Can 316 Stainless Steel Be Machined?
316 Stainless Steel can be machined and is part of a group called 300 Series (Austenitic, non-magnetic) and includes 302, 303, and 304 grades. Other groups of stainless steel include the 400 Series, (Ferritic or Martensitic, magnetic), 430 and 410 and other grades like 17-7, 17-4 and 2205 Duplex. 316 stainless steel is a non-magnetic alloy and has additional characteristics of corrosion resistance, formability and non-hardened by heat treatment. It seems like it is a great material, and it really is. Stainless steel CNC machining services processing 316 may be supporting products used in examples such as:
- Food and Beverage: Being non-reactive and easy to clean, 316 is ideal for food processing equipment, storage tanks, utensils, and cutlery. Its resistance to salt and chlorides makes it suitable for marine environments, so you might find it in boat fittings and offshore structures.
- Chemical Processing and Pharmaceutical: The high corrosion resistance of 316 allows it to handle harsh chemicals and maintain product purity. It’s used in chemical containers, reaction vessels, pipes, valves, and pharmaceutical equipment.
- Medical: Stainless steel CNC technology uses 316 for surgical instruments due to its biocompatibility (compatibility with living tissue), implants (like screws and plates), and sterilization equipment.
- Construction and Architecture: 316’s resistance to corrosion and weathering makes it suitable for exterior architectural panels, railings, trims, and even roofing in coastal areas.
- Oil and Gas: The high strength and resistance to extreme temperatures make 316 a great fit for oil refineries, pipelines, and offshore platforms.
- Textile and Paper Industries: 316 is used in equipment handling dyes, bleaches, and other chemicals used in these industries due to its resistance to such substances.
- Aerospace: While not as common as some other alloys in aerospace, 316 can be used in specific applications requiring good corrosion resistance and strength at moderate temperatures.
Compared to other grades in the 300 series like 303, 316 does pose some challenges when machining due to an additional content of molybdenum. When a CNC Milling service has a project requiring 316 stainless steels, they will consider the following factors:
- Machinability: 316 has a lower machinability rating due to its higher work hardening rate and higher content of molybdenum compared to 304. This means it gets stronger and harder to cut as machining progresses.
- Special Tools Needed: Machining 316 effectively requires specialized cutting tools made from hard and wear-resistant materials like carbide or ceramic. Regular high-speed steel (HSS) tools used for softer metals might wear down quickly with 316.
- Slower Speeds and Precise Techniques: It is key during any CNC stainless steel procedure to keep heat from forming during the milling process is key to extend the tools lifespan. Using slower cutting speeds and optimized feed rates are necessary compared to machining softer steels. Machinists also use specific techniques to deal with chip formation and coolant application.
Overall, while 316 presents some challenges, it’s still machinable with the right tools and techniques. CNC Milling stainless steel cost of 316 may be more expensive due to the slower speeds and specialized tooling required, therefore the cost is determined like in other industries for the complexity of the design and materials used. In manufacturing machinists would always choose 303 stainless because of its machinability, so the deciding factor to use 316 is the function of the designed part and the environment that it will be subjected to during its lifespan. We demand high quality and scrutiny of how our food is processed, how our medications are made and how chemicals we use at home or in industrial manufacturing are stored. 316 stainless steel plays an important role in these industries and numerous others. The decision to use 316 alloy for those characteristics mentioned of high strength, machinability, non-magnetic, and corrosion resistance, enhances many aspects of our lives in a positive way from the safety of our environment to the food we eat and the healthcare products we have.