Select a Country or Region

The Right Metal For CNC Machining

Various factors whilst selecting the suitable material in CNC as the ability to resist certain constants as well as lightweight and sustainability. The selection of the right material for CNC steel parts is the crucial step. This is because, in the end, the final product relies on the strength and sustainability of the material. Therefore, whilst, choosing the right material many factors require detailed analysis. Furthermore, the chemical as well as the physical properties of the chosen raw material are integral. These properties play a vital role in determining the futuristic results and reliability. This thereby determines its ultimate success. By this, it means that the metal may depict resistance to temperature and pressures.

It, furthermore, could show a possibility of getting a crack, dump, dimple, or breakage while bending. Some materials are resistant to corrosion, however, show workability, and are cost-effective. However, some are lightweight flexible, and bear cosmetic appearance.

CNC steel parts

Different Types of CNC Machining

Before selecting the right CNC steel parts it is imperative to get to know about the types of CNC machining. The cruciality of the step is pertinent in reaching the final step of selecting the material. For a manufacturer and a customer, the purpose of production, selecting the right machine, and material is the order. There are thereby various types of CNC machines in the market. Every single machine type varies from one another in terms of cost, material, quality production, and design variation. Nevertheless, some very famous CNC machine types include:

CNC milling and machining is the most famous method of production. The reliability and repute in the industrial market are justifiable for several reasons. Being a computer numerical control method, the involvement of human input remains minimal.

CNC Steel Parts: Choosing the Right Metal for CNC Machining

There are loads of material as CNC steel parts available in the market for CNC machines. Nonetheless, in comparison, the conventional method involves manual production with the possibility of human error. Whilst CNC machining makes the best use of raw material with minimum waste. Therefore, steel parts in CNC machining are sustainable materials of production.

Stainless Steel 303

Stainless steel is the most famous used material in CNC steel parts’ production. This is because of the presence of one material in stainless steel i.e., chromium. Chromium metal helps in deterring the oxidation process occurring in steel. Oxidation is another name of rust which is common in most metals as iron etc. Stainless steel in the market comes in a variety of grades and quality. However, with such a large variety, a layman, it is difficult to distinguish. This thus asks for checking the right material by using modern equipment as OES detectors. This thus helps in selecting the right quality of steel you are looking for.

In the case of choosing 303 stainless steel, the material contains the right amount of sulfur. The addition of sulfur makes 303 a most readily available and used material in CNC. Nevertheless, with the addition of sulfur, the property of the metal to protect against corrosion reduces in a considerable amount. This thereby makes it more reluctant to bend or heat and hence is not a good choice for such treatment. However, with the addition of sulfur, material 303 bears bad properties for welding. This thus makes the product a good choice only in terms of machine properties. But with speed feeding and sharpness, it requires extra precautions whilst handling them. The material is ideal for making nuts and bolts and is thus not good for marine grade fittings.

Stainless Steel 304

Stainless steel 304 lies amongst the most favorite and commonly used materials for producing CNC steel parts. For its variety of advantages and pros, customers prefer 304 as their first choice of production. There are several products both industrial and domestic where this product is most common. People who are familiar with 304 often call it 18/8. This is because of the Presence of 18% of chromium and 8% nickel. The addition of 18/8 property hence promises the material as tough and nonmagnetic. Stainless steel 304 is a good choice as it also bears readily machine able properties. But in comparison to that of 303, the 304 contains a good property of welding. Furthermore, the 304 withstands easily the most corrosion yet less chemical environment. For this reason, the mechanics do prefer to use it purely with sharp cutting tools.

Stainless Steel 316

Stainless steel 316 is more corrosive to resistant amongst all stainless-steel material in CNC steel parts. The property of being a corrosive is because of the presence of the molybdenum. This, therefore, makes this steel the best marine grade stainless steel material. The 316 hence becomes tough in nature as well as support an easy welding characteristic. The toughness and increased strength make it an ideal material for producing architectural and marine products. The marine fittings, marine tanks, and marine industrial products are the example of 316. The material is also helpful in the making of cutlery and automotive parts. 316 also helps in the production of shackles for water boats.

Stainless Steel 400 Series

These 400 stainless steel series is a long list of steels used for production. This includes 409, 410, 410S, 430, 439. These materials are ideal for manufacturing hard materials. Though the products in the 400 series are not that resistant to corrosion. However, they are very ideal for making Swiss Knife. This material is also common by its name Martensitic. As mentioned earlier that the product lacks corrosion properties, however with slight heating it becomes very hard. This characteristic of hardness upon heating makes it a perfect choice for making Knives and blades. Nevertheless, some materials in the 400 series are ferritic, since they are not by any means prone to hardness. Even upon maximum heating, they are resistant to hardness. Furthermore, the 400 series also bear good quality magnetic properties as well. 440 amongst the 400 series is the hardest material of them all.

Carbon Steel 1045

Another material that makes its stable position amongst CNC materials is mild steel. Mild steel as the name suggests comprises a mid-level property. The metal thus contains a low level of carbon. They thence are also famous as low carbon steel. By this, we can infer that they must contain good mechanical properties. With great mechanics there comes great machinability and the finest welding characteristics. Low carbon steel bears a cost-effective opportunity for manufacturing. Due to its ability to be cheap, it is beneficial for manufacturing general-purpose applications. The general purpose includes producing parts such as jigs and fixtures. Mild steel or low carbon steel is prone to get susceptible to corrosion and chemicals. The low carbon material is 1018, 1045, A-36.

1018 is beneficial for general use for being tough and hard.

1045 is a medium carbon product that benefits in producing shock resistant and high strength materials.

A36 is famous for structural products due to its ability to weldability.

Alloy Steel

Alloy steels are the most distinguishable steel amongst others. This is because in addition to carbon there are many other materials as impurities in it. In a vase of alloy steel, alloy elements are present. This thereby makes and adds more strength, hardness, fatigue, and resistance to wear off. Nonetheless, alloy steel is prone to catching corrosion and chemical reaction. The most commonly used material in alloy steels is:

Alloy Steel 4140: 4140 contain good mechanical properties. This thus helps the CNC product in maintaining remarkable strength and hardness. This thus serves many industrial applications however not recommended for welding.

Alloy Steel 4340: It contains a high degree of strength and hardness with toughness and wears resistance. This thereby helps in maintaining characteristics of weldability.

CNC steel parts

Final Thoughts on CNC steel parts

CNC steel material not only helps in manufacturing parts but also helps in maintaining quality and precision. Steel parts in CNC help in producing large items with an efficient and reliable mechanism. However, CNC is a versatile method of production. That is why this includes other than steel as plastic, metals, acrylic, etc.

For More Information Contact Us Today!

5 Advantages of Used CNC Router Parts

How CNC Precision Engineering Enhances Quality And Performance

Get a free quote

  • Now, Let Your Business To A Higher Level! Click The Mail Button To Send Us Your Requirements.

Contact info

+8613129894119
No. 39, Shayuan Road, Shabu Village, Dalang Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province

Get a quote