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  1. Materials
  2. Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Strength, Toughness, Corrosion Resistance

Stainless Steel for CNC Machining

Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and rust, making it suitable for situations where a part may be exposed to the elements for a long period of time. Stainless steel is also fairly malleable and ductile.

Stainless steel is a widely favored and extremely adaptable material recognized for its remarkable strength and durability, as well as its resistance to high temperatures and corrosion. It finds extensive use across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical.

The distinguishing factor between stainless steel and regular steel is the presence of chromium in its alloys. Every stainless steel composition includes a minimum of 10.5% chromium. This addition enhances the steel's resistance to corrosion and improves its machinability. It's important to note that heat treatment can greatly influence the metal's mechanical properties.

Stainless steels are categorized according to their crystalline structure:

Austenitic stainless steels, like the 300-series, are highly formable and do not undergo work hardening. In their annealed state, they are also non-magnetic.

Ferritic stainless steels, on the other hand, are magnetic and provide superior thermal conductivity compared to austenitic stainless steels, but they cannot be hardened through heat treatment.

Martensitic stainless steels, such as grades 416 and 420, can be hardened using various aging or heat treatment methods.

Duplex stainless steels, also referred to as austenitic-ferritic, are specialized grades designed for enhanced corrosion resistance and are commonly used in industrial and architectural applications.

Given its versatility, some form of stainless steel is prevalent in every industry. 

Please note

The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control.

Finishing options

Black oxide, electropolishing, ENP, media blasting, nickel plating, passivation, powder coating, tumble polishing, and zinc plating.

Hardness

Material hardness is based on the Brinnell Hardness Number.

View spec sheet

Stainless Steel Variants

Stainless Steel 13-8

STRENGTH, TOUGHNESS, CORROSION RESISTANCE

13-8 stainless steel is a type of martensitic stainless steel known for its outstanding strength, high hardness, exceptional toughness, and effective corrosion resistance. Furthermore, 13-8 demonstrates excellent ductility and fabrication properties. Consequently, it is commonly employed in aircraft frames, various aerospace applications, as well as in petrochemical and nuclear facilities.

View Data Sheet

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Fatigue Strength Shear Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
175-220 ksi 205 ksi 130 ksi 150 ksi 11,000 ksi 360-420 10%

Stainless Steel 15-5

STRENGTH, TOUGHNESS

Stainless Steel 15-5 is a precipitation-hardened (PH) alloy. This process imparts outstanding toughness, strength, and resistance to corrosion. Its mechanical properties are further improved through low-temperature heat treatment, making it perfect for use in aerospace and nuclear sectors.

View Data Sheet

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Fatigue Strength Shear Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
160-190 ksi 75-170 ksi 95 ksi 130 ksi 11,000 ksi 360-440 8-10%

Stainless Steel 17-4

CORROSION RESISTANCE, STRENGTH, DUCTILITY

Stainless steel 17-4 is highly suitable for numerous applications because of its superior machinability, remarkable consistency, workability, and weldability. It boasts very high tensile strength and exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear. This precipitation-hardened (PH) steel grade provides enhanced corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures compared to 15-5 stainless steel. It achieves this improved corrosion resistance by compromising on mechanical strength. This is also among the more commonly used grades of PH stainless steel.

View Data Sheet

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Fatigue Strength Shear Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
160-210 ksi 75-170 ksi 98 ksi 120 ksi 11,000 ksi 360-440 6-12%

Stainless Steel 303

STRENGTH, CORROSION RESISTANCE

Stainless steel 303 is ideal for numerous applications because of its superior machinability and exceptional consistency. SS 303 was engineered to offer enhanced machinability while retaining excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidation. It is a non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel that does not harden through heat treatment.

Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and rust, making it appropriate for use in environments where parts may be exposed to the elements for extended periods. Additionally, stainless steel is quite malleable and ductile.

View Data Sheet

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Fatigue Strength Shear Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
90 ksi 35 ksi 35 ksi 60 ksi 11,000 ksi 165 44%

Stainless Steel 304

MACHINABILITY, SURFACE FINISH

This type of austenitic stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance and is widely used for fasteners. It is frequently regarded as a more affordable option compared to SS316, though it does not provide the same level of corrosion resistance. This alloy closely resembles grade 18-8 stainless steel, containing the same amounts of chromium and nickel, but it boasts enhanced strength due to a higher carbon content.

View Data Sheet

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Fatigue Strength Shear Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
85-185 ksi 35-140 ksi 28-52 ksi 45-77 ksi 11,000 ksi 195-370 37-55%

Stainless Steel 316

STRENGTH, CORROSION RESISTANNCE

This austenitic stainless steel grade includes molybdenum, providing it with superior corrosion resistance. Furthermore, it is highly formable and weldable. It is used in applications such as chemical tanks and boat fittings. Stainless steel 316 provides excellent machinability and remarkable uniformity. This material enables faster machining speeds, extends tool life, and enhances part quality while reducing overall costs.

View Data Sheet

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Fatigue Strength Shear Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
82 ksi 37 ksi 30 ksi 58 ksi 11,000 ksi 210 52%

Stainless Steel 416

MACHINABILITY

Stainless steel 416 is among the easiest stainless steels to machine. However, like other alloys, this enhanced machinability reduces its corrosion resistance, making it more prone to rust compared to other stainless steel types.

The material is usually supplied in a soft, easily machinable annealed state and can undergo heat treatment to boost its hardness and strength.

View Data Sheet

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Fatigue Strength Shear Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
75 ksi 43 ksi ksi 33 ksi 49 ksi 11,000 ksi 195 31%

Stainless Steel 440C

STRENGTH, WEAR RESISTANCE

Stainless steel 440 contains the most carbon among the 400 series. Consequently, 440C offers only moderate corrosion resistance. Nevertheless, it boasts outstanding hardness properties, which can be enhanced through heat treatment, along with strong mechanical strength. Common uses include bearing housings and surgical instruments.

View Data Sheet

Ultimate Strength Yield Strength Fatigue Strength Shear Strength Shear Modulus Hardness (Brinell) Elongation at Break
100 ksi 65 ksi 38 ksi 63 ksi 11,000 ksi 230 14%