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 |