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Stainless steel

High tensile strength, corrosion and temperature resistant.

Stainless Steel in CNC Machining

Stainless steel is a family of steel alloys containing chromium, which provides a protective oxide layer and gives the material its excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidation. It is widely used in CNC machining for components that require strength, durability, hygiene, and resistance to moisture or chemicals.

Different stainless steel grades provide different combinations of corrosion resistance, strength, hardness, machinability, and temperature performance. Austenitic grades such as 304 and 316 are widely used for general-purpose and corrosion-resistant applications, while 17-4 PH provides higher strength and hardness after heat treatment.

Stainless steel can be CNC machined into complex and precise components for industries including medical, food processing, aerospace, automotive, marine, chemical processing, and industrial equipment.

Available Stainless Steel at Elite Mold Tech:

Price

$$$

Lead Time:

< 10 days

Wall Thickness:

0.75 mm

Tolerances:

±0.125mm (±0.005″)

Max Part Size:

200 x 80 x 100 cm

Available Grades:

Stainless Steel 304, 316, 17-4 PH

Stainless Steel 304

Stainless Steel 304 is one of the most widely used stainless steel grades for CNC machining. It provides excellent corrosion resistance, good strength, and good formability, making it suitable for general industrial, food processing, medical, and consumer applications.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) 215

Fatigue Strength (MPa) 240

Elongation at Break (%) 40

Hardness (Brinell) 123

Density (g/cm³) 8.00

Stainless Steel 316

Stainless Steel 316 provides improved corrosion resistance compared with 304, particularly in chloride-rich and marine environments. Its molybdenum content improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, making it suitable for chemical, marine, medical, and food-processing applications.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) 205

Fatigue Strength (MPa) 240

Elongation at Break (%) 40

Hardness (Brinell) 149

Density (g/cm³) 8.00

Stainless Steel 17-4 PH

17-4 PH is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel that provides high strength, hardness, and good corrosion resistance. It can be heat treated to achieve different mechanical properties and is commonly used for demanding aerospace, industrial, and mechanical components.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) 1000

Fatigue Strength (MPa) 510

Elongation at Break (%) 10

Hardness (Brinell) 293

Density (g/cm³) 7.75

Surface Finishing Options for Stainless Steel

CNC machined stainless steel parts can undergo various surface finishing processes to improve appearance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, hygiene, and overall surface quality.

As Machined
Bead Blasting
Sand Blasting
Tumbling
Polishing
Electropolishing
Passivation
Brushed Finish
Electroless Nickel Plating
PVD Coating
Powder Coating

Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel CNC Machining

Stainless steel provides an excellent combination of corrosion resistance, strength, durability, and appearance, making it suitable for demanding CNC applications. However, its hardness and work-hardening behavior can make machining more challenging than softer materials.

Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel can withstand moisture, chemicals, and many corrosive environments without rapidly degrading.
High Strength: Many stainless steel grades provide strong mechanical performance for demanding components.
Excellent Durability: Stainless steel offers good resistance to wear, impact, and mechanical stress.
Hygienic Surface: Its smooth and corrosion-resistant surface makes it suitable for food processing, medical, and pharmaceutical applications.
High Temperature Performance: Several stainless steel grades can maintain useful mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.

More Difficult to Machine: Stainless steel can generate higher cutting forces and may work harden during machining.
Higher Tool Wear: Improper cutting conditions can accelerate tool wear, particularly with harder stainless steel grades.
Higher Material Cost: Stainless steel generally costs more than mild steel and some aluminum alloys.
Heat Management: Stainless steel can retain heat near the cutting zone, requiring suitable cutting parameters and coolant strategies.

Description

Application

CNC machining produces parts with excellent mechanical properties, accuracy and repeatability from metal and plastic. 3-axis & 5-axis CNC milling available.

Strengths

Excellent mechanical properties,High accuracy & repeatabillity

Weaknesses

Greater geometry restrictions than 3D printing

Properties

Lead Time

< 10 days

Wall Thickness

0.75 mm

Tolerances

±0.125mm (±0.005″)

Max part size

200 x 80 x 100 cm

CNC Machining Metals, Stainless steel

Stainless Steel 17-4 PH | 1.4542 | X5CrNiCuNb16-4 – Annealed state

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 790 – 1200 MPa Yield

CNC Machining Metals, Stainless steel

Stainless steel 316/316L | 1.4401/1.4404 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2/X2CrNiMo17-12-2

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 480 – 600 MPa Yield

CNC Machining Metals, Stainless steel

Stainless steel 301 | 1.4310 | X10CrNi18-8

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 510 – 590 MPa Yield

CNC Machining Metals, Stainless steel

Stainless steel 416 | 1.4005 | X12CrS13

CNC Machining Metals, Stainless steel

Stainless steel 420 | 1.4028 | X30Cr13

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 485 – 750 MPa Yield

CNC Machining Metals, Stainless steel

Stainless steel 440C | 1.4125 | X105CrMo17

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 560 – 800 MPa Yield

CNC Machining Metals, Stainless steel

Stainless steel 430 | 1.4016 | X6Cr17

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 450 – 500 MPa Yield

CNC Machining Metals, Stainless steel

Stainless steel 2205 Duplex | 1.4462 | 2205 | X2CrNiMoN 22-5-3

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 620 – 700 MPa Yield

CNC Machining Metals, Stainless steel

Stainless steel 15-5 | 1.4545 | X5CrNiCu15-5

Property Value Mechanical Properties Ultimate tensile strength 890 – 1200 MPa Yield

FAQs

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