CNC Machining Steel
Steel is a popular material consisting mainly of carbon and iron. It also contains other elements, such as chromium, nickel, and manganese; however, these are present in trace amounts. CNC machining steel is a smoother process due to the ease of cutting. Moreover, it has excellent hardness and strength due to the presence of carbon and a small amount of nickel.
These features make this material popular in the construction and automotive industries. Do you want to make high-quality steel parts with precision? At Multi-Wins, we provide CNC machining services to create steel parts with precise tolerances.
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Types of Steel that Can Be CNC Machined
Steel has many types and grades. Each of those varies from the others in terms of ease of machinability. Moreover, their other characteristics make them suitable for different industries. Let’s discuss those types or grades of steel that we can use for CNC machining:
1- Carbon Steel
Carbon steel comes in various types, differing in their carbon content. Steel with 0.3% carbon is called low-carbon steel and is very soft. Grades A36 and 1018 are low-carbon steels. Steel with a carbon content of 0.3 to 0.6% falls into the medium-carbon steel category, which is relatively harder than low-carbon steel.
Its machining is relatively more complex than that of low-carbon steel. Steel with a higher carbon content, ranging from 0.6% to 1.0%, is called high-carbon steel and is very hard. Remember, high carbon content makes the steel very hard. So, its CNC machining is very challenging and causes tools to wear. However, we at Multi-Win can use all these carbon steel types to make CNC-machined steel parts.
2- Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is very popular due to its corrosion resistance. It contains a higher 10.5% chromium content in this steel type. This chromium, when reacted with oxygen, makes a chromium oxide layer. This layer protects the steel surface from further corrosion. There are various grades of stainless steel, including 304, 316, 430, and 303, among others.
However, stainless steel 304 and 316 are very popular due to their ease of CNC machining. They are relatively softer and less brittle. They can be cut easily, and CNC machine cutting tools don’t heat up excessively. Due to their corrosion resistance, stainless steel machined parts are often used in the marine sector. They are also commonly used to make crews, fasteners, and pipes.
3- Alloy Steel
As the name suggests, this steel type is an alloy of multiple elements. However, iron and carbon are the primary elements that make these materials. CNC machining of alloy steel is very challenging compared to carbon and stainless steel. The reason is that this material is very tough.
These characteristics enhance its durability but make it very difficult to cut. During CNC machining of alloy steel, the cutters of the machines can wear out. Moreover, they get overheated due to using more power to cut these materials. However, worry not! If you need alloy steel to be CNC machined, we can help create high-quality parts using alloy steel grades such as 4340, 4130, 4140, and 4340.
Surface Finishing Options for Steel
As mentioned, the CNC machines have cutting tools that cut and shape the steel. Their cut parts don’t have smooth finishing. Their surface is generally rough, which makes them look ugly.
We use multiple surface finishing options when CNC machining steel. Here is their list:
| Finishing Type | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Polishing | Gives a smooth, shiny surface |
| Sandblasting | Removes tool marks and creates a uniform texture |
| Powder Coating | Ideally for corrosion resistance and color options |
| Painting | Cost-effective rust protection and color variety |
| Black Oxide Coating | It creates a black finish on the steel material |
| Zinc Plating | We add a layer of zinc on steel for rust protection |
| Nickel/Chrome Plating | Both corrosion resistance and mirror finish |
Notably, each surface finishing type has its unique pros and cons. Some are more focused on protecting the steel against rust and corrosion. On the other hand, some finishing focuses more on enhancing the look of materials. So, which finishing type you should choose depends on your needs.
We recommend using finishes that enhance rust resistance when manufacturing marine parts. Conversely, parts where physical appearance is key require sandblasting or chrome coating. At Multi-Win, we offer a wide range of surface finishing options for steel parts. Our CNC machined parts, coupled with surface coating, will last many years.
Worldwide CNC Steel Machining Solutions with Customer Support
Multi-Wins is a Chinese company based in Shenzhen. However, our steel CNC machining services are not bound to any specific region. Instead, we cater to customers from all over the world.
All you need to do is to send us your CAD file. We will handle the rest through our CNC machines. Once a steel product is made, we will ship it to your doorstep, minimizing hassle.
We promise to deliver the final product within 10 to 12 days. Multi-Wins has reliable customer support to help our customers. You can still contact us for post-sales guidance even after the order is delivered.
Contact Us and Ask for CAD DesignBenefits of CNC Machining Steel
We have been machining the steel material for over two decades. So, we know how good parts can be made with steel material. Customers enjoy many perks when they use CNC machines to cut and shape steel materials. Here are some key benefits:
Repeatability
The CNC machining process is highly repeatable. Once you create a design (model) and feed it to the machine, it can make thousands of identical parts. This saves time and speeds up bulk production.
High Strength
The steel material is tough and strong. It does not deteriorate even if you use it in harsh conditions. Therefore, CNC-machined parts last longer and are resistant to harsh environmental conditions.
High Precision
CNC machines are known for their tight tolerances. At Multi-Win, we promise to create steel parts with a tighter tolerance of ±0.005 (±0.125mm). Our steel parts will be the epitome of quality and precision.
Finishing Options
As mentioned above, multiple finishing options are available for steel materials. It can be polished, painted, chrome coated, and many more. These finishes further improve the durability and physical appearance of steel parts.
Quick & Affordable Solution
Our focus is always on creating steel parts for customers of every budget. Therefore, we have kept our prices very low. Moreover, we handle everything from design to manufacturing at our own house. So, we can give heavy discounts to the customers.
Compatible with Many Steel Types
There are multiple types or grades of steel. Those include carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. We at Multi-Wins use all these types of steel for CNC machining. So, whatever material you choose, we will use it to create parts of your needs.
Applications of CNC Machining Steel
Steel has many useful properties and characteristics which enhance its value. It is corrosion-resistant, soft, and relatively easy to cut. Therefore, manufacturers use it to create parts for different industries. Here is a table showing the use of CNC machining of steel across various sectors:
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Automotive | Engine parts, gear shafts, brake components |
| Aerospace | Structural supports, landing gear parts, engine casings |
| Medical | Surgical tools, implants, medical device enclosures |
| Electronics | Metal enclosures, mounting brackets, heat sinks |
| Construction | Structural brackets, connectors, machine frames |
| Machinery | Shafts, gears, machine bases, die/mold components |
| Consumer Products | Knife blades, watch parts, appliance components, hardware |
| Defense & Military | Gun barrels, armor parts, vehicle and aircraft components |
The table above shows the most popular use of CNC machining steel. It won’t be wrong that this material is usable in almost every industry. We at Multi-Wins also create parts that can be used in different industries. Additionally, we focus on delivering quality steel parts at an affordable price.
Price & Cost of CNC Machining Steel in China
The cost of machining the steel material varies depending on many factors. Moreover, the price of raw steel also fluctuates daily. Therefore, we cannot state a fixed quote here.
We recommend you contact us to get an up-to-date price. Our suggested quote will be the most affordable compared to the rest of the market. We would first get your CAD file, analyze the design, and then estimate the cost. Therefore, if you have a CAD file, you should send it to us when contacting us. However, if you don’t have a CAD file and want to start from scratch, worry not! Our manufacturing facilities have designers who will help from the beginning to the final part.
