easily meet the specific requirements of precision machinery like CNCs.
| Price: | $$$ |
| Lead Time: | < 10 days |
| Wall Thickness: | 0.75 mm |
| Tolerances: | ±0.005″ (±0.125mm) |
| Max Part Size: | 200 cm x 80 cm x 100 cm |
| Available Stainless Steel at RapidDirect: | Stainless Steel SUS201 Stainless Steel SUS303 Stainless Steel SUS304 Stainless Steel SUS316 Stainless Steel SUS316L Stainless Steel SUS420 Stainless Steel SUS430 Stainless Steel SUS431 Stainless Steel SUS440C Stainless Steel SUS630/17-4PH |
Stainless Steel SUS201
SUS201 is a low-cost alternative to traditional stainless steel options. It offers good corrosion resistance and is often used in applications such as kitchen utensils, sinks, and appliances.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 - 380 | 240 - 290 | 40 - 60 | 147 - 217 | 7.90 |
Stainless Steel SUS303
This austenitic alloy incorporates sulfur to enhance its machinability compared to SUS304. This grade is optimal for precision machining of heavy components like gears and shafts, due to its superior machinability characteristics. It is also commonly used in screws, nuts, and bolts.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 415 - 450 | 240 - 300 | 35 - 50 | 190 - 240 | 7.90 |
Stainless Steel SUS304
SUS304 is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel. It is another austenitic alloy known for its excellent corrosion resistance and formability. This alloy is a cost-effective choice that also provides excellent strength, attributed to its higher carbon content. It is commonly used in the chemical and food industries.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 215 - 505 | 240 - 300 | 40 - 70 | 170 - 220 | 7.90 |
Stainless Steel SUS316
Stainless Steel 316 is an austenitic alloy distinguished by its excellent corrosion resistance and formability, thanks to the inclusion of molybdenum. It is highly weldable and well-suited for use in corrosive environments, such as boat fittings and chemical tanks. It is often used in marine applications and chemical processing.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170 - 310 | 240 - 290 | 30 - 50 | 140 - 220 | 7.90 |
Stainless Steel SUS316L
This grade is the low-carbon version of SUS316, and it provides better weldability. It is ideal for pharmaceutical and chemical processing equipment.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170 - 290 | 240 - 290 | 40 - 50 | 140 - 190 | 7.90 |
Stainless Steel SUS420
SUS420 is a martensitic stainless steel with a high carbon and lower chromium content. It offers high strength and hardness and is commonly used in cutlery and surgical instruments. It provides moderate corrosion resistance but significantly enhanced mechanical properties when annealed.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 345 - 650 | 275 | 10 - 25 | 180 - 290 | 7.80 |
Stainless Steel SUS430
It is a ferritic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and formability. It is often used in automotive trim and kitchen appliances.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 - 450 | 240 -280 | 20 - 30 | 150 - 200 | 7.75 |
Stainless Steel SUS431
431 stainless steel is a high-chromium, low-nickel martensitic stainless steel known for its high hardenability, strength, and good corrosion resistance. It is typically supplied in a hardened and tempered condition, and it is used in aerospace and marine applications.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 690 - 900 | 350 | 15 - 17 | 248 - 293 | 7.75 |
Stainless Steel SUS440C
A hard and strong high-carbon martensitic alloy predominantly made of carbon. It is known for its high strength, hardness, and wear resistance. its hardness can be further increased through heat treatment. This alloy is commonly used for bearing housings, surgical instruments, and other components that demand enhanced hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450 - 1900 | 275 | 10 - 20 | 285 - 600 | 7.75 |
Stainless Steel SUS630/17-4PH
This precipitation hardening stainless steel with high strength and durability. It offers superior corrosion resistance along with increased hardness and strength, making it ideal for high-temperature, moist environments like gas turbines, chemical processing plants, and industrial machinery.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 725 - 1170 | 480 | 6 - 14 | 248 - 388 | 7.80 |
Surface Finishing Options for Stainless Steel
The right surface finish for stainless steel improves aesthetics and adds a layer of protection against corrosion and wear. RapidDirect offers comprehensive surface finishing services that enhance your stainless steel CNC machined parts’ appearance, functionality, and durability. Our diverse finishing options ensure that your components meet the highest standards for both performance and aesthetics.
