Steel as a material is the most important in the manufacturing sector. The steel parts get used in every aspect of our lives as construction projects, automobiles, the medical industry and more. Steel as a material is ideal because of its properties like high density, corrosion resistance and non-brittle. These properties make steel an apt choice for manufacturing custom CNC machined parts. In this guide, we will take a complete look at steel as a material. It includes different grades, applications, and how to choose steel for custom CNC machining.
- Different grades of steel
- Industrial applications of steel
- Factors to look at when selecting steel grade for CNC machining
- Tips to machine steel custom parts
- MDA offers custom steel parts
Different Grades of Steel
Most alloys have different grades, which is a common characteristic. Because alloys get made up of multiple components, changing the composition of individual constituents can change the properties of the alloy.
Let’s take a look at the grades in more detail.
- Carbon steels
Aside from carbon and iron, carbon steels contain only trace amounts of other elements. It is the most common of four steel grades, accounting for 90% of total steel production.
Low Carbon Steels/Mild Steels (up to 0.3 percent carbon), Medium Carbon Steels (0.3–0.6 percent carbon), and High Carbon Steels (0.3–0.6 percent carbon) are the three main subgroups of carbon steels.
Because these steels are inexpensive and durable enough for large-scale construction, companies frequently manufacture them in large quantities.
- Alloy steels
Alloy steels get made by combining nickel, copper, chromium, and aluminum with other alloying elements. The steel’s strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and machinability get improved by incorporating these elements.
- Stainless steels
Stainless steel gets alloyed with 10-20 percent chromium. And with nickel, silicon, manganese, and carbon. Because of their increased ability to withstand rough weather, these steels have remarkable corrosion resistance and are safe to use in outdoor construction. Electrical equipment also makes extensive use of them. For example, 304 stainless steel is in high demand because of its ability to withstand the elements while keeping electrical components safe.
- Tool steels
As you might expect from the name, tool steels excel in cutting and drilling equipment. Tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt, and vanadium are the secret to increased heat resistance and overall durability. They’re also the preferred material for most hand tools because they keep their shape even after usage.
Industrial Applications Of Steel
Steel has a wide range of applications and uses in industries around the world. Some of the industries where steel gets used include:
- Automobile industry
Steel is one of the most important metals used in the production of automobiles. Many modern Automobiles gets made of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS), which has a yield strength of more than 80 ksi. Steel is ideal in the aerospace and marine industries, as well as in cars and automobiles.
- Packaging industry
Steel is fully recyclable, making it environmentally friendly. It is one of the main reasons for its use in the packaging industry. It can withstand corrosion and protect goods and products from environmental elements. Low-carbon steel is the most commonly implicated as a packaging material, owing to its ease of machining.
- Energy industry
The energy sector keeps on changing, but whether it’s oil or solar, steel will always play a role in the infrastructure. Steel gets required in the construction of hydro, wind, electric, natural gas, and just about any other energy source and it is ideal for the generators and motors of these large machines.
- Industrial industry
Steel is the preferred metal in a variety of industries all over the world. It is due to its characteristics, which are generally desirable when working with metals in industries. CNC stainless steel is the most common type of steel used for machining.
| Read More: Custom Machined Parts Bring Tangible Benefits To Businesses |
Factors To Look at When Selecting Steel Grade For CNC Machining
Steel comes in various grades and types, each with its own set of properties and characteristics. It can be a reason for manufacturers to decide which is ideal for manufacturing needs. Here are some pointers that will help to make a choice.
- Tensile strength
The tensile strength of a steel grade should get considered when selecting one. When a material gets subjected to tension, it simply refers to the quality of resistance it exhibits. It shouldn’t be possible to determine whether the steel grade is suitable for the job in a short time before it sustains some form of damage. The tensile strength is measured using an extensometer, which measures how much peak force the sample can withstand before breaking.
- Machinability properties
The machinability of various steel grades gets determined by how easily they get modified. When machining steel products, steel manufacturing plants typically use a variety of processes. These can be simple techniques like cutting or more complex techniques like drilling and shearing. The time it takes a particular tool to make cuts or incisions on a steel sample is the most common way to measure this property.
- Operating environment
Before selecting the appropriate grade, it is critical to consider the steel product’s operating environment. High temperatures, pH levels, and frequency of impact are just a few factors. Furnaces, for example, may affect the utility and functionality of the steel material around them over time.
- Corrosion resistance
Corrosion resistance is an ideal quality needed for all steel parts for various industrial applications. Moreover, different grades have variations in their level of resistance. High-corrosion resistance is necessary for parts used in the marine industry (saltwater). CNC stainless steel is the most resistant among the metal grades.
MDA Offers Custom Steel Parts
Steel is the most commonly used metal alloy in today’s industries. It possesses several desirable characteristics and properties that justify its widespread use. At MDA, for your various machining and sheet metal fabrication needs, we offer a variety of steel types. Our team of professionals is also available to help you with steel CNC machining and materials such as CNC stainless steel. Our team has you covered. Feel free to contact us with your questions.