1, Basic requirements for CNC machining of steel
When selecting the most suitable steel for CNC machining, the following key factors need to be considered comprehensively:
Rigidity: The rigidity of steel determines its stability and wear resistance during processing, and is the first factor to consider in CNC machining.
Machinability: This includes the hardness, plasticity, toughness, thermal conductivity, etc. of steel, which directly affects processing efficiency and finished product quality.
Stability: In CNC machining, the stability of steel is crucial as it determines whether the finished product will deform due to environmental changes during subsequent use.
Cost effectiveness: Choosing cost-effective steel can reduce production costs while ensuring processing quality and efficiency.
2, The most suitable type of steel for CNC machining
Among various types of steel, the following are most suitable for CNC machining due to their unique properties and processing advantages:
45 steel
45 # steel is a high-quality carbon structural steel with high strength and good machinability. Its quenching and tempering hardness range is generally between 200-600HV, with good rigidity, and it is one of the commonly used materials in CNC machining. 45 # steel is widely used in fields such as mechanical manufacturing and automobile manufacturing, and is particularly suitable for manufacturing parts that can withstand moderate loads.
Alloy steel
Alloy steel is a type of steel that improves the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of carbon steel by adding appropriate amounts of alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, etc. The rigidity of alloy steel is generally 300HV, with high strength and wear resistance, while maintaining good processing performance. In CNC machining, alloy steel is commonly used to manufacture high-precision, high load parts such as gears, shafts, etc.
stainless steel
Stainless steel has also been widely used in CNC machining due to its excellent corrosion resistance and good processing performance. Especially 304 and 316 stainless steels, they not only have excellent corrosion resistance, but also have good cutting performance and are not prone to cracking and burrs. Stainless steel is highly favored in fields such as food processing and medical equipment due to its non-toxic and harmless properties.
aluminium alloy
Although aluminum alloy does not belong to the category of steel, it also plays an important role in CNC machining due to its lightweight, good thermal conductivity, and ease of processing. Especially the AL 6061 and AL 7075 models of aluminum alloys, which exhibit excellent strength and processing performance, are widely used in fields such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing.
3, The most suitable application scenario for CNC machining of steel
Mechanical manufacturing
In the field of mechanical manufacturing, 45 steel and alloy steel are commonly used to manufacture various mechanical parts such as gears, shafts, bolts, etc. due to their high strength and good processing performance. These parts need to withstand significant loads and friction, therefore requiring materials with excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance.
Automobile manufacturing
In the field of automobile manufacturing, aluminum alloy is widely used in the manufacturing of components such as car bodies and engines due to its lightweight, good thermal conductivity, and ease of processing. At the same time, some parts such as steering knuckles and connecting rods are also made of high-strength steel such as alloy steel to ensure the safety and reliability of the car.
food processing
In the field of food processing, stainless steel is highly favored due to its non-toxic, harmless, and corrosion-resistant properties. Especially 304 and 316 stainless steel, which not only meet food grade requirements, but also have good cutting performance, are easy to clean and maintain, so they are widely used in food processing equipment, tableware and other fields.
medical apparatus and instruments
In the field of medical devices, stainless steel is widely used in the manufacturing of surgical instruments, medical equipment and other components due to its excellent corrosion resistance and good processing performance. These components need to withstand significant loads and friction, while requiring materials to have non-toxic and harmless properties to ensure patient safety and comfort.
