Stainless steel is everywhere in life. Due to its excellent performance, it is undoubtedly one of the most important materials in industrial production. For cutting practitioners, understanding relevant cutting methods can significantly increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce costs. Therefore, this article sorts out 38 common stainless steel grades and cutting methods. Readers are welcome to leave comments.
1 ) Austenitic stainless steel
Austenitic stainless steel is a type of stainless steel with a face-centered cubic crystal structure. It has excellent corrosion resistance, toughness and formability. Common grades include 304 and 316.
1.1 201 stainless steel
201 stainless steel is an economical stainless steel with low cost due to its low nickel content. It has good corrosion resistance and formability and is suitable for general-purpose application environments.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in mild and moderate corrosive environments, but not suitable for chloride and strong acid environments.
Strength and toughness: High strength and good toughness, but slightly lower than 304 stainless steel.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold processing and welding, but proper post-treatment is required after welding to maintain its corrosion resistance.
[Typical uses]
Kitchenware and tableware: Widely used in the manufacture of tableware, cooking utensils and kitchen equipment.
Household appliances: Used to manufacture the shell and liner of dishwashers, refrigerators and other household appliances.
Building decoration: Used for building decoration materials such as door and window frames, guardrails and decorative panels.
Automotive industry: Used to manufacture automotive exhaust systems and decorative parts.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools for turning. It is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, carbide tools are better, and coolant is also needed to control the temperature.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque during drilling, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: It is recommended to use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps when tapping, and use cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.2 202 stainess steel
202 stainless steel is an economical stainless steel, similar to 201, but with a higher manganese content, which shows better strength and corrosion resistance in some applications.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in mild and moderately corrosive environments, but not as good as 304 in high chloride and strong acid environments.
Strength and toughness: Due to the higher manganese content, 202 has higher strength and toughness than 201.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding, but proper heat treatment is required after welding to maintain corrosion resistance.
[Typical uses]
Kitchenware and tableware: Used to make mid-range tableware and cooking utensils.
Architectural decoration: Used for architectural decoration materials such as guardrails and decorative panels.
Household appliances: Used to make housings and inner tanks of household appliances.
Automotive industry: Used to make automotive exhaust systems and decorative parts.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque during drilling, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps and use cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.3 301 stainless steel
301 stainless steel has high strength and good formability, suitable for applications requiring high strength and excellent formability.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in mild and moderate corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: High strength and good toughness after cold working.
Formability: Excellent cold working performance, suitable for deep drawing and bending.
[Typical uses]
Transportation equipment: Used to manufacture structural parts for trains, cars and aircraft.
Architectural decoration: Used for architectural decoration materials such as exterior walls and roof panels.
Industrial equipment: Used to manufacture high-strength and corrosion-resistant industrial equipment.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.4 302 stainless steel
302 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and toughness, suitable for applications requiring high corrosion resistance and toughness.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Excellent corrosion resistance in various environments.
Strength and toughness: Good strength and toughness.
Formability: Excellent formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Food processing: Used to manufacture food processing equipment and containers.
Medical equipment: Used to manufacture surgical tools and medical equipment.
Chemical equipment: Used to manufacture chemical equipment and pipelines.
[Cutting methods]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cooling.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.5 303 stainless steel
303 stainless steel is relatively easy to machine. Due to its high sulfur content, it has excellent machinability and is suitable for applications that require high cutting performance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in mild and moderately corrosive environments, but poor performance in high chloride environments.
Strength and toughness: Good strength and toughness.
Formability: Excellent cutting performance, but poor formability and welding performance.
[Typical uses]
Precision parts: Used to manufacture precision parts such as bolts, nuts and gears.
Electronic components: Used to manufacture connectors and terminals for electronic equipment.
Industrial equipment: Used for industrial equipment parts that require high machining performance.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps and cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.6 304 stainless steel
304 stainless steel is the most common austenitic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and formability, suitable for a variety of application environments.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Excellent corrosion resistance in most corrosive environments, especially in atmospheric and mild chemical environments.
Strength and toughness: Good strength and toughness.
Formability: Excellent formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Tableware and kitchenware: Used to make tableware, cookware and kitchen equipment.
Architectural decoration: Used for architectural decoration materials such as exterior walls and roof panels.
