Customers
Served
Parts
Manufactured
Countries
Shipped
Manufacturing
Partners
CNC machining produces parts with excellent mechanical properties, accuracy and repeatability from metal and plastic. 3-axis & 5-axis CNC milling available.
Excellent mechanical properties,High accuracy & repeatabillity
Greater geometry restrictions than 3D printing
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Lead Time | < 10 days |
| Wall Thickness | 0.75 mm |
| Tolerance | ±0.125mm (±0.005″) |
| Max Part Size | 200 x 80 x 100 cm |
A corrosion-resistant alloy with great strength and formability.
An alloy with high corrosion and chemical resistance.
An alloy with great machinability and corrosion resistance.
A martensitic alloy with good machinability and strength.
A duplex alloy with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance.
A martensitic alloy known for its high hardness and wear resistance.
A high-carbon alloy known for its wear resistance and hardness.
A ferritic alloy with good corrosion resistance and formability.
An austenitic alloy known for its formability and strength.
Clarwe provides a wide range ofsurface finishes through its stainless steelCNC machining service, designed to elevate the quality of each machined component. Each finish is specifically chosen to improve both the mechanical characteristics and the visual appeal of the stainless steel parts.
Stainless steel is a high-performance alloy primarily composed of iron and at least 10.5% chromium, which gives it excellent resistance to corrosion, staining, and oxidation. The chromium content forms a thin, protective oxide layer on the surface, ensuring that the material remains durable even in harsh environments. Stainless steel is renowned for its strength, toughness, and versatility, making it ideal for a wide range of applications across industries such as food processing, medical devices, construction, and aerospace. Its resistance to rust, tarnishing, and stains makes it a preferred material in environments where hygiene and aesthetic appeal are important.There are various grades of stainless steel, each designed for specific applications based on their unique properties.
Austenitic stainless steel (such as 304 and316) is highly corrosion-resistant and malleable, suitable for use in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries. Martensitic stainless steel (such as 410 and420) is harder and used in making tools, knives, and turbine blades. Ferritic stainless steel offers lower strength but is still resistant to corrosion, commonly used in automotive exhaust systems and household appliances. Stainless steel also maintains its mechanical properties at both high and low temperatures, making it ideal for applications where temperature fluctuations are common, such as in boilers, heat exchangers, and cryogenic equipment.
CNC machining of stainless steel involves several processes designed to accommodate its unique properties, such as high strength, toughness, and resistance to corrosion.CNC Milling is commonly used for stainless steel, employing rotating cutters to remove material and create complex shapes, slots, or surface finishes. Due to stainless steel’s hardness, slower feed rates and lower cutting speeds are typically employed to minimize heat generation and extend tool life.CNC Turning is used for producing cylindrical parts by rotating the workpiece while a stationary cutting tool removes material. It is ideal for producing shafts, tubes, and other round components, but requires careful control to manage heat and tool wear. CNC Drilling is employed to create precise holes, with carbide or cobalt drills used to prevent excessive wear during the cutting process.
CNC Grinding is used to achieve fine surface finishes and tight tolerances on stainless steel components, especially for precision parts like gears, shafts, and bearings. Stainless steel’s resistance to wear can challenge tool life, so it's important to select the correct grinding wheels and parameters. CNC Tapping is often utilized to create internal threads in stainless steel parts, typically with high-speed steel or carbide taps to ensure durability and precision. CNC Laser Cutting and CNC Waterjet Cutting are both employed to make complex cuts, especially for thin stainless steel sheets. Laser cutting provides precise, clean cuts, while waterjet cutting is ideal for thicker materials, offering the advantage of no heat-affected zones. These CNC machining processes, when combined with appropriate tools and settings, allow for efficient and precise manufacturing of stainless steel parts for industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical.
Post-processing of stainless steel parts is essential for enhancing their performance, appearance, and durability. Passivation is one of the most common post-processing techniques, where the part is treated with an acid solution to remove free iron from the surface, improving corrosion resistance. This process helps to enhance the protective oxide layer formed on the surface, making stainless steel more resistant to rust and corrosion in aggressive environments.Polishing is another popular method, especially for parts that require a high-quality, smooth, and aesthetically appealing surface finish. Polishing stainless steel removes surface imperfections, resulting in a shiny, reflective surface often seen in kitchenware, medical instruments, and architectural components.
