Stainless steel machining
Stainless steel is an iron alloy primarily enriched with chromium (≥11-12%) to form a passive corrosion-resistant layer. Depending on the alloy (austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, etc.), its properties vary greatly (hardness, temperature resistance, formability). At MicroMécanique, stainless steel is a technical material that we use for parts requiring corrosion resistance, high mechanical strength and precision finishes.
Examples of products and possible applications
MicroMécanique has the capability to use stainless steel to make the following parts and applications:
- Parts in contact with corrosive environments: flanges, rings, seals, pump components and piping.
- Food industry or pharmaceutical industry components requiring cleaning and sterilisation, and subject to specific health standards.
- Medical device parts, surgical instruments, external implants or instruments.
- Structural or fastening parts in the chemical, oil and marine industries (screws, brackets, flanges).
- Tooling, dies and inserts subjected to mechanical stress and corrosion.
- Bearings, axles, guide systems in special machines where durability, finish and resistance to the environment are key.
- Prototypes and small series for watchmaking or luxury goods when decorative stainless steel or a visible stainless steel finish is desired.
Property | Description/Typical values |
Corrosion resistance | Excellent in many environments: atmospheric, fresh water, acid/alkaline media depending on the grade. The addition of molybdenum, nickel and nitride improves pitting or crevice corrosion.
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Density | Around 8.00 g/cm³ for grades like 304. |
Melting point/heat resistance | Stainless steel melts at around 1,400-1,530°C depending on the alloy. It has good mechanical strength at moderate temperatures (used hot, but with limitations). |
Modulus of elasticity | ~ 193 GPa for 304; quite high, good rigidity. |
Elongation/ductility | Austenitic grades (304, 316, etc.) have very good ductility (e.g. ~45% elongation for 304). |
Hardness/mechanical strength | Varies greatly depending on the grade and state: some martensitic or duplex grades can achieve significant hardness but are often more difficult to machine. For example, 440C (a martensitic stainless steel) reaches ~58-60 HRC with certain treatments. |
Thermal conductivity and thermal expansion | Low to moderate thermal conductivity; fairly significant thermal expansion for austenitic grades. This can pose a problem for dimensional stability at high temperatures. |
Machining technologies that MicroMécanique uses or can use
Machining stainless steel has its challenges: it hardens when cut, has low thermal conductivity and a tendency to adhere to the tool. MicroMécanique applies the following techniques:
- CNC turning/milling: with heavily coated tools, suitable inserts, optimal sharpening, moderate cutting speeds, appropriate feed rates and effective lubrication.
- Grinding/polishing: for high-quality surface finishes, aesthetic or functional finishes, and tight tolerances.
- Stainless steel microdrilling and drilling: require wear-resistant tools, good cooling and chip control to avoid clogging or localised overheating.
- 5-axis milling and high-speed machining for complex workpieces, curved surfaces and difficult geometries.
- Heat treatments for martensitic or duplex grades: quenching, tempering or annealing to adjust hardness/toughness.
- Cutting and rough preparation: laser cutting, waterjet cutting, etc., for blanks before finishing.
- Surface treatments: polishing, brushing, passivation, possibly non-stick treatments and decorative treatments.
- Meticulous quality control: geometric tolerances, surface finish, absence of cracks and traceability.
Would you like to work with stainless steel?
Discover its applications
Sectors in which stainless steel is particularly useful, and where MicroMécanique can add significant value:
- Agrifood and pharmaceutical industries: easy-to-clean equipment, compliant with health standards.
- Medical equipment: instruments, external implants and sterile equipment.
- Nuclear power and energy: corrosion-resistant components, structural parts subjected to humid or corrosive environments.
- Chemicals and petrochemicals: piping, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, parts exposed to chemicals.
- Marine and offshore industries: parts resistant to salt water and aggressive environments.
- Automotive industry: exhausts, components exposed to corrosion, bodywork elements or secondary structures.
- Special machines, tooling: guide systems, axles, components requiring durability and resistance under severe operating conditions.
Luxury goods and watchmaking: visible parts, aesthetic finishes, decorative features, cases/bracelets, neat screw fastenings.