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CNC machining is a computer-controlled, precision-based, highly versatile manufacturing process in this modern world. Several CNC machining processes, such as milling, cutting, and drilling, are used to produce stainless-steel components with very good tolerance and consistent quality. CNC stainless steel offers good mechanical and thermal properties with a very high-quality surface finish that is suitable for various industries ranging from aerospace to medical.
What is CNC Machining for Stainless Steel
CNC machining is a computer-controlled subtractive manufacturing process that is used to fabricate various stainless-steel products across industries. The cutting tool removes material from stainless steel workpieces to make the desired shapes and sizes of the parts.
The CNC machining process begins with the 3D CAD model of the product, including a 2D detailed drawing and other requirements. The workpiece is attached to the CNC machine, and the automatic cutting tool cuts and produces desired shapes of the products using several machining processes, including milling, cutting, and drilling. The speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and tool change in CNC machining for stainless steel are automatically controlled.
Common CNC Machining Processes
The following are the most common CNC machining processes that are used to manufacture or fabricate stainless-steel products.
CNC milling stainless steel
CNC milling is the most common machining process in manufacturing stainless steel products. Various shapes, such as flat surfaces, pockets, housings, slots, chamfers, counterbores, and other complex geometries, are fabricated from stainless steel using CNC milling. The proper selection of the tool, cutting speed, and generous coolant with the right machining strategies during CNC milling of the stainless steel reduces the work hardening and fabricates smooth and efficient parts.
CNC turning
CNC turning is another machining process that makes stainless steel products by rotating a stainless-steel workpiece with a steady or moving cutting tool in a machine setup. The turning process is usually performed on lathes or in turn mill centers. The CNC turning process is used to fabricate the shafts, bushes, fasteners, and flanges.
It is also suitable to manufacture components that have a rotating symmetry, grooves, steps, and undercuts. The several precisely threaded components and sealing surfaces are also fabricated using this machining process. Proper chip management and the right selection of the rigid tool for stainless steel make the turning process more efficient and provide a good surface finish on stainless steel products.
CNC drilling
CNC drilling is the process of fabricating stainless-steel parts by creating an accurate hole in the workpiece. High precision holes with tight tolerances, through holes, and blind holes for fastener and fluid passages are fabricated using CNC drilling.
The tapped holes in the housing, manifolds, and brackets are also manufactured using the CNC drilling process. A sharp drill bit and fine geometry are necessary to make a hole in any workpiece of stainless steel. Appropriate cooling and control of feed and speed during the drilling process prevent overheating and tool wear.
Best Stainless Steel Grades for CNC Machining
There are several stainless-steel grades available for the machining process on the market. But not all grades are suitable for making products or parts with a good surface finish and reliability. The wrong grades of stainless steel increase tool wear and improper chip handling in CNC machining, which reduces the machine’s lifespan. The product must resist harsh environments, such as corrosion and cyclic loading, while maintaining machinability. Therefore, the best materials are needed to achieve machinability and product durability. The best stainless-steel grades for the CNC machine are given in the table below:| Grades | Machinability | Key advantages | Common applications | Limitations |
| 304/304L | Fair | Excellent weldability, cost-effective | Used for General purposes, food processing industries, and aesthetics | Fair machinability |
| 316/316L | Moderate | Excellent corrosion resistance | Used in marine, medical, and chemical processing industries | Harder to machine than 304 |
| 303 | Excellent | Superior chip breaking, common for complex parts | Used in Precision-machined parts, fittings, and screws | Less corrosion resistance properties |
| 17-4 PH | Good | High strength and good corrosion resistance | Used in aerospace, medical, and high-load components | Machinability varies with heat treatments |
| 410/420 | Moderate | Excellent wear resistance | Used for cutting tools, valves, and pump parts | Difficult to machine when hardened |
Advantages of CNC Machining Stainless Steel
CNC Machining stainless steel offers several benefits due to its good machinability, high strength, and corrosion resistance characteristics. The major advantages of CNC machining stainless steel are given below:-
- High-dimensional accuracy: The product made from CNC-machined stainless steel has very high dimensional accuracy, which makes it usable for sealing components and precise assemblies.
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- Excellent surface finishes: CNC machining stainless steel has an excellent surface finish for the sliding surfaces, which need very minimal secondary coating process.
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- Excellent strength: CNC machining stainless steel has good strength and is durable for harsh environments, including high-load equipment, fatigue resistance, etc.
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- Corrosion and thermal resistance: CNC machining stainless steel has heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant characteristics that reduce the need for coating and frequent repair.
- Materials versatility: CNC stainless steel offers a wide range of materials versatility, which has several grades for different applications. This allows flexibility on the production line in several manufacturing industries.
CNC Stainless Steel Machining Services
CNC stainless steel machining services are provided by several companies. These service providers or companies provide an overall package, including product design, installation, and certifications for CNC stainless steel machining products. The most common CNC stainless steel machining services include the following:- Three-dimensional design of the product: The severe provider gives you a 3D design of the product, including the materials selection, cost, and machinability, which helps the customer to focus on the performance of the equipment and all.
- Prototyping: Several works need the prototyping of components for testing. CNC stainless steel service providers give you fast production of components that can be easily equipped.
- Low to high volume production: The CNC machining services provide the low to high volume production of stainless steel parts that help scale the businesses and also provide high-quality products.
- Secondary treatment: CNC stainless steel machining services include secondary operations such as polishing, heat treatment, and assembly of the finished products.
- Quality control: The dimensional accuracy, operational quality, and certifications of the product are also managed by the CNC machining service providers. This helps to ensure the quality of CNC stainless steel components and efficiency.
Request a Custom CNC Quote
The most common information for the CNC stainless steel products that will help you to receive accurate pricing and efficient stainless-steel products is given below:
- Three-dimensional CAD files and two-dimensional drawings of all the components that need to be fabricated.
- Properly selected or preferred stainless-steel materials such as 304, 303, etc.
- Total expected numbers of the products.
- Expected surface finishes or special types of treatment on the parts
- Certifications or expected delivery dates for the products.
Conclusion
CNC stainless steel machining offers a wide range of material selection and processes for the specified products. The CNC machining of stainless-steel products offers corrosion resistance and high machinability.
The products from this process are suitable for various applications, including aerospace, medical, prototype testing, and other industries. The detailed information, including design, expected surface finish, certification, and quality control, helps the service provider to deliver the product on time at a good price in the required volume.
Contact Jianglin today to get a custom quote and start your next high-precision machining project.
