In today’s fast-paced industrial world, the demand for durable, high-precision metal components continues to rise. Among the most sought-after services in manufacturing are CNC machining services—especially for stainless steel parts. Through advanced turning and milling processes, manufacturers can produce components that meet tight tolerances, resist corrosion, and perform reliably in even the harshest environments.
What is CNC Machining?
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a subtractive manufacturing process where pre-programmed software controls the movement of tools and machinery. It is used to create complex components with high accuracy, consistency, and speed.
The two primary operations used in CNC machining of stainless steel are:
- Turning: A lathe rotates the workpiece while a cutting tool removes material to create cylindrical features.
- Milling: A rotating cutting tool moves along multiple axes to remove material from a stationary workpiece, producing flat surfaces, slots, and complex shapes.
Why Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is widely used in precision machining due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and wide range of grades suited for different applications.
Popular stainless steel grades for CNC machining:
- 304: Excellent corrosion resistance, commonly used in food, chemical, and architectural industries.
- 316: Superior corrosion resistance, ideal for marine and medical applications.
- 303: Free-machining grade, best for complex parts with fine finishes.
- 17-4 PH: Precipitation-hardened steel for high-strength applications.
CNC Turning for Stainless Steel Parts
CNC turning is ideal for creating parts with rotational symmetry, such as shafts, bushings, pins, and couplings. Turning operations can include:
- External and internal threading
- Grooving, facing, and knurling
- Boring and tapering
- Contour turning
Advantages of turning stainless steel:
- High-speed production for round parts
- Excellent surface finishes
- Tight concentricity and roundness control
CNC Milling for Stainless Steel Parts
CNC milling excels at producing prismatic or flat parts, complex surfaces, and fine features. Milling operations can include:
- Pocketing and slotting
- Drilling and tapping
- Contouring and 3D profiling
- Engraving and chamfering
Multi-axis milling machines (3-, 4-, or 5-axis) allow for reduced setups, higher precision, and machining from multiple angles.
Surface Finishing Options for Stainless Steel
After CNC machining, stainless steel parts can be further enhanced with finishing treatments to improve function or appearance:
- Passivation: Removes free iron to improve corrosion resistance
- Electropolishing: Smooths and brightens surfaces
- Bead blasting: Provides a uniform matte finish
- Anodizing (for aluminum/stainless hybrids): Adds color and protection
- Thread locking or sealing: For high-pressure applications
| | CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Laser Cutting, Bending, Spining, Wire Cutting, Stamping, Electric Discharge Machining (EDM), Injection Molding,3D Printing,Rapid Prototype,Moulds etc. |
| | Aluminum: 2000 series, 6000 series, 7075, 5052, etc. |
| Stainlesss steel: SUS303, SUS304, SS316, SS316L, 17-4PH, etc. |
| Steel: 1214L/1215/1045/4140/SCM440/40CrMo, etc. |
| Brass: 260, C360, H59, H60, H62, H63, H65, H68, H70, Bronze, Copper |
| Titanium: Grade F1-F5 |
| Plastic: Acetal/POM/PA/Nylon/PC/PMMA/PVC/PU/Acrylic/ABS/PTFE/PEEK etc. |
| | Anodized, Bead Blasted, Silk Screen, PVD Plating, Zinc/Nickl/Chrome/Titanium Plating, Brushing, Painting, Powder Coated, Passivation, Electrophoresis, Electro Polishing, Knurl, Laser/Etch/Engrave etc. |
| | ±0.002 ~ ±0.005mm |
| | Min Ra 0.1~3.2 |
| CERTIFICATE | ISO9001:2015,AS9100D,ISO13485:2016,ISO45001:2018,IATF16949:2016,ISO14001:2015,ROSH,CE etc. |
FAQ
1. Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?
We are a factory located in Shenzhen, China, with 20 years of rich experience,
covering 6000 square meters. Complete facilities, including 3D quality inspection equipment, ERP system and 40 machines. If necessary, we can provide you with material certificates, sample quality inspection and other reports.
2. How to get a quote?
Detailed drawings (PDF/STEP/IGS/DWG...), including quality, delivery date, materials, quality, quantity, surface treatment and other information.
3. Can I get a quotation without drawings?
Can your engineering team draw for my creativity? Of course, we are also glad to receive your samples, pictures or detailed size drafts for accurate quotation.
4. Can you provide samples before mass production?
Of course, the sample fee is necessary. If possible, it will be returned during mass production.
5. What is the delivery date?
Generally, the sample lasts for 1-2 weeks and the batch production lasts for 3-4 weeks.
6. How do you control quality?
(1) Material Inspection - Check material surfaces and approximate dimensions.
(2) First inspection of production - ensure
critical dimensions in mass production.
(3) Sampling inspection - check the quality before delivery to the warehouse.
(4) Preshipment inspection - 100% inspection by QC assistant before shipment.
7. After sales service team
If you have any problems after receiving the product, you can provide feedback through voice call, video conference, email, etc. within one month. Our team will provide you with solutions within a week.