Industrial equipment: Used to manufacture food processing, chemical and pharmaceutical equipment.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.7 304L stainess steel
304L stainless steel is a low-carbon version of 304 stainless steel, suitable for applications that require welding, and can maintain its excellent corrosion resistance after welding.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: No carbide precipitation will be produced after welding, so it has better resistance to intergranular corrosion.
Strength and toughness: It has similar strength and toughness to 304.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Chemical equipment: used to manufacture chemical equipment and pipelines.
Building materials: used for building decoration materials and structural parts.
Medical devices: used to manufacture medical devices and surgical tools.
[Cutting methods]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve the surface quality and tool life of the machined surface.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.8 305 stainless steel
305 stainless steel has the characteristics of low hardening rate, so it has excellent performance during cold working.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in most environments.
Strength and toughness: Good strength and toughness.
Formability: Low hardening rate, suitable for cold working applications requiring large deformation.
[Typical uses]
Electronic components: Used to manufacture connectors and terminals for electronic devices.
Consumer products: Used to manufacture tableware, cookware and household appliances.
Architectural decoration: Used for architectural decoration materials.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.9 309 stainless steel
309 stainless steel is suitable for high temperature environment and has excellent oxidation resistance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance at high temperature.
High temperature performance: Maintain high strength and stability in high temperature environment.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold processing and welding.
[Typical uses]
Industrial furnace: Used to manufacture components and linings of industrial furnaces.
Heat exchanger: Used for high temperature heat exchangers and heating elements.
Combustion equipment: Used to manufacture components of combustion equipment.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.10 310 stainless steel
310 stainless steel is suitable for high temperature environment, with excellent oxidation resistance and high strength.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Excellent oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance at high temperature.
High temperature performance: Maintain high strength and stability in high temperature environment.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold processing and welding.
[Typical Uses]
Industrial Furnace: Used to manufacture components and linings of industrial furnaces.
Heat Exchanger: Used for high temperature heat exchangers and heating elements.
Combustion Equipment: Used to manufacture components of combustion equipment.
[Cutting Method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.11 316 stainless steel
316 stainless steel is a molybdenum-containing stainless steel with higher corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Excellent corrosion resistance in chloride and marine environments.
Strength and toughness: Good strength and toughness.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Marine equipment: Used in the manufacture of ships and marine equipment.
Chemical equipment: Used in chemical and pharmaceutical equipment.
Food processing: Used in food processing and storage equipment.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve the surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.12 316L stainless steel
316L stainless steel is a low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel, suitable for applications that require high corrosion resistance after welding.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: No carbide precipitation will be produced after welding, so it has better resistance to intergranular corrosion.
Strength and toughness: It has similar strength and toughness to 316.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Chemical equipment: Used to manufacture chemical equipment and pipelines.
Medical devices: Used to manufacture medical devices and surgical tools.
Building materials: Used for building decoration materials and structural parts.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.13 317 stainless steel
317 stainless steel is a high-molybdenum stainless steel with improved corrosion resistance, especially in strong acid and chloride environments.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: It has extremely high corrosion resistance in strong acid and chloride environments.
Strength and toughness: It has good strength and toughness.
Formability: It has good formability and is suitable for cold processing and welding.
[Typical uses]
Chemical equipment: It is used to manufacture chemical equipment and pipelines.
Pharmaceutical equipment: It is used for pharmaceutical equipment and storage containers.
Marine engineering: It is used for marine engineering and equipment.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: It is suitable for high-speed milling, using carbide tools and cooling.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.14 321 stainless steel
321 stainless steel is a titanium-stabilized stainless steel that prevents carbide precipitation and is suitable for high temperature environments.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in high temperature environments, especially intergranular corrosion resistance.
High temperature performance: Good strength and stability in high temperature environments.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Aerospace: Used to manufacture aerospace parts.
Exhaust system: Used for high temperature exhaust systems and engine components.
Chemical equipment: Used for chemical equipment and high temperature pipelines.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.15 347 stainless steel
347 stainless steel is a niobium-stabilized stainless steel that prevents carbide precipitation and is suitable for high temperature environments.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in high temperature environments, especially intergranular corrosion resistance.
High temperature performance: Good strength and stability in high temperature environments.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Chemical equipment: Used to manufacture chemical equipment and high temperature pipelines.
Exhaust system: Used for high temperature exhaust system and engine components.
Aerospace: Used to manufacture aerospace parts.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.16 347H stainless steel
347H stainless steel is a niobium-stabilized stainless steel suitable for high temperature environments and has good resistance to carbide precipitation.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in high temperature environments, especially intergranular corrosion resistance.
