Steel is a widely-used material in CNC machining due to its excellent mechanical properties, such as high strength and durability. The type of steel employed depends on the specific requirements for each component - strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance included.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for CNC machining due to its corrosion resistance and ability to remain strong at high temperatures. Tool steel also makes an excellent CNC cutting material due to its high hardness and wear resistance. Other steel types used in CNC machining include carbon steel, which is cost-effective and easy to machine; and alloy steel which has improved mechanical properties due to the addition of elements like chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. In conclusion, when selecting steel type for CNC machining it's important to take into account your component's requirements as well as any properties needed for final product.
Material
Tensile Strength (MPa)
Yield Strength (MPa)
Elastic Modulus (GPa)
Hardness (HB)
Advantages
Applications
1018 Steel
440-790
370
190
126-183
Good machinability, low cost
Bolts, nuts, studs, gears
1020 Steel
420-690
350
190
121-170
Good weldability, low cost
Shafts, axles, pins
1045 Steel
585-800
330
205
163-229
Good strength and wear resistance
Gears, shafts, bolts
4130 Steel
670-980
435
205
197-235
High strength-to-weight ratio, good weldability
Aircraft parts, bicycle frames
4140 Steel
655-1065
415
205
197-235
High strength, toughness, and wear resistance
Gears, axles, shafts
4340 Steel
745-1130
470
205
201-269
High strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance
Aircraft landing gear, crankshafts
A2 Tool Steel
670-1280
360
190
217-235
High wear resistance, good toughness
Punches, dies, cutting tools
A36 Steel
400-550
250
200
70-80
Easy to machine, weld, and form. Affordable and widely available.
Structural applications, including buildings, bridges, and machinery.
D2 Tool Steel
1700-2200
1200-1400
190-210
60-64
High wear resistance and toughness. Holds an edge well.
Cutting tools, knives, shear blades, and dies.
S7 Tool Steel
1600-2000
1400-1700
190-210
50-60
High impact resistance and toughness.
Tooling applications that require shock resistance, such as hammers, punches, chisels, and shear blades.
303 Stainless Steel
620 - 860
260 - 420
190
160 - 180
Good machinability and corrosion resistance
Aerospace, automotive, food processing, and medical industries
304 Stainless Steel
515 - 1035
205 - 515
193
70 - 92
Corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength
Chemical processing, food processing, and medical industries
316 Stainless Steel
515 - 1035
205 - 515
193
70 - 90
Superior corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength
Chemical processing, food processing, and medical industries
416 Stainless Steel
550 - 860
275 - 485
200
262 - 302
Good machinability and wear resistance
Aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries
15-5 PH
1100 - 1380
860
196
363 - 388
High strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance
Aerospace, chemical processing, and medical industries
17-4 PH
1000 - 1200
800
190
302 - 363
High strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance
Aerospace, chemical processing, and medical industries
440C
1960 - 2150
1320
200
58 - 64
High hardness and wear resistance
Cutlery, bearings, and valve components