As machined
This standard CNC finish for stainless steel parts leaves minor tool marks and a slight sheen, providing a cost-effective, functional, untreated surface.
Electroplating
Electroplating deposits a metal layer on stainless steel, enhancing corrosion resistance, conductivity, and wear resistance. Common materials include zinc, nickel, and chrome, each offering unique benefits.
Passivation
Passivation chemically removes contaminants from stainless steel, enhancing corrosion resistance by creating a protective oxide layer, crucial for longevity in harsh environments.
Powder Coating
Powder coating applies a durable, heat-cured finish to stainless steel, offering chip, scratch, and fade resistance with customizable colors and textures, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Pros and Cons of
Stainless Steel CNC Machining
Choosing stainless steel for CNC machining brings numerous advantages, such as high durability and excellent resistance to environmental factors. However, like any material, it has its challenges.
Pros
- Corrosion Resistance: Exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion, ideal for harsh environments. This makes it suitable for a wide range of outdoor and indoor applications, including those involving extreme temperatures and pressures.
- High Strength: Robust mechanical properties compared to mild steel, brass, and various aluminum alloys to ensure durability under stress.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for industries ranging from aerospace to medical devices.
- Recyclability: Eco-friendly, as stainless steel can be recycled without degradation.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Thanks to its high chromium content, stainless steel maintains a silver-white appearance that neither discolors nor rusts over time.
- Cryogenic Resistance: Certain grades of stainless steel remain stable across a wide range of temperatures. Austenitic steels retain excellent toughness and enhanced tensile strength even at sub-zero temperatures.
Cons
- Cost: Higher initial cost compared to some other metals, but offers long-term value.
- Machining Challenges: Some grades can be difficult to machine, requiring specialized tools and techniques.
- Tendency for Overheating: Stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat compared to many other metals. However, during machining, it heats up quickly, which can damage both the material and the tools or CNC machines used.
- Technical Expertise Required: Machining stainless steel requires significant technical skill and consideration. The process is challenging because incorrect cutting tools or speeds can damage the material.
Applications of
CNC Machined Stainless Steel Parts
Stainless steel is commonly machined using CNC technology to create various parts for various industries, including medical, robotics, food and beverage, aerospace, and other sectors that demand strong and durable applications. Common applications include:
- Automotive: Components like engine parts and exhaust systems benefit from stainless steel’s strength and heat resistance.
- Aerospace: Stainless steel ensures reliability under extreme conditions when used in aircraft fittings and structural components.
- Medical: Surgical instruments and implants rely on stainless steel for its biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.
- Marine: Boat fittings and propeller shafts made from stainless steel withstand the harsh marine environment.
- Food Processing: Stainless steel is essential in equipment components and containers due to its hygienic properties and ease of cleaning.
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FAQs
Machining stainless steel can be challenging due to its tendency to work harden, leading to increased tool wear. Its low thermal conductivity causes excessive heating during machining, affecting both the material and tools. Improper tools or speeds can damage the material, making the process slow and arduous. Moreover, high-performance cutting tools for stainless steel are more expensive than those for softer materials, with frequent tool changes increasing production costs and downtime.
416 stainless steel is the most machinable of the stainless steels. In general, machining 400 series stainless steel grades is relatively straightforward. Conversely, machining 300 series stainless steel grades poses more challenges. SUS303 is often considered the best for machining among the 300 series while SUS304 provides a good balance between corrosion resistance and machinability, making it a versatile choice for many applications.
Stainless steel’s inherent corrosion resistance and durability reduce the need for frequent maintenance, providing long-lasting performance in various applications. It also resists bacterial growth and is easy to clean and sterilize, making it low maintenance. It can be effectively cleaned with a swab and an all-purpose cleaner, making it ideal for use in kitchens and hospitals.
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