Edelstahl is a go-to material for industries like aerospace, medizinisch, und Marine, thanks to its corrosion resistance and strength. Aber stainless steel CNC machining comes with challenges—from material selection headaches to deformation risks and tool wear. This guide solves these pain points by breaking down every step of the process, from preliminary preparation to post-processing, with actionable tips and proven parameters.
1. Vorläufige Vorbereitung: Legen Sie die Grundlage für den Erfolg
Skipping proper prep leads to 70% of machining errors, like wrong material choices or tool mismatches. Follow this structured approach to avoid costly mistakes.
1.1 Materialauswahl: Match Grade to Application
Not all stainless steel grades work for every project. The table below simplifies selection based on key needs:
| Edelstahlqualität | Schlüsseleigenschaften | Ideale Anwendungen | Processing Tips |
| 304 | Gute Korrosionsbeständigkeit, Einfach zu maschine | General parts (Z.B., food industry equipment, Dekorative Komponenten) | Use standard cutting tools; low risk of work hardening |
| 316 | Überlegene Korrosionsbeständigkeit (vs. 304), withstands saltwater | Meeresteile (Z.B., Propellerwellen), Medizinprodukte, Chemische Ausrüstung | Vermeiden Sie hohe Schnittgeschwindigkeiten (prone to heat buildup); use coolant |
| 201 | Niedrige Kosten, hohe Stärke, schlechte Korrosionsbeständigkeit | Nicht kritische Teile (Z.B., Möbelhardware, low-demand structural components) | Watch for work hardening; use sharp tools |
Beispiel: If you’re making a medical instrument that contacts bodily fluids, 316 is a must—304 would corrode over time, failing safety standards.
1.2 Zeichnungsanalyse: Clarify Requirements to Avoid Rework
Carefully study part drawings to answer these critical questions:
- Was ist das? Dimensionsgenauigkeit (Z.B., ±0.01mm for aerospace parts vs. ±0.1mm for brackets)?
- Was ist das? Oberflächenrauheit Erfordernis (Ra ≤ 1.6μm for visible parts vs. Ra ≤ 6.3μm for internal components)?
- Are there complex features (Z.B., tiefe Löcher, dünne Wände) that need special tooling?
Fallstudie: A manufacturer once skipped analyzing a drawing for a 316 Edelstahlsensorgehäuse. They missed a hidden 2mm deep hole, führt zu 50 scrapped parts—costing $2,000 in material and time.
1.3 Werkzeugvorbereitung: Choose the Right Tool for the Job
Tool choice directly impacts speed, Qualität, und Kosten. Use this guide to select tools:
| Machining Goal | Werkzeugmaterial | Tool Parameters | Beispiel |
| Grobe Bearbeitung (überschüssiges Material entfernen) | Carbid (Tragenresistent) | Durchmesser: 10–20 mm; Anzahl der Zähne: 4–6 | Milling a 304 stainless steel block from 50mm to 30mm thickness |
| Bearbeitung abschließen (precision surfaces) | Keramik (hohe Präzision, scharfe Kanten) | Durchmesser: 5–10 mm; Anzahl der Zähne: 2–4 | Erstellen einer glatten Oberfläche auf einem 316 medical component (Ra ≤ 1,6 μm) |
| Drilling Deep Holes | Carbide twist drill (with coolant holes) | Verhältnis von Länge zu Durchmesser: ≤5:1 | Drilling a 5mm hole 20mm deep in 304 Edelstahl |
2. Kernbearbeitungsprozess: Master Parameters & Techniken
The CNC machining stage is where quality and efficiency collide. Focus on these key areas to get it right.
2.1 Einstellung der Schnittparameter: Balance-Geschwindigkeit, Füttern, und Tiefe
Poor parameter settings cause 60% of tool failures. Use these industry-proven ranges:
| Cutting Parameter | Grobe Bearbeitung | Bearbeitung abschließen | Key Rule |
| Schnittgeschwindigkeit | 50–80 m/min (Carbid -Werkzeuge) | 80–120 m/min (Carbid -Werkzeuge) | Lower speed for 316 (avoids heat) |
| Futterrate | 0.2–0.5 mm/r | 0.1–0.2 mm/r | Faster feed = rougher surface |
| Schnitttiefe | 2–5 mm | 0.1–0,5 mm | Deeper cuts = faster roughing, but risk of tool deflection |
Für die Spitze: Für 316 Edelstahl, reduce cutting speed by 10–15% vs. 304—its higher nickel content traps heat, dulling tools quickly.
