Stainless steel machining is crucial to modern manufacturing. Whether it's medical implants or aerospace components, this corrosion-resistant and resilient metal is essential where strength and durability are required. However, stainless steel's desirable properties also present challenges for precise machining.
At Falcon CNC Swiss, we are specialists in Swiss machining stainless steel parts with tight tolerances and smooth finishes. In this article, we will discuss key applications, challenges and solutions in CNC machining tough durable stainless steel so you can make improved decisions with material and suppliers.
What Is Stainless Steel Machining?
Stainless steel machining is the process where alloyed stainless steel is cut, turned, milled, or drilled into precise components. Stainless steel parts are commonly produced using CNC lathe machines, Swiss-type machines, and multi-access high precision machining centers.
At Falcon, we regularly machine the following stainless steels:
303 stainless steel is easy to machine and it is commonly used for fasteners and structural fittings.
304 stainless steel is strong, corrosion resistant, and often used in food compatible applications.
316 stainless steel offers higher corrosion resistance, therefore it is often used for marine and surgical applications.
17-4 PH stainless offers high strength and high hardness properties, often used in aerospace and defense environments.
Learn more about our swiss machining capabilities
Common Applications of CNC Stainless Steel Parts
Due to its material properties and toughness, stainless steel is used across many industries requiring high standards for performance and manufacturability. Some of the common applications of CNC machined stainless steel parts are as follows:
Industry Components
Medical Surgical tools, implants, connectors
Aerospace Sensor housings, brackets, valves
Electronics Precision enclosures, shielding, terminals
Industrial automation Shafts, bushings, couplings
Oil & Gas High pressure fittings, threaded parts
We use laser based Swiss precision machining machine for production whcih can achieve micron tolerances for these important mission-critical components.
Why Is Stainless Steel Difficult to Machine?
Although stainless steels have excellent mechanical properties they appear to present challenges for machining, these challenges include:
1. Work Hardening
Stainless steel will harden in a cutting operation and in addition will lead to tool wear, heat, and/or shrinkage of parts.
2. Thermal Conductivity
Stainless steel does not dissipate heat well, and as such, will create higher duller tool temperatures and contribute to production without creating tool life.
3. Built-Up Edge
Chips can stick to the cutting edge, causing added difficulties with quality regarding surface finshes and accuracies.
Falcon's Solutions to the Difficulties of Stainless Steel Machining
By using equipment that fits the material we are machining, combined with qualified production staff and intelligent equipment operating considerations, we can provide solutions to these problems:
✔ Material specific high-performance tooling
We use coated carbide or ceramic tools with optimized geometries to reduce friction and extend tool life.
✔ Coolants with special applications
With high-pressure coolant systems, as well as coolant and coolants, we help appropriate heat management and chip removal.
✔ Swiss designed lathes
Swiss machines optimize high speed, stability, of stainless steel machining particularly when you want to achieve small diameters from 0 - 25mm!
Discover our stainless steel Swiss machining process
✔ Precision processes
In-line inspection with CMM, verification with CMM capabilities, as well as Statistical Process Control (SPC), ensure every part meets your criteria and specifications.
Comparison of Stainless Steel Grades (Machinability)
Machining grade Machining Value Common Uses
303 Excellent Screws, shafts
304 Moderate Valves, containers
316 Difficult Implants, marine parts
17-4PH Difficult Aerospace, defense
We can help our customers select the correct stainless steel grade regarding their performance, price, and manufacturability requirements.
CNC Machining: A Comparison of Stainless Steel and Titanium
Both materials are materials used for high-performance applications - titanium has a higher strength-to-weight ratio while stainless can be sourced cheaper and easier.
➡ Compare all the details in our blog post with Stainless Steel vs Titanium Machining (we recommend putting together that page and interlinking)
Why Falcon CNC Swiss?
We have:
> More than 15 years of stainless steel machining experience
> Swiss-type machines can produce micro parts with very tight tolerances
> ISO quality systems compliant
> Flexibility for low volume and prototype production
> Experience producing high precision parts for aerospace, medical, industrial clients, internationally trusted
If you need CNC stainless steel parts produced in low batch quantities or high volume with consistent quality and short lead times, give us a call.
Get a quote on stainless steel machining
If you are looking for a trusted partner to assist with precision stainless steel machining, our engineers will evaluate your design, recommend a change to save on costs and ensure you will get a perfectly fitting component.
Contact us today and Request a quote!