Pickling is a process used to remove scale or oxide layers formed during welding or heat treatment, restoring the stainless steel’s natural corrosion resistance. For components subjected to heavy wear or extreme conditions, Coating is applied to provide additional protection. Electro-polishing, which is an electrochemical process, can also be used to smooth the surface of stainless steel parts, reducing surface roughness while enhancing corrosion resistance and cleanliness, making it ideal for industries like pharmaceuticals and food processing. Deburring is essential to remove any sharp edges or burrs left from machining processes, improving the safety and fit of parts. Finally, Heat Treatment, such as solution annealing, may be applied to relieve internal stresses and improve the strength and ductility of stainless steel components, particularly for high-performance applications in aerospace or heavy machinery.
Corrosion Resistance: Passivation enhances the natural oxide layer, improving stainless steel's resistance to rust and corrosion in aggressive environments.
Improved Surface Finish: Polishing provides a smooth, shiny surface, enhancing both aesthetics and the part’s overall appearance.
Enhanced Durability: Coatings like galvanizing or electropolishing improve wear resistance, extending the part's lifespan in harsh conditions.
Better Cleanliness: Electropolishing reduces surface roughness, making stainless steel easier to clean and more hygienic, ideal for food and medical applications.
Oxide Removal: Pickling removes oxide layers and scale, restoring the steel’s corrosion resistance and improving its structural integrity.
Increased Strength: Heat treatment, such as solution annealing, can relieve internal stresses and increase the overall strength and ductility of stainless steel parts.
Safety: Deburring removes sharp edges and burrs, improving the safety and ease of handling stainless steel components.
Aesthetic Appeal: Polishing and electropolishing provide a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing finish, often required in decorative or visible applications.
Precision and Fit: Post-processing ensures tight tolerances and precise dimensions, essential for parts in high-precision industries.
Enhanced Performance: Post-processing techniques optimize stainless steel for specific performance requirements, making it suitable for demanding applications across industries.
Aerospace Industry: Stainless steel is used in aircraft components, engine parts, and structural elements due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures.
Medical Devices: Its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion make stainless steel ideal for surgical instruments, implants, and medical equipment.
Food Processing: Stainless steel is commonly used for food-grade equipment, containers, and utensils due to its hygienic properties and resistance to corrosion from acidic foods.
Automotive Industry: Components such as exhaust systems, fuel tanks, and trim are made from stainless steel, benefiting from its strength, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature durability.
Chemical Processing: Stainless steel is utilized in tanks, pipes, and reactors, as it can withstand exposure to harsh chemicals without degrading.
Marine Industry: It is widely used in boat hulls, propellers, and fittings for its resistance to saltwater corrosion and durability in harsh marine environments.
Energy Sector: Stainless steel is used in power plants for components such as turbines, boilers, and heat exchangers, which must withstand high pressures and temperatures.
Consumer Goods: Stainless steel is employed in making kitchenware, appliances, and jewelry due to its aesthetic appearance, strength, and resistance to tarnishing.
Defense and Military: Stainless steel is used in armor plating, vehicle parts, and weapons for its durability, strength, and ability to withstand extreme conditions.
Common grades of stainless steel used in CNC machining include a 304, known for its corrosion resistance and versatility; 316, which offers higher resistance to corrosion in marine environments; and 420, a martensitic grade with good hardness and wear resistance for tooling applications. Each grade is chosen based on the specific requirements of the project.
Stainless steel's corrosion resistance improves its durability in harsh environments but can make it harder to machine due to its toughness and work-hardening properties. This can lead to increased tool wear and longer machining times. As a result, the cost of machining stainless steel is often higher compared to other materials.
Machining stainless steel presents challenges like work hardening, high tool wear and the material's toughness. These can be addressed by using sharp, durable tools, optimizing cutting parameters and using cooling techniques to reduce heat buildup. Additionally, choosing the right grade of stainless steel for the application can improve machinability.