2.2 Kühlung und Schmierung: Beat Heat to Protect Tools & Teile
Stainless steel has poor thermal conductivity—without cooling, temperatures can hit 600°C+, ruining tools and warping parts.
| Kühlmethode | Am besten für | Vorteile | Beispiel |
| Water-Soluble Cutting Fluid | Produktion mit hoher Volumen (Z.B., Bearbeitung 100+ 304 Klammern) | Niedrige Kosten; effective heat dissipation | Reduces tool wear by 40% vs. no cooling |
| Oil-Based Cutting Fluid | Präzisionsbearbeitung (Z.B., 316 medizinische Teile) | Improves surface finish; Verhindert Korrosion | Ideal for parts that need long-term storage |
| Spray Cooling | Kleine Teile (Z.B., 5mm 201 Edelstahlstifte) | Avoids fluid waste; no risk of part flooding | Good for high-speed drilling |
2.3 Spannmethode: Verformung verhindern & Ensure Accuracy
Incorrect clamping causes 30% of dimensional errors. Choose the right method:
| Part Shape | Clamping Tool | Tips to Avoid Deformation |
| Einfach (Z.B., flache Teller, Zylinder) | Dreibackenfutter, Flachzange | Use soft jaws (rubber or plastic) for delicate surfaces; apply even pressure |
| Komplex (Z.B., irregular housings) | Benutzerdefinierte Vorrichtung, combination fixture | Design fixtures with multiple support points; leave 0.1mm clearance for thermal expansion |
Beispiel: Clamping a thin 304 stainless steel plate (2mm dick) with flat pliers without soft jaws will leave indentations—ruining the part’s surface.
3. Qualitätskontrolle: Catch Issues Before They Escalate
Even the best processes need checks to ensure consistency. Focus on these three critical areas:
3.1 Dimensional Accuracy Control
- Tools to Use: Vernier calipers (±0.02mm accuracy), Mikrometer (± 0,001 mm), und CMMs (Koordinatenmessmaschinen, ± 0,0005 mm) für komplexe Teile.
- Frequenz: Measure every 10 parts for high-volume runs; measure every part for low-volume, high-precision jobs.
- Fix for Errors: If dimensions drift (Z.B., a 10mm hole becomes 10.02mm), adjust tool wear compensation in the CNC program.
3.2 Surface Quality Control
- Häufige Mängel: Kratzer (from dirty tools), Rauheit (from fast feed rates), and discoloration (from overheating).
- Lösungen:
- Clean tools before use to remove chips.
- Reduce feed rate by 10% for rough surfaces.
- Increase coolant flow for discolored parts.
3.3 Deformation Control
Stainless steel’s high thermal expansion coefficient (17.3 × 10⁻⁶/° C.) causes deformation. Use these fixes:
- Symmetrical Machining: Cut both sides of the part evenly (Z.B., mill 1mm from the top, then 1mm from the bottom) to balance stress.
- Post-Cooling Finish: Leave 0.5mm machining margin; let the part cool to room temperature, then finish cutting.
- Wärmebehandlung: Use annealing (heating to 800–900°C, Dann langsam abkühlen) to eliminate internal stress for critical parts.
4. Nachbearbeitung: Final Steps to Ready-to-Use Parts
Don’t overlook post-processing—these steps ensure parts meet final requirements.
4.1 Enttäuschung: Remove Sharp Edges
- Methoden:
- Handbuch: Use sandpaper or a deburring tool for small batches.
- Mechanisch: Use a tumbler (with plastic pellets) für 50+ Teile.
- Chemikalie: Use acid-based solutions for complex parts (Z.B., 316 medical components with hard-to-reach edges).
4.2 Reinigung: Remove Contaminants
- Schritte:
- Wipe parts with a solvent (Z.B., Isopropylalkohol) Öl entfernen.
- Use an ultrasonic cleaner (30–60 Sekunden) to remove tiny chips.
- Dry parts with compressed air to prevent water spots.
4.3 Inspektion & Verpackung
- Inspection Checklist:
✅ Dimensional accuracy (match drawing specs)
✅ Surface quality (Keine Kratzer, Verfärbung)
✅ No burrs or sharp edges
- Verpackung: Use anti-rust paper for stainless steel parts; seal in plastic bags for long-term storage.
5. Perspektive der Yigu -Technologie
Bei Yigu Technology, we see stainless steel CNC machining as a mix of precision and problem-solving. Many clients struggle with material waste and tool wear—our advice is to start with 304 für nicht kritische Teile (niedrigere Kosten, einfacher zu maschine) and invest in carbide tools + proper cooling for 316. We’re developing AI tools to auto-adjust cutting parameters based on grade and part specs, Fehlerquoten durch 35%. As industries demand more corrosion-resistant, Hochvorbereitete Teile, mastering stainless steel CNC machining will be key—and we’re here to simplify that journey for every client.
6. FAQ: Antworten auf häufig gestellte Fragen
Q1: Warum ist es 316 stainless steel harder to machine than 304?
A1: 316 has more nickel and molybdenum, which increase its strength and heat resistance—but also make it prone to work hardening (material gets harder as you cut it) and heat buildup. This dulls tools faster and requires slower cutting speeds.
Q2: Can I reuse stainless steel chips from machining?
A2: Yes—stainless steel chips are recyclable. Collect clean chips (no coolant or other contaminants) and sell them to metal recyclers. This reduces waste and offsets 10–15% of material costs.
Q3: How do I fix work hardening during stainless steel CNC machining?
A3: Härtung arbeiten (common in 316 Und 201) happens when cutting speeds are too slow or tools are dull. Korrekturen: 1. Increase cutting speed by 10–15%. 2. Replace dull tools immediately. 3. Use a higher feed rate to reduce tool contact time with the material.