High temperature performance: Good strength and stability in high temperature environments.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Chemical equipment: Used to manufacture chemical equipment and high temperature pipelines.
Exhaust system: Used for high temperature exhaust system and engine components.
Aerospace: Used to manufacture aerospace parts.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
1.17 904L stainless steel
904L is a high alloy austenitic stainless steel with extremely high corrosion resistance, especially suitable for highly corrosive environments.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: It has extremely high corrosion resistance in strong acid, strong alkali and high chloride environments.
Strength and toughness: It has good strength and toughness.
Formability: Good forming performance, suitable for cold processing and welding.
[Typical uses]
Chemical equipment: Used to manufacture chemical equipment and pipelines.
Oil and gas: Used to manufacture oil and gas equipment.
Pharmaceutical equipment: Used for pharmaceutical equipment and storage containers.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
2. Ferritic stainless steel
Ferritic stainless steel is a type of stainless steel with a body-centered cubic crystal structure. It has good corrosion resistance and formability, but low strength. Common grades are 430 and 409.
2.1 409 stainless steel
409 stainless steel is a low-cost stainless steel, mainly used in automobile exhaust systems, with good heat resistance and oxidation resistance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: moderate corrosion resistance in high temperature environment, but not suitable for strong corrosive environment.
Heat resistance: good oxidation resistance and thermal stability at high temperature.
Formability: good formability, suitable for cold processing and welding.
[Typical Uses]
Automobile Exhaust System: widely used in the manufacture of automobile exhaust system components.
Industrial Equipment: used to manufacture industrial equipment working in medium and high temperature environments.
Architectural Decoration: used for architectural decoration materials that require high temperature stability.
[Cutting Method]
Turning: use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
2.2 430 stainless steel
430 stainless steel is the most common stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and formability.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in most mild and moderate corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: Good strength and toughness.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Household appliances: Used to manufacture parts for dishwashers, refrigerators and other household appliances.
Architectural decoration: Used for architectural decoration materials such as exterior walls and interior panels.
Kitchenware and tableware: Used to manufacture tableware, cooking utensils and kitchen equipment.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
2.3 434 stainless steel
434 stainless steel is a stainless steel containing molybdenum, which improves corrosion resistance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: It has high corrosion resistance in chloride environment.
Strength and toughness: It has good strength and toughness.
Formability: It has good formability and is suitable for cold processing and welding.
[Typical Uses]
Automobile exhaust system: It is used to manufacture exhaust system components with high corrosion resistance.
Architectural decoration: It is used for architectural decoration materials that require high corrosion resistance.
Industrial equipment: It is used to manufacture industrial equipment working in medium and high temperature environments.
[Cutting Method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve the surface quality and tool life of the machined surface.
Milling: It is suitable for high-speed milling, using carbide tools and cooling.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, and use cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
2.4 439 stainless steel
439 stainless steel is an improved version of 430 stainless steel with better corrosion resistance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Better corrosion resistance in high chloride environments.
Strength and toughness: Good strength and toughness.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Automotive exhaust system: Used to manufacture exhaust system components with high corrosion resistance.
Household appliances: Used to manufacture components for dishwashers, refrigerators and other household appliances.
Architectural decoration: Used for architectural decoration materials that require higher corrosion resistance.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality
2.5 446 stainless steel
446 stainless steel is a high chromium content stainless steel suitable for high temperature environments.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Excellent corrosion resistance in high temperature and highly corrosive environments.
High temperature performance: Good oxidation resistance and thermal stability in high temperature environments.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Industrial furnaces: Used to manufacture components and linings for industrial furnaces.
Heat exchangers: Used for high temperature heat exchangers and heating elements.
Combustion equipment: Used to manufacture components for combustion equipment.
[Cutting methods]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and use coolant to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
3. Martensitic stainless steel
Martensitic stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that can be heat treated to increase hardness and strength. It has good corrosion resistance and high strength. Common grades include 410 and 420.
3.1 410 stainless steel
410 stainless steel is the most common stainless steel with good strength and toughness.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Appropriate corrosion resistance in mild and moderate corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: Good strength and toughness.
Formability: Suitable for cold and hot processing, general weldability.
[Typical Uses]
Tools: Used to make table knives and scissors.
Industrial equipment: Used to make valve and pump parts.
