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CNC Machining Stainless Steel

CNC Machining Stainless Steel

Flourish Legend, your one-stop solution provider for stainless steel component custom CNC machining! We take pride in our years of manufacturing experience and a hundred precision equipment, dedicated to customizing high-quality stainless steel components for you. Whatever specifications and surface smoothness you require, we can tailor them to your drawings. When it comes to delivery, we promise on-time shipments to ensure your projects are completed on schedule. 


No matter what type of stainless steel components you need, our factory can meet your requirements. We serve a diverse range of product categories to cater to various industries. By choosing Flourish Legend, a customized CNC machining provider,  you will receive top-notch stainless steel components. Let us collaborate with you and experience the professional expertise and excellent service we have accumulated in the stainless steel component machining industry over the years!

Basic Knowledge of CNC Machining Stainless Steel

Stainless steel, as defined by GB/T20878-2007, is a steel with the main characteristics of being stainless and corrosion-resistant, with a chromium content of at least 10.5% and a maximum carbon content of 1.2%. Stainless steel is commonly referred to as stainless acid-resistant steel, and it is resistant to weak corrosive media such as air, steam, and water. Steel that resists corrosion from chemical corrosive media (acids, alkalis, salts, etc.) is called acid-resistant steel. Due to the differences in chemical composition, the corrosion resistance of stainless steel and acid-resistant steel varies. 


Generally, ordinary stainless steel is not resistant to corrosion by chemical media, while acid-resistant steel generally exhibits stainless properties. The term "stainless steel" does not refer to a single type of stainless steel; it represents more than a hundred industrial stainless steels, each developed for specific application areas. Here are some common types of stainless steel and their characteristics:


ItemsSeriesDescriptions
Cr Series400 SeriesFerritic and martensitic stainless steel, with no manganese. It can partially replace 304 stainless steel.
Cr-Ni Series 301Good ductility, used for formed products. Can be hardened quickly through mechanical processing. Good weldability. Better wear resistance and fatigue strength than 304 stainless steel.
302Similar corrosion resistance to 304, but higher carbon content provides better strength.
303Contains a small amount of sulfur and phosphorus, making it easier to machine than 304.
304General-purpose stainless steel, also known as 18/8 stainless steel. Used in corrosion-resistant containers, cutlery, furniture, railings, medical equipment, etc. Standard composition is 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Non-magnetic and cannot change its metallographic structure through heat treatment. GB grade is 06Cr19Ni10.
304L Similar to 304 but with lower carbon content for better corrosion resistance and ease of heat treatment. However, it has lower mechanical properties. Suitable for welding and products that require less heat treatment.
304N Similar to 304 but with nitrogen added to increase steel strength.
309Better temperature resistance than 304, can withstand temperatures up to 980°C.
309S Contains a higher amount of chromium and nickel, providing excellent heat resistance and oxidation resistance. Used in heat exchangers, boiler components, and jet engines.
310Excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance, with a maximum operating temperature of 1200°C.
316The second most widely used steel after 304. Mainly used in the food industry, watchmaking, pharmaceutical industry, and surgical instruments. The addition of molybdenum gives it a special corrosion resistance structure. It is also known as "marine steel" due to its better resistance to chloride corrosion. SS316 is commonly used in nuclear fuel recycling facilities. 18/10 stainless steel usually meets this application level.
316L Low carbon content for better corrosion resistance and ease of heat treatment. Used in chemical processing equipment, nuclear power generators, and cryogenic storage.
321Similar to 304, except it contains titanium to reduce the risk of weld seam corrosion.
347Contains stabilizing element niobium, suitable for welding aerospace components and chemical equipment.
Cr-Mn-Ni Series200 SeriesContains chromium, manganese, and nickel. For example, 201, 202, etc. These steels use manganese instead of nickel and have relatively poor corrosion resistance. They are widely used as low-cost alternatives to the 300 series in domestic applications.
Heat-Resistant Chromium Alloys500 SeriesExamples include 408 and 409. These alloys have good heat resistance but weak corrosion resistance. They contain 11% chromium and 8% nickel.
Precipitation Hardening Series600 SeriesMartensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel, suitable for applications requiring high strength and wear resistance.
Other Types400Ferritic and martensitic stainless steel without manganese. Can partially replace 304 stainless steel.
410Martensitic stainless steel with high strength and good wear resistance but poor corrosion resistance.
416Improved machinability through the addition of sulfur.
420Martensitic stainless steel known as "tool-grade" steel. Used in surgical instruments and can achieve a highly polished surface.
430Ferritic stainless steel used for decorative purposes, such as automotive ornaments. It has good formability but lower temperature resistance and corrosion resistance.
440High-strength tool steel with slightly higher carbon content. With appropriate heat treatment, it can achieve high yield strength and hardness up to 58HRC. Common types include 440A, 440B, 440C, and 440F (for improved machinability).




