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 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:
| Alloys available | Stainless Steel 304, 316, 17-4 PH |
| Price | $ |
| Lead time | Under 10 days |
| Wall thickness | 0.75 mm |
| Tolerances | ±0.125 mm (±0.005 in) |
| Max part size | 200 x 80 x 100 cm |
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 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 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 Yield (MPa)
1000
Fatigue Strength (MPa)
510
Elongation at Break (%)
10
Hardness (Brinell)
293
Density (g/cm³)
7.75
General CNC Machining Tolerances
| Description | General Tolerance or Standard |
|---|---|
| General Dimensional Tolerances | ±0.005″ (±0.127 mm) for metals; ±0.010″ (±0.254 mm) for plastics in line with ISO 2768-mK unless otherwise specified |
| Tight Tolerances | Down to ±0.001″ (±0.025 mm) available upon request, with detailed 2D drawings and GD&T specifications |
| Minimum Feature Size | ~0.020″ (0.50 mm), depends on part geometry, tool diameter, and material |
| Hole Diameter Tolerance | ±0.002″ (±0.05 mm) typical; tighter tolerances with boring or reaming |
| Flatness/Parallelism | ≤0.002″ per 6″ (≤0.05 mm per 150 mm), varies by material and fixture setup |
| Thread Tolerances | Standard metric and imperial threads per ISO/ASME; custom or fine threads available on request |
| Angular Tolerance | ±0.5° typical |
| Edge Condition | Sharp edges are broken and deburred by default unless noted otherwise |
| Surface Finish (Standard) | Ra 3.2 μm (125 μin) as-machined; improved finishes available via polishing, bead blasting, anodizing, etc. |
| Maximum Part Size | Milling: Up to 80″ × 48″ × 24″ (2,032 × 1,219 × 610 mm) Turning: Up to 62″ length × 32″ diameter (1,575 × 813 mm) |
Custom CNC Machining Parts Made by Elite Mold Tech
Explore CNC machining parts made by Elite Mold Tech, delivering high-precision components with superior finishes and tight tolerances for a wide range of industries. Our CNC machining services ensure reliable, accurate, and efficient production of custom parts, ideal for both prototyping and full-scale manufacturing.
Advantages and Limitations 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.
Advantages
- 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.
Limitations
- 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.
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Stainless steel CNC Machining FAQs
What are the challenges of machining stainless steel?
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.
What grade of stainless steel is best for machining?
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.
Why is stainless steel low maintenance?
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.