Building materials: Used for building structural parts and fasteners.
[Cutting Method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
3.2 410S stainless steel
410S stainless steel is an improved version of 410 stainless steel with better weldability and ductility.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Appropriate corrosion resistance in mild and moderate corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: Good strength and toughness, better toughness after welding.
Formability: Improved welding performance and ductility, suitable for cold and hot processing.
[Typical uses]
Automotive industry: Used to manufacture exhaust systems and muffler components.
Building materials: Used for building structural parts and fasteners.
Industrial equipment: Used to make valve and pump parts.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
3.3 420 stainless steel
420 stainless steel is a high carbon stainless steel with improved hardness and wear resistance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Appropriate corrosion resistance in mild and moderate corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: High carbon content improves hardness and wear resistance, but the toughness is slightly lower.
Formability: Suitable for heat treatment, hardness can be adjusted by quenching and tempering.
[Typical Uses]
Tools: Used to make scalpels and scissors.
Bearings: Used to make bearings with high hardness and wear resistance.
Industrial Equipment: Used to make pump and valve parts.
[Cutting Method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
3.4 431 stainless steel
431 stainless steel has high strength and good corrosion resistance, and is used for shafts and bolts.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in moderately corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: High strength and good toughness, suitable for high-load applications.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold and hot working.
[Typical uses]
Shafts and bolts: Used to manufacture shafts and bolts with high strength and corrosion resistance.
Aerospace industry: Used to manufacture aviation parts.
Industrial equipment: Used to make parts with high load and corrosion resistance.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
3.5 440A stainless steel
440A stainless steel has high hardness and wear resistance and is used for cutting tools and bearings.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Appropriate corrosion resistance in mild and moderate corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: High hardness and good wear resistance.
Formability: Suitable for heat treatment, hardness can be adjusted by quenching and tempering.
[Typical uses]
Cutting tools: Used to make cutting tools with high hardness and wear resistance.
Bearings: Used to make bearings with wear resistance.
Industrial equipment: Used to make parts with high hardness and wear resistance.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide cutting tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide cutting tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
3.6 440B stainless steel
440B stainless steel is similar to 440A, but with a higher carbon content.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Appropriate corrosion resistance in mild and moderately corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: High carbon content increases hardness and wear resistance.
Formability: Suitable for heat treatment, hardness can be adjusted by quenching and tempering.
[Typical Uses]
Tools: Used to make tools with higher hardness and wear resistance.
Bearings: Used to make bearings with high hardness and wear resistance.
Industrial Equipment: Used to make parts with high hardness and wear resistance.
[Cutting Methods]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and coolant is recommended to improve machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
3.7 440C stainless steel
440C stainless steel has a very high carbon content and has very good hardness and wear resistance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: has appropriate corrosion resistance in mild and moderate corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: has the highest carbon content, has the highest hardness and the best wear resistance.
Formability: suitable for heat treatment, and the hardness can be adjusted by quenching and tempering.
[Typical uses]
Tools: used to make tools with the highest hardness and wear resistance.
Bearings: used to make bearings with the highest hardness and wear resistance.
Industrial equipment: used to make parts with high hardness and wear resistance.
[Cutting method]
Turning: use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the surface quality and tool life.
Milling: suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
4. Duplex stainless steel
Duplex stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that has both austenite and ferrite phases. It has high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. Common grades are 2205 and 2507.
4.1 2205 stainless steel
2205 stainless steel is the most common duplex stainless steel with high strength and good corrosion resistance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Excellent corrosion resistance in high chloride and acidic environments.
Strength and toughness: High strength and good toughness, suitable for high load applications.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Chemical equipment: Used to manufacture chemical and petrochemical equipment.
Marine engineering: Used for marine engineering and equipment.
Oil and gas industry: Used to manufacture oil and gas equipment.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
4.2 2304 stainless steel
2304 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and low nickel content.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in moderately corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: High strength and good toughness.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Building structures: Used for building structural materials.
Water treatment equipment: Used to manufacture water treatment equipment and storage tanks.
Chemical equipment: Used to manufacture chemical and petrochemical equipment.
[Cutting methods]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
4.3 2507 stainless steel
2507 stainless steel has extremely high corrosion resistance and excellent strength.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Excellent corrosion resistance in extremely corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: Extremely high strength and good toughness, suitable for the most demanding application environments.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Marine engineering: Used to manufacture equipment and structural parts in marine environments.