How Does CNC Machining Stainless Steel?

ProcessDescription
Select Appropriate Cutting ToolsSince stainless steel is relatively hard and wear-resistant, choosing the right cutting tools is crucial. Hard tools such as tungsten carbide tools (e.g., hard alloys) are commonly used for stainless steel machining to ensure cutting effectiveness and tool life.
Pay Attention To Cutting Speed Due to the high hardness of stainless steel, the appropriate cutting speed is necessary to ensure machining effectiveness. Lower cutting speeds can reduce tool wear and improve surface quality.
Control Feed RateProper feed rate is also important when machining stainless steel. Lower feed rates can prevent excessive heat accumulation, reducing tool wear and improving machining accuracy.
Choose Suitable CoolantThe high temperatures generated during stainless steel machining can potentially damage the tools and workpieces. Using appropriate coolant can reduce the temperature and extend tool life.
Be Aware Of Cutting Forces And VibrationsStainless steel machining often produces significant cutting forces and vibrations. Designing proper tool paths and using stable fixtures can reduce vibrations and ensure machining quality.
Consider Post-ProcessingStainless steel machining may require post-processing such as polishing, plating, or coating. During CNC machining, it is important to leave enough material and surface roughness for subsequent processing.


These are just general guidelines and considerations for CNC machining stainless steel. Specific machining requirements and technical details may vary depending on the specific circumstances. It is recommended to consult professional engineers at Flourish Legend for specific guidance and assistance in practical operations.



Custom CNC Machining Stainless Steel Parts

Stainless steel is widely used in various fields due to its excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and aesthetic appeal. Here are the main application areas of stainless steel:




Flourish Legend, your one-stop solution provider for stainless steel component custom CNC machining! We take pride in our years of manufacturing experience and a hundred precision equipment, dedicated to customizing high-quality stainless steel components for you. Whatever specifications and surface smoothness you require, we can tailor them to your drawings. When it comes to delivery, we promise on-time shipments to ensure your projects are completed on schedule. 


No matter what type of stainless steel components you need, our factory can meet your requirements. We serve a diverse range of product categories to cater to various industries. By choosing Flourish Legend, a customized CNC machining provider,  you will receive top-notch stainless steel components. Let us collaborate with you and experience the professional expertise and excellent service we have accumulated in the stainless steel component machining industry over the years!

Advantages of CNC Machining Stainless Steel

CNC machining stainless steel offers advantages such as high precision machining, handling complex shapes, improved production efficiency, and ensuring consistency and repeatability. These advantages make CNC custom metal machining the preferred method for stainless steel processing, meeting the high-quality and high-efficiency machining needs of various industries.

High Precision Machining

High Precision Machining: CNC machining utilizes computer-controlled precise tool movements, allowing for highly accurate processing. For stainless steel, a material that requires high precision, CNC machining including CNC 5 axis machining ensures the precise dimensions and shapes of the workpieces, eliminating errors that may arise from manual operations.

Capability for Complex Shape Machining

Capability for Complex Shape Machining: Stainless steel often requires intricate carving, curved surfaces, and detailed machining. CNC machining, guided by instructions from CAD drawings, can precisely control the tool's path to achieve complex shape machining. Whether it's curves, concave-convex surfaces, or small holes, CNC machining can efficiently accomplish them.

Improved Production Efficiency

Improved Production Efficiency: CNC machining stainless steel enables automation and continuous processing, greatly enhancing production efficiency. Compared to traditional manual machining, CNC machining not only reduces processing time but also allows for the simultaneous execution of multiple machining steps, thereby improving production efficiency and output.

Consistency and Repeatability

Consistency and Repeatability: CNC machining achieves consistency and repeatability in batch production through program control. The dimensions, shapes, and quality of stainless steel products can maintain a high level of consistency, meeting customer requirements for both individual products and mass production.



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