Chemical equipment: Used to manufacture chemical and petrochemical equipment.
Oil and gas industry: Used to manufacture oil and gas equipment.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
5. Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel
Precipitation hardening stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that has its strength and hardness increased through precipitation hardening treatment. It has good corrosion resistance and high strength. Common grades include 17-4PH and 15-5PH.
5.1 17-4PH stainless steel
17-4PH stainless steel is the most common stainless steel with high strength and hardness.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in moderately corrosive environments.
Strength toughness: High strength and hardness, which can be further enhanced by heat treatment.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold and hot working.
[Typical uses]
Aerospace: Used to manufacture high-strength and high-hardness aviation parts.
Oil and gas: Used to manufacture high-pressure valves and pump parts.
Medical devices: Used to manufacture surgical tools and medical equipment.
[Cutting methods]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
5.2 15-5PH stainless steel
15-5PH stainless steel has good toughness and corrosion resistance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in various environments.
Strength toughness: High strength and good toughness, which can be further enhanced by heat treatment.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold and hot processing.
[Typical uses]
Aerospace: Used to manufacture high-strength and high-toughness aviation parts.
Oil and gas: Used to manufacture high-pressure valves and pump parts.
Medical devices: Used to manufacture surgical tools and medical equipment.
[Cutting methods]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
5.3 13-8PH stainless steel
13-8PH stainless steel has high strength, high toughness and good corrosion resistance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in various environments.
Strength and toughness: High strength and high toughness, which can be further enhanced by heat treatment.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold and hot processing.
[Typical uses]
Aerospace: Used to manufacture high-strength and high-toughness aviation parts.
Oil and gas: Used to manufacture high-pressure valves and pump parts.
Medical devices: Used to manufacture surgical tools and medical equipment.
[Cutting methods]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
6. Special alloy stainless steel
Special alloy stainless steel is stainless steel that has specific properties enhanced by adding special alloy elements. It has excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance or high temperature performance. Common grades include 254SMO and NITRONIC 50.
6.1 254SMO stainless steel
254SMO stainless steel is a high molybdenum content stainless steel suitable for extremely corrosive environments.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Excellent corrosion resistance in extremely corrosive environments, especially in the marine and chemical industries.
Strength and toughness: High strength and good toughness.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Marine engineering: Used to manufacture equipment and structural parts in marine environments.
Chemical equipment: Used to manufacture chemical and petrochemical equipment.
Oil and gas: Used to manufacture oil and gas equipment.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
6.2 NITRONIC 50 stainless steel
NITRONIC 50 stainless steel has high strength and high corrosion resistance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Excellent corrosion resistance in marine and chemical environments.
Strength and toughness: High strength and good toughness.
Formability: Good formability, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical uses]
Marine engineering: Used to manufacture equipment and structural parts in marine environments.
Chemical equipment: Used to manufacture chemical and petrochemical equipment.
Aerospace: Used to manufacture high-strength and high-corrosion-resistant aviation parts.
[Cutting method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and cool.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
6.3 NITRONIC 60 stainess steel
NITRONIC 60 stainless steel has high wear resistance and seizure resistance.
[Performance]
Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance in moderately corrosive environments.
Strength and toughness: Good strength and toughness.
Formability: Excellent wear resistance and seizure resistance, suitable for cold working and welding.
[Typical Uses]
Industrial Equipment: Used to manufacture wear-resistant and seizure-resistant equipment parts.
Fasteners: Used to manufacture fasteners with high strength and wear resistance.
Transportation Equipment: Used to manufacture transportation equipment parts that require high wear resistance.
[Cutting Method]
Turning: Use high-speed steel or carbide tools, and it is recommended to use coolant to improve the machining surface quality and tool life.
Milling: Suitable for high-speed milling, use carbide tools and coolant.
Drilling: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel or carbide drills, maintain low speed and high torque, and use coolant to prevent overheating.
Tapping: Use cobalt-containing high-speed steel taps, with cutting fluid to reduce friction and improve tapping quality.
In short, only by better understanding the characteristics of various stainless steels can we make more informed decisions when cutting. Of course, as the saying goes, “practice makes perfect”, we must combine theory and practice to maximize the value.
- Zhanhong Cutting Tool Co., Limited
- Need carbide cutting tools, please feel free to contact us.
- Email: info@zanho-carbide.com
